M634 Experimental High-Powered Semi-Armor-Piercing: Difference between revisions

Unlike most ammunition types in the Halo games, this is not a real-life ammo type, the closest comparison being the [[wikipedia:9×39mm|9×39mm]] special purpose round, also known as the “Kurz.” Designed in the Soviet Union, this round was designed to defeat lighter body armours, while being subsonic to maximize stealth potential; it appears most real-life weapons firing the bullet have ''integrated'' silencers. However, the M634 does not appear to be subsonic, as it produces a super-sonic “crack” or “whip” when fired, and is instead intended for high-velocity and long-range marksmanship.  

The M634 is likely the result of human inclinations towards increased size (leading to the 9.5 mm bullet) and technological manipulation (leading to the experimental propellant). It's also possible the large caliber, while overkill by current standards, is required to defeat the advanced body armor of the Insurrectionists, and later, the Covenant. Additionally, the round is very similar in dimensions to the .375 SOCOM round, which came out after the battle rifle first premiered in ''Halo 2'', but shares its 9.5×40mm cartridge measurements. At some point before 2558, the experimental identification of the M634 was removed, suggesting the round received formal adoption by the [[United Nations Space Command]].

Interestingly, the SVDK is chambered in 9.3×64mm, which is quite close. It is possible that it may have been parented from this round as well. Both share a requirement of having to defeat much tougher targets, cover, and even possibly being pressed into engaging light vehicles. With the proliferation of armor however, it is likely that the penetration range is limited.