Destructive device circumstances...

[Matt304]

This is a question which I have thought about but never really knew the answer to...(I hope this is the correct forum also)

A 50BMG is the most powerful non-destructive device round I assume (don't know about the 700NE).

What if for instance, a larger cartridge was necked down to 50cal? For example any larger case than a 50BMG, like the 14.5mm.

Technically speaking, it is 50 cal. Are there power limitations in this law?

 

[ilbob]

Depends on your definition of power I guess.

Theoretically, you might be able to make a 40 grain .22 caliber projectile go 10,000 fps. It would have a fair amount of muzzle energy. I don't know if it would be all that much fun to shoot through.

or you might be able to make a .49 caliber 1500 grain projectile out of some necked down cannon shell coming out the end at 4000 fps.

there was a bolt action antitank rifle the Finns had during WW2 that was like .55 caliber and had a good size projectile coming out the end of the barrel darn fast. the Brits had a similar antitank rifle.

the problem is how much recoil are you willing to endure and how heavy of a gun are you willing to carry around with you.

AFAIK, the only legal limit is caliber.

 

[Matt304]

Now sort of drifting from the original topic but, how would you handload a case that big?

Are there any means of loading equipment for over 50bmg?

Just curious, as it was discussed on another forum a while back about a guy necking down a 14.5mm russian to 50 cal (that would be like an 800gr @ around 3800fps I would imagine!)

 

[Zundfolge]

Are there power limitations in this law?

No. A Destructive Device is defined by a bore diameter of greater than one half inch (with some exceptions for old "Sporting" cartridges like the .600 and .700 Nitro Express).

So in theory you could neck a 20mm down and stick a .50BMG bullet on top of it and still not be a DD.

 

[Evil Monkey]

Or you can make a really loooong 50 cal bullet sit in a really BIG shell.