Rifle · Soviet / Russian GRAU
12.7x108mm Soviet
Soviet equivalent to .50 BMG.
- Caliber
- 0.511″ · 12.98 mm
- Introduced
- 1934
- Case
- Rimless
- Primary use
- Military
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1934
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Soviet Union
- Inventor
- Soviet Ordnance
- Manufacturer
- Tula Arms Plant
- Standard
- Soviet / Russian GRAU
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Military Surplus
- Case capacity
- 340 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:15
- Primer
- Berdan Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 44,237 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 2000 yd
- Max range
- 7500 yd
- Recoil
- 80–110 ft·lb
Introduced by Tula Arms Plant
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 12.7x108mm Soviet.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
CIP TDCC · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 12.98 | 0.511 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 14.05 | 0.553 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 19.05 | 0.750 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 18.2° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 21.85 | 0.860 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 21.80 | 0.858 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 2.00 | 0.079 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 15.40 | 0.606 | ≈ |
| Case length | 108.00 | 4.252 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 147.00 | 5.787 | ✓ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 12.7x108mm Soviet is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in 12.7x108mm Soviet
History
Developed in 1934 for Soviet heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft weapons. Similar role to American .50 BMG. Used in famous DShK heavy machine gun. Saw extensive combat in WWII and every Soviet/Russian conflict since. Currently used in OSV-96 and KSVK sniper rifles. Slightly shorter but fatter case than .50 BMG. Not interchangeable despite similar bore diameter.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 12.7x108mm Soviet use?
- 12.7x108mm Soviet typically uses a 1:15 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 12.7x108mm Soviet?
- 12.7x108mm Soviet uses a 0.511″ (12.98 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 12.7x108mm Soviet still in production?
- 12.7x108mm Soviet is active; typical availability is military surplus.
- What is 12.7x108mm Soviet used for?
- 12.7x108mm Soviet is primarily used for military.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 19 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
