What is the largest bullet a civilian can buy?
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The largest bullet a civilian can buy is the .950 JDJ, a massive round with a diameter of 0.95 inches (24.1 mm), which is considered to have a sporting purpose and is therefore legal for civilians to purchase in the United States, with the exception of certain states like California. The .950 JDJ is a significant step up from the 50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun), which is also a large caliber round, but not as powerful as the .950 JDJ, with a kinetic energy of around 13,000-15,000 foot-pounds force, compared to the .950 JDJ‘s approximately 39,500 foot-pounds force.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
- Can civilians buy 50 cal?: With very few exceptions, .50 BMG (fifty caliber) rifles are illegal in California, but in other states, civilians can purchase them without any special license or process.
- What is the biggest bullet you can buy?: The .950 JDJ is the largest caliber rifle that you can buy in the US, with a diameter of 0.95 inches (24.1 mm).
- Is 950 JDJ legal?: The .950 JDJ is legal for civilians to purchase in the United States, with the exception of certain states like California, and is considered to have a sporting purpose.
Comparison with Other Rounds
- Is a 950 JDJ stronger than a 50 BMG?: Yes, the .950 JDJ is significantly stronger than the 50 BMG, with approximately 39,500 foot-pounds force, compared to the 50 BMG‘s 13,000-15,000 foot-pounds force.
- What is the highest legal rifle round?: The .950 JDJ is the highest caliber rifle that you can buy in the US, with a diameter of 0.95 inches (24.1 mm).
- Is 700 nitro stronger than 50 BMG?: No, the 700 Nitro Express is about 60% the energy of a 50 caliber Browning Machine Gun round.
Military and Law Enforcement
- What caliber do snipers use?: The 7.62×51mm is currently the primary cartridge of choice for military and police sniper rifles.
- What is the NATO sniper round?: The 7.62×51mm NATO has proved much more effective than 5.56×45mm NATO at long ranges, and has since found popularity as a sniping round.
- Who is the world’s best sniper?: Simo Häyhä is considered the most successful sniper who ever lived, with a deep understanding of his surroundings and exceptional hunting skills.
Ballistics and Performance
- How far can a .22 bullet travel?: A .22 caliber bullet can travel over 1 ½ mile, while a centerfire bullet can travel several miles.
- What is the fastest bullet?: The .220 Swift is the fastest commercial cartridge in the world, with a published velocity of 1,422 m/s (4,665 ft/s).
- What is the smallest bullet ever?: The 2mm Kolibri was the smallest commercially available centerfire cartridge, patented in 1910 and introduced in 1914.
Legality and Restrictions
- Can you buy a BMG?: The .50 BMG is legal to purchase and own without any special license or process everywhere in the US, except California.
- Are Tommy guns legal?: California generally prohibits people from possessing, knowingly transporting, selling, or offering to sell a machine gun without a permit.
- Is 50 cal illegal in war?: No, the .50-caliber rounds are not illegal in war, and have been used for various purposes, including directly attacking combatants.