How Much ICE to STOP a .50 CAL? (edited for TOS)

Published on September 22, 2017
Duration: 11:30

This video from The VSO Gun Channel tests the penetration capabilities of a .50 BMG round through a large block of ice. The experiment uses Freedom Munitions Armor Piercing Incendiary Tracer rounds fired from an Armalite AR-50A1. The test highlights the significant energy transfer and fragmentation of the projectile upon impact, even through a substantial ice barrier. It also touches on recoil management for .50 BMG rifles and the importance of robust optics.

Quick Summary

Approximately five feet of ice was required to stop a .50 BMG Armor Piercing Incendiary Tracer round fired from an Armalite AR-50A1. The projectile was recovered after penetrating the ice blocks, which fragmented significantly upon impact.

Chapters

  1. 00:27Introduction: 50 Cal Friday & Ice Test Setup
  2. 01:11Ammunition: Freedom Munitions API-TR Rounds
  3. 01:32Rifle Setup: Armalite AR-50A1 & Nikon Optics
  4. 02:04First Shot: .50 Cal into Ice Block
  5. 02:30Initial Results & Discussion
  6. 03:11Recoil and Optic Durability for .50 BMG
  7. 03:56Hearing Protection Importance for Heavy Recoil
  8. 04:35Ice Fragmentation & Snow Cone Analogy
  9. 05:21Searching for the Bullet
  10. 05:57Bullet Deflection and Berm Impact
  11. 06:34Round Two: Resetting the Ice Challenge
  12. 06:53Second Shot: Incendiary Effect Noted
  13. 07:44Post-Shot Analysis & Debris Recovery
  14. 08:00Bullet Disintegration and Jacket Fragments
  15. 09:44Morning After: Recovering the Armor Penetrator
  16. 10:23Conclusion: Ice Stops Bullet with 5 Blocks

Frequently Asked Questions

How much ice does it take to stop a .50 BMG round?

In this test, approximately five feet of ice, arranged in blocks, was sufficient to stop a .50 BMG Armor Piercing Incendiary Tracer round fired from an Armalite AR-50A1. The bullet was recovered after penetrating the five blocks.

What type of .50 BMG ammunition was used in the ice test?

The VSO Gun Channel used Freedom Munitions Armor Piercing Incendiary Tracer rounds for their .50 BMG ice penetration test. These rounds are designed for significant penetration and have an incendiary component.

What rifle was used to shoot through the ice block?

The rifle used for the ice penetration test was an Armalite AR-50A1 chambered in .50 BMG. It was equipped with Nikon optics for aiming.

What are the recoil considerations for a .50 BMG rifle?

While the .50 BMG cartridge has significant impulse, rifles like the Armalite AR-50A1, due to their weight and muzzle brakes, manage recoil effectively. However, this still necessitates durable optics that can withstand heavy shock and double recoil.

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