The idea of a ratshot 50 BMG is an unusual one that sparks the curiosity of shooting enthusiasts. Ratshot, also known as snake shot, is traditionally used in smaller calibers like .22 LR, where its design makes it effective for close-range pest control. The concept, when adapted to a .50 BMG cartridge, presents a stark contrast between its practical origins and the extreme power of the .50 BMG.
What Is Ratshot?
Ratshot, or snake shot, refers to ammunition loaded with small pellets, often #12 shot. Its purpose is to spread out over a wide area, making it suitable for hitting small pests like rodents or snakes at close range. The typical range for effective use is 5-10 meters, making it ideal for tasks like barnyard pest control or gardening. The shot is dispersed upon firing, minimizing damage to structures or livestock
However, adapting this to a .50 BMG cartridge seems like overkill. The .50 BMG is a powerful round commonly associated with military use in anti-materiel rifles, designed to penetrate armor and hit targets from long distances. So why the interest in a ratshot 50 BMG?
Why Use Ratshot in a .50 BMG?
The idea of creating a ratshot load for a .50 BMG is more about experimentation and pushing boundaries. It’s not a practical solution for pest control but more a demonstration of what’s possible. There’s an element of novelty here that appeals to hobbyists who enjoy custom handloading or experimenting with ammunition.
The .50 BMG ratshot concept likely stems from the same mindset that sees enthusiasts creating shotgun shells loaded with unconventional materials (e.g., coins or nails). It’s less about utility and more about curiosity and fun. For those who handload, making a ratshot 50 BMG round is a challenge to see how small pellets behave when fired from such a powerful platform
Challenges of the Ratshot 50 BMG
There are significant challenges when creating a ratshot 50 BMG. Here are a few:
- Pellet Spread: Ratshot spreads quickly upon exiting the barrel. In a .50 BMG, this spread is exaggerated due to the larger bore and high velocity, making it ineffective beyond a few meters. The shot quickly loses energy and accuracy, limiting its use to extremely close range.
- Power Imbalance: The .50 BMG generates enormous energy. Firing a load of tiny pellets with this kind of force is overkill for pests. You’re more likely to obliterate the target than simply neutralize it. For traditional pest control, smaller calibers like .22 LR or even 9mm are much more practicalWikipedia.
- Handloading: You won’t find ratshot 50 BMG rounds available commercially, which means enthusiasts would need to handload them. This involves not only loading the round but ensuring the shot stays together when fired. Even in smaller calibers, ratshot loads can malfunction in some firearms, especially if they use plastic capsules or crimped casesWikipedia.
Use Cases: Novelty and Experimentation
For the most part, ratshot 50 BMG is about novelty. It’s not something you would use for actual pest control, but it might be a fun challenge for reloaders and experimenters to take on. It’s the kind of project that pushes the boundaries of what ammunition can do, with videos and online communities discussing how to make and fire these rounds
In the same way that people test the limits of firearms with unconventional loads, ratshot 50 BMG is a reflection of that creative spirit. While it’s unlikely to be practical for day-to-day use, it provides insight into the broader culture of shooting, where the goal is sometimes just to try something new and different.
The Bottom Line
The ratshot 50 BMG might not be something you’ll find on the shelves of a typical ammo store, but it serves as an interesting case of firearm enthusiasts pushing the limits of ammunition design. Its impracticality for serious use doesn’t diminish its appeal for hobbyists who love to experiment with what’s possible in the world of ballistics.
Whether you’re curious about making your own or just intrigued by the idea, it’s clear that ratshot 50 BMG is more about the journey of creation than practicality. For more details about handloading these rounds, check out experimental videos and community discussions
