SMALL CALIBER AMMUNITION
12.7MM (.50 Caliber) Ball and Tracer – Reduced Range Ammunition (RRA)
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems–Canada has more than 100 years experience in the manufacture of small caliber ammunition, including ball, tracer, blank and armor-piercing cartridges. The 0.50 caliber (12.7 mm) RRA Ball and Tracer ammunition provide the same ballistic characteristics of full range operational ammunition up to 1000 m. The tracer version is a ballistic match to the ball round.
The 0.50 caliber RRA projectile has a steel core with rearward fins, which is inserted into a gilding metal jacket to minimize barrel wear. It is designed to function in M2HB and QCB machine guns, and most common sniper rifles at extreme temperatures, without any auxiliary equipment or modifications.
The 0.50 caliber RRA has a maximum range of 3,500 m (3,827 yd.,) roughly 50% shorter than that of conventional service ammunition (see Figure 2 below). This is a major advantage when training near urban areas, since users can fire the 0.50 caliber RRA, on a 7.62 mm range, without changing the maximum distance of the safety template.
The 12.7 x 99 mm (.50 Cal) Limited Range Training Ammunition (LRTA) cartridge is designed for use on ranges where ricochet and stray bullets travelling beyond standard target distances pose a problem. The 12.7 mm LRTA, for example, can be used on a 7.62 mm firing range without exceeding the safety zone area (safety template) defined for 7.62 mm bullets. Accuracy is comparable to the M33 Ball out to 800 m, but it falls off thereafter, as the projectile destabilizes. The LRTA cartridge functions normally when fired from machine guns without auxiliary equipment. Its bullet, which comprises a gilding metal jacket and steel core with rear fins, is non-toxic. A lead free primer is under development.
- Maximum range: 3,500 m (50% shorter than the range of a standard M33 bullet)
- Trajectory: Matches M33 Ball out to 1000 m
The 12.7 x 99 mm (.50 cal) Limited Range Training Ammunition, Tracer (LRTA-T) cartridge is used in conjunction with the LRTA cartridge. It has the same ballistic characteristics as the LRTA as well as a tracing capability out to 800 m. Its bullet, which, in addition to the tracer mixes, is made of a gilding metal jacket and steel core with rear fins. It contains no heavy metals. A lead free primer is under development.
Advantages
- Trajectory match within 1 mil with M33 bullets
at 800 m (875 yd.) - 50% shorter range for reduced safety template
- Realistic training scenarios in urban areas
- Tracer visible to 800 m (875 yd.)
- Elimination of environmental contamination
- Reduced range maintenance
Maximum Range of the 0.50 Caliber LRTA vs. Conventional Projectiles
Figure 2
Technical Data
|
Cartridge Length |
Approx. 13.7 cm (5.4 in.) |
|
Bullet Weight |
Approx. 45 g (644 grains) |
|
Watertightness |
Meets NATO waterproof criteria |
|
Noise and recoil |
Replicates service M33 ball ammunition |
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Accuracy at 550m (600yd)* 0.50 cal. LRTA Ball 0.50 cal. LRTA Tracer |
300 mm (11.8 in.) 400 mm (15.7 in.) |
|
Max. chamber pressure at 21°C (68°F) |
< 450 Mpa (65,267 Psi) |
|
Cyclic rate in M2HB MG |
Between 450 and 600 shots/minute |
Other 12.7 Cartridges
Through their Simunition® and Always on Target® product lines, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems – Canada manufactures a wide variety of other 12.7mm training cartridges. For a detailed description of these innovative products please go to www.simunition.com
