Power
A common method for understanding the actual power of a cartridge is by comparing muzzle energies. The Springfield .30-06, the standard caliber for American soldiers in both World Wars and a popular caliber amongst American hunters, can produce muzzle energies between 2000 and 3000 foot pounds of energy (between 3 and 4 kilojoules). The .50 BMG round can produce between 10,000 and 15,000 foot pounds (between 14 and 18 kilojoules), depending on its powder and bullet type, as well as the rifle it was fired from. Due to the high ballistic coefficient of the bullet, the .50 BMG's trajectory also suffers less "drift" from cross-winds than smaller and lighter calibers, making the .50 BMG a good choice for high-powered sniper rifles.
Read more about this topic: .50 BMG
Famous quotes containing the word power:
“He has served me too well; by increasing my power he has stolen it away: he is now my subject only so long as he pleases.”
—Pierre Corneille (1606–1684)
“He
moves in a wood of desire,
pale antlers barely stirring
as he hunts. I cannot tell
what power is at work, drenched there
with purpose, knowing nothing.”
—Thom Gunn (b. 1929)
“O Lord! What wonderful power you have!
We sowed jute and millet sprouted.”
—Punjabi proverb, trans. by Gurinder Singh Mann.