Question about Barrett .50 BMG ammo...

[Drjones]

I bought a box of Barrett .50 BMG ammo the other day and noticed while I was inspecting the rounds that I can hear the powder shaking around inside.

It actually sounds as if the rounds are only half-full or so.

Is this normal of .50 BMG ammo or did I get a bad box?


Thanks

[cjp85]

Not sure about 50, but in many other rounds that I have I can hear the powder shaking around inside. It could be that the round was designed as a black powder catridge and with newer powders less space is taken up while still creating the same effect. Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just guessing here and I don't know much about cartridge loadings.

[elsolo]

Yes it is normal. The capacity of the case and the approppriate powder charge are not the same.