MOA steel targets versus a M12 and a 50 BMG (BIG surprise)

n4ue · 03-19-2015, 04:57 PM

I work part time for a buddy who is not a gun 'lover' but has a nice collection. He has other high $ interests, but loves to see his 'toys' in action.
A short while ago he purchased a new Barrett M107A1 in 50 BMG. Since I'm responsible for his ranges, I told him we HAD to have a safe target for the 50. No problem.
I ordered a slab of AR500 steel from MOA. 11" wide, 22" tall, 1" thick. About 80 lbs worth. I made an elaborate hanging stand for it and it's designed to have an adjustable 'tilt' to deflect the bullets downward. Yep, I've seen the youtube video where the shooter gets his hearing protectors knocked off by a 50 bouncing back.

Yesterday, we had the chance to shoot the target for the first time. He had a couple of young ladies there so I brought his M12 SS 22-250 to the range also, just in case, they were afraid of the Barrett. He didn't even remember the Savage, ha ha
Anyway, the MOA target is 130 yards away and it was hit every time with the 50. The 50 has a Leupold 4.5-14 50 LR/T scope. The Savage has a Weaver Kaspa scope temporarily. It deserves MUCH better. Everyone was able to hit all the different targets with the 22-250. It was shooting Remington, 55gr soft points. The Barrett 660 gr FMJs.
When the shooting was over, my buddy and I went to examine the AR500 target. The 50s only took off the paint. ABSOLUTELY zero pitting, etc.
To my surprise, the 22-250 put craters the size of an asprin in this VERY hard steel.
Yes, I know the formula for energy. Still, I was amazed to see what we did.

Just thought I'd pass this on.....

ron

**stomp442** · 03-19-2015, 05:47 PM

If you read into the specs of that ar 500 steel I bet you will notice the velocity rating at 3000 fps or less at 100 yards. The 50 would be well under that velocity at that range and the 22-250 still well over that velocity at that range.