ELR/vehicle stopper.

[Rodo]

Ive got two builds in the works already, but since they are very near completion, Im looking to the next build. My wife and I are "prepper light", that is we are working towards being prepared for almost anything, with most of our emphasis being directed at Hurricane Katrina or Superstorm Sandy type events. Nothing major really as far as total societal collapse, but still with the possibility of getting a little ugly at times. All of our primary firearms fit the reliability and commonality spectrum, with a few additional firearms that we just like.

That being said, the next build is something I want to pull triple duty: 1. Primarily an ELR gun for fun and maybe competition shooting, emphasis on the fun since I dont know of any competitions close to me that I could enter requiring more than a 300WM can handle readily, just would like the availability of another rifle for them. 2. Stop a vehicle before they make the full drive down the family farm lane should anything ever happen and legitimate need arise for such a shot. 3. Make some friends and family jealous and possibly shoulder sore on range days.

Ive read that some 50's are decently accurate, but the ones getting better accuracy are either bank breakers, or shoulder killers. I can deal with shoulder killers, but, am curious if the Cheytac rounds, or the 416 Barret, or any others I know little or nothing about might be just a touch easier on the shoulder to be able to finish a match with minimal end run flinch due to pain, but have the energy and mass to seriously damage an engine block at preferably little less to not less than 600yds and preferably out to 800 or more yards.

 

[Bhobbs]

What's your budget and what is your accuracy requirement?

 

[Grizzdude]

My weapon of choice for those matters is the Serbu BFG-50A. Doesn't brake the bank, and is not a shoulder killer at all. They are more accurate than the Barretts and almost 10lbs less, at a lot lesser price than the barrets. I run API ammo and it eats it up no problem.

 

[Rodo]

What's your budget and what is your accuracy requirement?

Budget is wide open since overall Im willing to wait and build it piece meal. If were talking buy it outright pre built, still the same general scenario budget wise, just a longer wait. Ive learned that some things are good enough to get by if youre willing to sacrifice accuracy, and on this build, Im really not.

Min accuracy requirements are minute of man at 15k, but I would prefer .5moa or better so as I improve as a shooter, Im not having to rebuild just to meet my personal improvements. Like I said, it will be more a fun gun than anything, but if Im spending serious cash on something, piss poor performance sucks the fun out of everything.

 

[Brasscow]

For requirement 2 you're best off with the .510. API are plentiful but not very accurate. AP are less available but very accurate.

Edit: i just read your last reply. If youre really that interested in long range accuracy i will have a package available soon i am planning on selling. Built by randy dierks on mcmillan Tac-50, Krieger barrel, hybrid borerider chamber, manners t-50 stock, etc. Most definitely sub .5MOA and i only ever shot maybe 40ish rounds? My needs have changed since i commissioned the build so i never really shot it.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

My weapon of choice for those matters is the Serbu BFG-50A. Doesn't brake the bank, and is not a shoulder killer at all. They are more accurate than the Barretts and almost 10lbs less, at a lot lesser price than the barrets. I run API ammo and it eats it up no problem.

+1

 

[shoots100]

A 20mm or any of the three pictured should do the trick.

 

[Rodo]

Looks like a 50 is in my future then. Ive been unsure since a decent amount of what I have read has said .50BMG is not an inherently accurate round. If the accuracy issues are curable with a custom rifle and proper load work-ups, and given I have access to literally hundreds of rounds of once fired 50, it sounds like its at least enough to suit my needs and desires for it. I just didnt want to overlook a round that would fit all three preferred criteria that was more inherently accurate, and still reasonable. If just stopping a vehicle was all I wanted, 20mm or the 14.5mm jdj from ssk would top the list.

Thinking back, and if memory serves, didnt Gunny Hathcock shoot a bike and then the VC riding it at close to a mile with a BMG?

Any additional advice wont be ignored, and will always be appreciated. Thanks guys,

 

[Ledzep]

Nothing wrong with the .50bmg as an "inherently inaccurate" cartridge. Just military MG ammo is not that great, and many designs have recoiling barrels that don't lend themselves to great precision.

Handload decent components out of a tight bolt gun with a good barrel and keep from flinching and it will work just like any other custom bolt gun in smaller calibers.

 

[jeff 338]

i love my armalite 50A1BNM it shoots the hornady 750 amax great. I've been out to a mile with it with great results. If you feed the 50BMG some good loads its plenty accurate. To me it makes shooting a 1000 way to easy.

 

[proneshooter]

In order to stop a vehicle, hit the driver. You don't need a .50 BMG for that.

 

[diverdon]

Strike 50 - Drake Associates Inc.

Take a look at the CADEX Dual Strike 50.

 

[redbullitt]

I would shoot the driver. If that situation comes up I see no sense in ruining a good car lmao.

338 edge or 338 lapua are also worth a look. Great ELR rounds, the edge being a little cheaper to shoot due to brass cost. I bet they would put a hurting on a vehicle at 600 yards, but I am not 100pct sure how quickly it would stop. I personally like the portability on those better than the 50s, BUT they do not deliver payload like the 50 can haha.

I would buy a DTA HTI if I could justify it. Get all 3 of the big boy calibers in a nice little package. Pure sexy.

I have shot a lot of 50 bmg from an Armalite AR50. Rifle did not break the bank, shot great, was easy on the shooter too. The only downside was limited portability. 50bmg is plenty accurate with good ammunition. 750 amax, lc brass, h50bmg powder was easily under 3/4 MOA at any distance I shot it. Pulled API and ball were between 1.5 and 2 MOA with surplus powder and without sorting the bullets. They did better depending on how much time I put into loading them. Plenty accurate IMO.

I think the nonsense about the 50 being inaccurate comes from the fact that you can't just buy nice lapua brass and the fact that most factory loadings suck unless you're running a ma deuce. You have a lot of work to do for every piece of brass you prep if you want accuracy. The pulled projectiles again take some work if you want performance. I had the best luck running them through a sizer and sorting them.

 

[Graham]

Except in the movies, light and medium rifles don't stop vehicles very well.

 

[George63]

most vehicles will stop for a good looking naked woman

 

[Ninja]

+ 1

i love my armalite 50A1BNM it shoots the hornady 750 amax great. I've been out to a mile with it with great results. If you feed the 50BMG some good loads its plenty accurate. To me it makes shooting a 1000 way to easy.

for more 50 info:
http://biggerhammer.net/barrett/wwwboard/

With the Armalite AR-50 ya get single shot accuracy, with a brake that keeps it tame - new $3400 . 809gr brass solids - $6.50 round:

http://www.thunderammo.com/Brass_For_Sale.php

50bmg Raufoss ammo - priceless
good luck !

 

[LRShooter101]

Someone may want to tell Lee Rasmussen that .50 BMGs are inherently inaccurate!

Rasmussen Shoots 1.9557" group at 1000 yards, and sets Four 50-Caliber World Records « Daily Bulletin

Per above, the "issues" with .50 BMG comes from people trying to shoot WWII surplus ammo out of rifles not designed for it!


I ran an AR50A1 with Factory HSM .750 AMAX ammo, and could consistently shoot Sub MOA 5 shot groups with it at 1,000 yards:

With the proper ammo and rifle, a 50 BMG is a very good choice for your intended application.


Make sure you check out the FCSA if you go in that direction, everything you will want to know and more:
Fifty Caliber Shooters Association

 

[KYpatriot]

I see nothing wrong with wanting to have a rifle that can stop a vehicle, and it is a nice theoretical exercise maybe, but in real life even if there is some kind of civil unrest seems there would be few times you'd be justified in shooting a vehicle at hundreds of yards. Besides, a vehicle can move pretty fast even on a bendy gravel driveway, so the shooter would have to be already on the scope on overwatch set up for the driveway, and would have to know someone is hostile from several hundred yards. That is a pretty big commitment in manpower and difficult to accomplish responsibly. Maybe your time and money would be better spent consider other methods to deny access to your property, that would work whether you have eyes on or not, that don't require you to ascertain hostile intent from hundreds of yards away. For as much as you would invest in a full up 50 project you could have a decent passive barrier system that would accomplish that, with the added benefit that anyone who did successfully negotiate or defeat it is telegraphing their intent pretty well which solves a big problem for you.

It just seems you are trying to find a way to use a rifle to solve a problem, rather than starting with the problem and solving it the best way possible.

Not that I blame you, finding an excuse to buy a rifle is one of my best skills.

 

[Killswitch Engage]

I like problem solving with a rifle. It's a universal language that all understand.

 

[KYpatriot]

I like problem solving with a rifle. It's a universal language that all understand.

Then again, it is impossible to argue with this. You can only win that argument if you are out of range!

 

[Graham]

You can only win that argument if you are out of range!

Or if you speak first.

 

[Rodo]

The farm is as secure as it can be given I need full family approval for some things, and Im not trying to turn it into a bunker, just a place that is more easily secured and kept safe should the wost decide to happen.

I served in the Airborne Infantry for a while, so I understand the limitations of shooting a vehicle to some extent. It may stop, but the damage usually(almost always) isnt enough to stop it immediately, and neither is taking out the driver, however driver elimination is a lot better for a more rapid stop. The only way to ensure a rapid stop is artillery, rocket, recoiless rifle, or belt fed happiness. I cant afford any of those, so I am "stuck" with buying or building a rifle to fill that niche as best as it possibly can, even if its relatively poorly.

The primary purpose for this rifle, as stated in my OP, is ELR fun, with the secondary purpose to fill the massive damage niche left in my arsenal. I have to plan what I buy and build carefully given my financial situation, which I am sure many of you do as well, so if I am trying to prep while having fun, everything I do at this point still needs a dual purpose to some extent, even if it is a small one. As far as firearms go, and with what I am allowed to do to prep the property, this wont be money misdirected or poorly spent, at least not as long as I do my due diligence, which is why I asked here and not on a prepper board. That would be an easy answer there, go off the books and build a cannon.

I lurked, and still tend to lurk over posting as I try to learn more, rather than do as some seem to, here and on a lot of other boards, post drivel they swear is gospel but is easily disproved, or even the honest misguided info they post. Im here to learn as much as I can from those with more experience that I have, rather than go off half cocked and waste time an money.

I said it before, and I will say it again, if there is something better, let me know, share facts and experiences, and I will listen and consider appropriately. Id rather buy once and be happy, than wish I had asked the right questions and paid attention to the answers I got.

One last thing, i do intend to get some legitimate training later this spring/summer. The range I go to has some legit high speed guys, and they are working on getting some of the best going to teach a few classes this year.

 

[Idaho338Norma]

I had the privilege to shoot a Ferret 50 last fall and its was crazy accurate with handloads. Not a repeater but it is another budget friendly option. Was told by the owner that quite a few comps are being won with Ferret 50's.

 

[shoots100]

Install a barrier.When said vehicle stops, make a positive ID before any type of action.
Disable the stopped vehicle(or driver)with an API , or other improvised methods.
Since a lot of shooters(or training facilities) don't shoot at moving targets at longer ranges, we set up a straight track with a small cart as a target at 500 yards.
Screwed some plywood in the shape of a car to it, and loaded up the 50's.
It was a very humbling experience for us all.
We ended up using all tracers and or spotter tracers til we got the hang of it. We used APIT solely after that.
You don't have that type of projo selection with the puny calibers. That's why 50's rule.
A straight on shot wasn't too bad, but a left to right, or vice versa, was pretty hard to hit with a ten round mag limit of the Barrett.
The belt fed was more forgiving, but not that easy either.
For laughs,We tried a bolt rifle too. While more accurate, the slow rate of fire made it almost impossible for a definite stop with a first round miss.
At closer ranges the bolt rifle was ok, but a semi or full auto is the way to go.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

You don't have that type of projo selection with the puny calibers. That's why 50's rule.

I suggest you not, bet your life on that statement. Before 2004 surplus WW II, Korea, and Vietnam, API 30 cal projos were only 15 cents each ! Now that does not take into consideration the vast amount 7.62X54R that came in APIT, or the 54R that was sold on the open market (until caught some years back), which had a very full load of mix like PETN. Those rounds would rivel anything, including very special, 50BMG. The only place 50's rule in the civi world, is in the minds of those who think they know everything.

 

[shoots100]

Come on sir. While I don't know everything(that's why I married a woman who does), I do know a lot about .50 cals.
None of the puny caliber's you listed come close to the "available" projo selection of the 50 cal, or it's weight and penetration capabilities.
AP,APIT,TRACER,API,BALL,SPOTTER/TRACER,SLAP, Raufoss (where legal, or requisitioned ).
Not to mention all of the Monolithic and Match projos available too.
That's facts you could bet your life on.
Are we going to thumb wrestle next ?

 

[Flying Goose]

Someone may want to tell Lee Rasmussen that .50 BMGs are inherently inaccurate!

Rasmussen Shoots 1.9557" group at 1000 yards, and sets Four 50-Caliber World Records « Daily Bulletin

Per above, the "issues" with .50 BMG comes from people trying to shoot WWII surplus ammo out of rifles not designed for it!


I ran an AR50A1 with Factory HSM .750 AMAX ammo, and could consistently shoot Sub MOA 5 shot groups with it at 1,000 yards:

With the proper ammo and rifle, a 50 BMG is a very good choice for your intended application.


Make sure you check out the FCSA if you go in that direction, everything you will want to know and more:
Fifty Caliber Shooters Association

Jesus! I've seen some heavy bench rest rigs but that takes the cake!, not to derail the thread but any guesses on weight?

 

[rpk762]

He will have to shoot from a bench rest or the dust signature will be bad. Lol might take a few rds to burn through a shooting matt.

Someone may want to tell Lee Rasmussen that .50 BMGs are inherently inaccurate!

Rasmussen Shoots 1.9557" group at 1000 yards, and sets Four 50-Caliber World Records « Daily Bulletin

Per above, the "issues" with .50 BMG comes from people trying to shoot WWII surplus ammo out of rifles not designed for it!


I ran an AR50A1 with Factory HSM .750 AMAX ammo, and could consistently shoot Sub MOA 5 shot groups with it at 1,000 yards:

With the proper ammo and rifle, a 50 BMG is a very good choice for your intended application.


Make sure you check out the FCSA if you go in that direction, everything you will want to know and more:
Fifty Caliber Shooters Association

 

[George63]

using his finger as a gauge the barrel looks about 1.5" so the weight should be over 40#

 

[Dirty D]

Google the specs for K12 rated anti ram fence, not too hard to replicate with 1" stainless steel cable and 6k psi concrete.

Breezemount - Jacksons Fencing Linebacker K12 Fencing - YouTube

 

[Mike_Honcho]

You need a moat. A moat with fire.

 

[VJJPunisher]

Someone may want to tell Lee Rasmussen that .50 BMGs are inherently inaccurate!

Rasmussen Shoots 1.9557" group at 1000 yards, and sets Four 50-Caliber World Records « Daily Bulletin

Per above, the "issues" with .50 BMG comes from people trying to shoot WWII surplus ammo out of rifles not designed for it!


I ran an AR50A1 with Factory HSM .750 AMAX ammo, and could consistently shoot Sub MOA 5 shot groups with it at 1,000 yards:

With the proper ammo and rifle, a 50 BMG is a very good choice for your intended application.


Make sure you check out the FCSA if you go in that direction, everything you will want to know and more:
Fifty Caliber Shooters Association

I call bullshit fakery on this pic, we all know thats impossible with a luepold, every regarded sniper hider knows that

 

[George63]

that is a counter sniper disguised as a luepold - extra sneaky

 

[Strykervet]

I went with the DTA HTI in .50BMG with an LRA bipod (about the only one suitable for it I think, and damn nice too). I'm having a custom brake and can made by Elite for it at the moment, so I haven't shot it yet. Still waiting on the scope anyway. Loading gear is high for the good stuff initially, but the components aren't as bad as you'd think. Anyway, the DTA seems to be a damn nice rifle, especially for the price, well built, ergonomic and lightweight (considering) nice adj. single stage trigger that shocked me for a bullpup, and it's also nice that you can change calibers with it too. I'd like to get that .375CT barrel to go with it one day, that would be nice. It seems a lot more accurate at range than the .50 is from what I've heard. You can order the barrel and chassis separate to make it easier to purchase too. Very well shipped. Cons: mags are a very high price considering the relative simplicity IMO, and there isn't a can to fit the threaded brake yet. But I can suck up a few mags and I fixed the brake and can issue, so as long as it shoots as advertised I'll be happy.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

Come on sir. While I don't know everything(that's why I married a woman who does), I do know a lot about .50 cals.
None of the puny caliber's you listed come close to the "available" projo selection of the 50 cal, or it's weight and penetration capabilities.
AP,APIT,TRACER,API,BALL,SPOTTER/TRACER,SLAP, Raufoss (where legal, or requisitioned ).
Not to mention all of the Monolithic and Match projos available too.
That's facts you could bet your life on.
Are we going to thumb wrestle next ?

The ability to be mobile, work your fieldcraft properly and think out of the box, will always trump any weapon/s, and that is pure battlefield fact. There are so many ways to stop a ride it's not funny, but knowing how is the key. Much easier to go bigger, as that is the American way, we have even proven with enough Horse-Power we can make a rock (w/o a gun) fly. Thinking a 50bmg is the end all for every event you can dream of says alot about your tactical abilitys. FYI,... every rd you listed is in fact available for 30 cal. YMMV

 

[Rodo]

Gunfighter, you point out the 30's and finesse a lot, so let me ask, will an AP or API out of a 300WM or another 30 cal round put a hole deep enough into an engine block to do significant damage with proper shot placement on the average American driven vehicle at the ranges I am looking at?

And Shoots100, is there a 50 that youre aware of, especially in a semi, that is reasonable to hump around if need be and not be an excessive burden after a few miles, and is easily wielded in wooded terrain?

You both make legit points, and its obvious a 50 will do it, and apparently better than I originally put together, but there is a difference to me between a fun gun and something Id compete with or bet lives on, which is why I asked this to begin with. Eventually I will have a Barrett if only because I believe every collection should have one if financially feasible. But I dont think that is the way to go to fit the requirements at this time.

I got a PM earlier pointing out 375's in wildcat version. Seems like that would fill the niche Im looking to fill quite well, as would the CheyTac rounds. I have my reasons for asking to begin with which have been briefly covered, so my search, the thread, and my personal debate apparently go on for a little while longer at least.

 

[Dogtown]

.375CT is king of the hill for ELR shooting, but it's not an HTI round. The number one reason .50BMG rifles are still so popular for HTI applications is payload capability like you get with Mk211 ammo. No doubt, .375CT is hard hitting, but good luck finding an API bullet for it.

 

[redbullitt]

Go 50 all the way then! Get that payload lol.Very fun rifle to play with, especially if you hand load. Everything is giant and there is a certain fun factor to that.

Next question is which rifle?!?! If budget is an issue and weight is not I think I would go armalite ar50.

But if budget is free then how about a Tac 50 or DTA HTI?
I vote for the Desert Tech (DTA) HTI. It is reasonably sized and more portable than a lot of the others. Haven't played with one personally, but their SRS is a great little rifle. I'd imagine the big one is the same.

 

[alpha6164]

I shoot a Barret M82CQ and it is a 1-1.5MOA rifle all day with my hand loads. And yes, the shorter 20" barrel is way more accurate than the A1 version with 29" barrel. The reason for this is that the longer barrel when reciprocating has way more side to side motion than same barrel that is several inches shorter. I have short a 12x10" AR500 plate at 850 yards with it 8 out of 10 times. You will not win a championships with a 50BMG unless you build a custom bench rig but for purpose of hitting MOV (Minute of Vehicle) you cant find a harder hitting round.

And for the people that talk about the Serbu, it is an option but an option i would never choose. Yes it is cheaper but this rifle has has several quality issues. Do a few searches and they are all over the place. The Barrett is battle proven and will go bang every fucking time which is the most important in the situation you are concerned about.

 

[Pusher591]

My vote is the .338 Edge/RUM or the McMillan Tac50.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

Gunfighter, you point out the 30's and finesse a lot, so let me ask, will an AP or API out of a 300WM or another 30 cal round put a hole deep enough into an engine block to do significant damage with proper shot placement on the average American driven vehicle at the ranges I am looking at?

The API will not punch as much as the AP, but the 163 gr AP from a 300wm or 300RUM will do your deed. The 154gr Israeli pill will work better though. Speed is the biggest key to punching armor, steel or cast. The best straight up civi combo is a 7RUM shooting a Barnes solid, loaded for afterburner. Remember when punching a barrier once you get threw the rest is easy. Much like the M1 Abrams that came back to AAD with a 22 cal hole in the turret just above the ring, that round was fire from a shoulder fired weapon. Again # 1, speed is the key, w/ projo hardness second. With Placement 3rd, as always depending on situation. If you can't stop the tank with direct fire, blind his ass (Como, periscopes, cameras and radar), and make him pop his grenades. Once he is blind and his grenades are gone, with no ground pounders around, you own his ass.
There are much better ways to own a road as direct fire, is a last resort in any situation. Field-craft and tactical ability will allow to you suck air much longer, than getting into every gunfight you can. Gunfights are the result of poor planing.

 

[Grizzdude]

And Shoots100, is there a 50 that youre aware of, especially in a semi, that is reasonable to hump around if need be and not be an excessive burden after a few miles, and is easily wielded in wooded terrain?

My Serbu BFG-50A weighs 23lbs unloaded compared to barretts are over 30lbs. Not easy to carry around unless you have a drag bag but not as hard as humping around a Barrett m107.

 

[shoots100]

The OP asked for ELR/ Vehicle stopper recommendations. What firearm do armies around the world use for stopping vehicles ? Since WWII, it's been the 50bmg. Proven and battle tested time and again.
Ronnie Barrett made it portable with the M82. The M82 and M107 have been and are being carried all over the planet.
Is it the most accurate ELR round, no, but it's accurate enough.
700 grn AP, or a 162 grn AP round ? Not even in the same ball park. The .30 caliber has been mothballed and surpassed by the 5.56/.223 since the mid 60's . I don't agree with that, but that's the way it is. Except for the M14 and the M24, the .308 would be gone too. The .50 has it's purpose and does it well. At close range you might be able to stop a vehicle with a well placed .30 caliber AP, but at close and ELR range, a 50 AP will damage a vehicle because of it's mass. Simple Physics and the reason John Browning developed it.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

Except for the M14 and the M24, the .308 would be gone too.

So where would that leave the 134d an 240's?
I'm not saying the 50 is a bad choice I'm saying there are others, if I wanted to stop something wheeled and make sure it stopped w/ direct it would be a 20-30 mm with an HEDP payload. The 106 RR works well also. That said, his job can be done with a 30 cal, and that Sir is fact.

 

[Rockfish Dave]

Too rich for my budget, but I like the concept.

MICOR Leader 50 BMG Semi Auto Gas Operated Bullup Gun 50 BMG Weapons

Leader 50? demonstration 1 - YouTube

Description from the website:

"Leader 50 Features and Other Information

40" overall length with a 24" chrome moly mill-spec barrel
Weight less than 20 lbs empty
Aluminum alloy hard coat finished upper receiver
Rubber over molded buttplate
Titanium Micor Muzzle Brake
10 round magazine with a quick vertical insertion design
Adustable rear mono-pod
Bolt, bolt carrier, and barrel extension made from maraging steel
Unique Linear hammer and gas system, minimizes muzzle climb
Non reciprocating charging handle
Only 50 bmg semi auto weapon with a dust cover
Averaging 2,800 Feet Per Second Velocity using M33 Ball Ammo

Includes: Gun, Muzzle Brake, Ten Round Magazine, and Standard Case."

 

[brianf]

had a AR-50 which loved Hunting Shack A-MAX and it was a blast to shoot, more than accurate enough and there is something about the recoils that makes you want more. but the main reason i sold it was the time it took to clean the damn thing. to get a 30-31" barrel with that amount of surface area on the inside clean would take forever and use a ton of solvents. easily 2 times as long as my next largest 338LM 28" tube.

also dragging it to the range was a pain, the rifle was heavy, the ammo was heavy and the box was too big for the back of my cherokee at the time...still loved to shoot it though.

 

[aahunt03]

thats an awesome video

 

[BurtG]

Install a barrier.When said vehicle stops, make a positive ID before any type of action.
Disable the stopped vehicle(or driver)with an API , or other improvised methods.
Since a lot of shooters(or training facilities) don't shoot at moving targets at longer ranges, we set up a straight track with a small cart as a target at 500 yards.
Screwed some plywood in the shape of a car to it, and loaded up the 50's.
It was a very humbling experience for us all.
We ended up using all tracers and or spotter tracers til we got the hang of it. We used APIT solely after that.
You don't have that type of projo selection with the puny calibers. That's why 50's rule.
A straight on shot wasn't too bad, but a left to right, or vice versa, was pretty hard to hit with a ten round mag limit of the Barrett.
The belt fed was more forgiving, but not that easy either.
For laughs,We tried a bolt rifle too. While more accurate, the slow rate of fire made it almost impossible for a definite stop with a first round miss.
At closer ranges the bolt rifle was ok, but a semi or full auto is the way to go.

What was the lead ?

I know deer and fox seem to be 1-3 body lengths

 

[BurtG]

7RUM shooting a Barnes soli

And they banned the Barnes solid spitzers now

 

[stefan73]

I shoot a Barret M82CQ and it is a 1-1.5MOA rifle all day with my hand loads. And yes, the shorter 20" barrel is way more accurate than the A1 version with 29" barrel. The reason for this is that the longer barrel when reciprocating has way more side to side motion than same barrel that is several inches shorter. I have short a 12x10" AR500 plate at 850 yards with it 8 out of 10 times. You will not win a championships with a 50BMG unless you build a custom bench rig but for purpose of hitting MOV (Minute of Vehicle) you cant find a harder hitting round.

And for the people that talk about the Serbu, it is an option but an option i would never choose. Yes it is cheaper but this rifle has has several quality issues. Do a few searches and they are all over the place. The Barrett is battle proven and will go bang every fucking time which is the most important in the situation you are concerned about.

Barret's are not infallible and their M82 systems while cool aren't that impressive imo. The Barret bolt guns I would say are far better than the M82 series.
The Serbu BFG-50 while not a sexy beast works pretty well for an inexpensive fifty. It went through some generational growth, upgraded trigger, better muzzle brakes but so has most of my firearms and after 20 years and about 2K+ rounds it is still shooting.

Now, my next rifle I would like a DT HTI in .50 BMG for my AMAX and Lapua Hybrid loads but I really want it to run .375 for KO2M. I'll let the Serbu continue to run the ball, API, AP, Spotter Tracer, Tracer, incendiary, just for fun rounds.