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Lindcott Armory

Rifle · Soviet / Russian GRAU

12.7x108mm Soviet

Also known as 12.7x108mm · 12.7 Soviet · .50 Russian

Soviet equivalent to .50 BMG.

Caliber
0.511″ · 12.98 mm
Introduced
1934
Case
Rimless
Primary use
Military
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains750 · 810 · 822 gr
Identity
Introduced
1934
Type
Rifle
Origin
Soviet Union
Inventor
Soviet Ordnance
Manufacturer
Tula Arms Plant
Standard
Soviet / Russian GRAU
Status
Active
Availability
Military Surplus
Build
Case capacity
340 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:15
Primer
Berdan Large Rifle / Military
Case type
Rimless
Pressure & range
Max pressure
52,000 psi
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

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
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
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 12.980.511 ✓
Neck ⌀ 13.950.549 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ 18.900.744 ✓
Shoulder angle 18.2°— ✓
Base ⌀ 21.750.856 ✓
Rim ⌀ 21.700.854 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.900.075 ✓
Neck length 15.190.598 ≈
Case length 108.004.252 ✓
Overall length 147.505.807 ✓

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

Verification

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

5 models in the database chamber 12.7x108mm Soviet. Browse all →

Norinco CS/LR4 12.7x108mm Chinese Anti-MaterielKSVK KSVK 12.7KSVK KSVK 12.7x108mm 59-inchTechnika Rt. Gepard M1 12.7x108mm 39.4-inchOSV-96 OSV-96 12.7

Connected reference

Loads20 factory loads for 12.7x108mm SovietFirearmsFirearms 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 →