Topic: Muzzle velocity of .50 BMG, 12.7mm and 14.5mm bullets in varying barrel lengths

[Steven Pavlovich]

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has completed or knows of any reliable research on muzzle velocity vs barrel length in these very large calibres.
The image shows a rifle in 14.5 x 114 mm calibre. Barrel length looks like it might be in the 800-900mm range.


Any help would be greatly appreciated


Steve Pavlovich
Western Australia

[50M2HB]

I have some numbers I can contribute, specific velocities from specific barrel lengths, mostly .50 BMG but some on the 12.7 & 14.5 calibers (the Russian calibers are not very popular here in the US, so data is limited).  The velocities are very loading specific, though.  US 650 grain M33 Ball is significantly different than a 750 grain match projectile, for example.  Will dig them out an get them listed.

[Steven Pavlovich]

Thanks,
The data is difficult to source, especially the 12.7 and 14.5mm cal.  Are these calibres licensable in the US?


best regards
Steve

[50M2HB]

12.7x108 caliber is technically legal to own in the US, as a rifle.  Problem is chicken vs the egg.  Ammo is not readily available since no one is building guns and no one is building guns since ammo is not readily available.  No one wants to make the first move.

14.5x114 caliber requires a complex application process to own, 6+ months to wait, plus a $200 tax to even apply to purchase.  This applies to rifles or MG.  Once all cleared, you then have to pay for the firearm.

Here are some representative examples of MV and barrel lengths.  Note that manufacturer of the ammo, even of the same type, varies in velocities observed.  Ammo of different types also have different velocities.  lengths in inches, velocity in ft/sec.

Caliber   Length   M/V   Notes
.50 BMG   29"   2865   Mk211 Lake City
.50 BMG   29"   2750   Mk211 Winchester
.50 BMG   29"   2830   Mk211 Fabrique' Nationale'
         
.50 BMG   36"   2815   Hornady AMAX Match
         
.50 BMG   45"   2910   M8 API M2HB
.50 BMG   45"   2910   Mk211 M2HB
         
12.7x108   42"   2822   API Dshk
12.7x108   43"   2756   Gepard Rifle
         
14.5x114   53"   3297   API KPV MG
14.5x114   58"   3280   Gepard Rifle