The .50 BMG, .308, And The .223

[billt]

Just a few size comparison photos I threw together. 50 rounds of .50 BMG, .308, and .223. It really shows the difference. All are effective in their own environments, but just something about the .50 BMG cartridge that stands out. The case they are in is a MTM 100 round 12 Gauge Shotshell box. It comes with 2, 50 round trays. I removed the top one and use it for a loading block, and with the other one at the bottom, it makes a great 50 round transporter for the .50 BMG round.  Bill T.

[shooter32]

Thanks for the comparison Bill. Amazing the size differance when you don't get a chance to see the three all together.

[twyacht]

Range video/report with the .50 comes out when?

At the price of BMG rounds it doesn't even have to be more than two or three.

That trophy dump truck is coming for you, and will look great over the mantle...

[billt]

Range video/report with the .50 comes out when?

Hopefully in a few weeks. We've been crazy busy at work lately. But in a few weeks it will be getting nice and cool, and hopefully I can get out on one of the cool, crisp upcoming mornings and light her up!  Bill T.

[Badgersmilk]

Those .50 cases annealed?  How come? 

[Sponsor]

[fightingquaker13]

There's something about the .50 that stands out? No S proffesor, its freaking huge. The thing is, comparing it to .556 is an extreme example of that age old question of a few heavy and accurate rounds at long range, or lots of little ones at closer distances. Two rounds, two jobs. If I were forced to choose I'd take an AR over a .50 Barret any day. The .308, in the middle, is probably your best choice in an M1A1 or an FN FAL. Hard to wrong with either weapon.
FQ13

[billt]

Those .50 cases annealed?  How come? 

The .50 BMG rounds I have pictured are Federal XM-33 Ball. The rounds are Mil-Spec, and are produced at the Lake City Ammunition plant. One of the Mil-Spec's on ammunition is the case mouth be annealed. Another is a requirement for crimped in primers, which these rounds have as well. Annealing softens the brass at the neck. This achieves 2 things. It offers a better gas seal at the chamber mouth upon cartridge ignition, and second it allows the case to be reloaded more without the case splitting at the neck. Federal XM-193 Ball in .223 / 5.56 MM also has annealed case necks as does Mil-Spec .308.  Bill T. 

[Badgersmilk]

Cool!  I had no idea annealing was a mil-spec..  I would venture a guess they're primary concern wouldn't be reloading, It's not expensive, or time consuming to do, but I wonder what the primary reason may be.     Compensation for inconsistancies in chambers?  Help with sealing in dirty chambers?  I don't know if the process would help either for sure, but may.   

[fightingquaker13]

The .50 BMG rounds I have pictured are Federal XM-33 Ball. The rounds are Mil-Spec, and are produced at the Lake City Ammunition plant. One of the Mil-Spec's on ammunition is the case mouth be annealed. Another is a requirement for crimped in primers, which these rounds have as well. Annealing softens the brass at the neck. This achieves 2 things. It offers a better gas seal at the chamber mouth upon cartridge ignition, and second it allows the case to be reloaded more without the case splitting at the neck. Federal XM-193 Ball in .223 / 5.56 MM also has annealed case necks as does Mil-Spec .308.  Bill T. 

Interesting fact Bill, we love you for your knowledge, not just the gun porn.
FQ13

[tombogan03884]

 Bill, FQ is a liar !, If you keep posting gun porn we won't care if you are dumber than a stump.