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{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
[[File:Ammo_-M6D.png|150px|thumb|A representation of M225 SAPHE from ''[[The Art of Halo 3]]''.]]
The '''12.7×40mm''' cartridge, also known as '''.50-caliber''',{{Ref/Reuse|SilentStorm3}} is a form of ammunition employed by the [[UNSC]]'s [[M6 series|M6 Personal Defense Weapon System]] line of handguns.<ref name="OSFM186">''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'', Page 186</ref>{{Ref/Note|The illustration of the 12.7×40mm round here features both the erroneous dimensions of and designation "12.7x30mm". This is a common theme from sources of this period relating to the round, but has been overridden by more recent sources such as the ''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'', ''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', and the [https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/magnum Halo Waypoint article on the Magnum.] This image should not be taken as a reliable source, but remains broadly relevant.}}


[[File:Ammo_-M6D.png|150px|thumb|A M225 SAPHE from ''[[The Art of Halo 3]]''.]]
==Overview==
The ''12.7x40mm'' '''M225 Semi-Armor-Piercing High-Explosive''' (abbreviated '''M225 SAP-HE''') is a [[high explosive ammunition|high explosive]], 12.7mm(.50)-caliber round used in the [[M6|M6 series]] of sidearms.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3pistol '''Bungie.net''': ''M6G Personal Defense Weapon System'']</ref>
[[M6 series|M6 series pistols]], the weapons that fire this ammo, are noted to possess impressive range and stopping power due to its use.<ref name="CEALibrary">''[[Library (feature)#Pistol|Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, "Library" feature, "Pistol"]]''</ref> As with many UNSC small arms ammunition types, however, the round has been observed to be somewhat inefficient against energy shielding.<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', Chapter 2</ref> There exists a distinct lack of variety in ammunition types of this cartridge available to soldiers in the field, something that the [[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC marines]] of [[E2-BAG/1/7]] found strange given its high caliber.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3pistol|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The M6G Pistol|D=24|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/M6G}}


== Overview ==
In terms of muzzle energy, the round may be as powerful (or even more powerful) than even the mighty 12.7mm caliber pistol rounds of today, possibly giving a muzzle energy of 4,000 joules or more (though possibly less as well). While it may seem like the M6 pistols would be totally overpowered by today's standards, strides in recoil reduction and accuracy may very well have been made in the five-hundred year gap in firearms technology of today to Halo-era technology. Also, advances in defensive measures such as stronger body armor might mean handguns of lesser power have become inferior, at least for military combat purposes.
==Variants==


Current 12.7mm caliber bullets have severe recoil and although [[MJOLNIR armor]] may increase strength to a point where it is manageable, UNSC servicemen are able to use M6 pistols easily. Contemporary 12.7mm handguns are not militarily viable, however advancements in military technology allows this caliber of round to perform very well in the M6 line of handgun.
===M225 SAP-HE===
 
'''M225 12.7×40mm SAP-HE (semi-armor-piercing, high-explosive)'''<ref>''[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx Halo 3: ODST Field Guide, Ordnance, "AUTO MAG"]''</ref> ammo (also known simply as "'''SAPHE'''") is the standard-issue round for the M6-series.{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM186}} The rounds are nickel-plated,<ref name="SilentStorm3">[[Halo: Silent Storm]], Chapter 3</ref> and are frequently distributed under the designation "M225 12.7×40mm SAP-HP" in 60-round packs.{{Ref/Note|Throughout the Halo games, packs of ammunition for the M6-series handguns are labelled under this designation. This page lists this designation as one related specifically to packaging, because there is no source that actually links it to an existent ammo type. However, it is possible that it is an alternate designation for SAP-HE ammunition itself, or potentially that it is even its own ammunition type that for reasons unknown shares its alphanumerical designation with the standard SAP-HE round. Due to the lack of mention of any SAP-HP ammo outside the in-game ammo packs, however, it is probable that this is an art error that has managed to transcend from one game to the next and persist over time. Due to the sheer number of re occurrences however, this is been debated.}}<ref>''[[Halo 3]]'', Magnum ammo pack</ref><ref>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', Pistol ammo pack</ref><ref>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', Pistol ammo pack</ref><ref>''[[Halo 2]]'', Magnum ammo pack</ref><ref>''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'', Magnum ammo pack</ref> It was noted to have made the weapon that fired it almost as effective as an [[MA5 series|assault rifle]].<ref>''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Chapter 15</ref> Its physical effects against vulnerable targets can be brutal,<ref>''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Chapter 3</ref> particularly when the projectile impacts the target's skull,<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', Chapter 1</ref> making headshot-targeting with weapons firing this ammo an advisable tactic in combat with Covenant troops, who often possess resilient biology.<ref>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Manual#Human Weapons|Halo: CE manual, Page 17, "M6D Pistol"]]''</ref> This ammo type is fed into [[M6 series|M6 series handguns]] via 6-,<ref name=ENC"321">''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)|Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe (2011 edition)]]'', Page 321</ref> 8-,{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM186}} or 12-round detachable box magazines.<ref>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', Gameplay</ref>
Two different versions of this cartridge exist, one using a 40mm case and another using a shorter 30mm case. The longer case of the 12.7x40mm cartridge provides the ability to provide greater muzzle energy and velocity as it has a larger case volume allowing more propellant to be stored inside. The shorter 30mm case variant likely produces a less powerful shot, with the benefit of decreased recoil, allowing for faster follow up shots. Both rounds are used in the M6 series of pistols and possibly other weapons.
 
== Properties ==
Due to the semi [[Armor Piercing Rounds|armor piercing]] nature of the round it is likely coated or made of a hard metal such as steel but deforms shortly after impact to prevent the bullet exiting the body and causing accidental casualties. The filler is likely a stable explosive with either a contact explosive detonation (somewhat counter acting its SAP nature) or a delay action fuse so it goes off shortly after impact, ideally in the body of the enemy, often lethal and crippling.
 
==Trivia==
*The 12.7mm ammo is similar to the .50 Action Express round most famously used in the Desert Eagle, however the bullets are not the same. The .50 Action Express is a 12.7mm x 33mm. It is not to be confused with the the .50 BMG, which is a 12.7mm x 99mm rifle round, used by heavy machine guns such as the [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]].
*The round could possibly be a development of the [[wikipedia:.500 S&W Magnum|.500 S&amp;W Magnum]] cartridge, since they are the same caliber and length, although the cartridge is rimmed and it is a revolver cartridge, making it unsuitable in a semi-automatic pistol like the M6.
*The cartridge is more than likely based on the [[wikipedia:.50 Beowulf|.50 Beowulf]], since it has a rebated rim and it is the same caliber and length as the .500 S&W Magnum. However, .50 Beowulf was designed for use in a modified AR-15 type rifle, and like the .500 S&W Magnum, is too powerful to be used in a light sidearm.
*The term "Semi-Armor Piercing" is typically reserved for larger autocannon type ammunition in today's realm (e.g. - PGU-28A SAPHEI used in the M61A1/2 20mm aircraft guns). Rounds like this typically composed of a hardened steel shell surrounding an explosive filler and zirconium pellet. They are effective against lightly armored vehicles.
*The ammo packs for the M6D in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] have a typo: it says 'HP' rather than 'HE'.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HaloCE-M6DAmmopack.png|The M225 ammo pack.
File:HaloCE-M6DAmmopack.png|An M225 ammo-pack in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
File:M6h wound.JPG|A wound inflicted by M225 SAP-HE ammunition.
File:M225_Ammo_Pack_H2A.png|M225 ammo pack in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:M6 Ammo.jpg|An M225 ammo pack in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Ammunition}}
{{Ammunition}}

Latest revision as of 13:16, June 26, 2023

A representation of M225 SAPHE from The Art of Halo 3.

The 12.7×40mm cartridge, also known as .50-caliber,[1] is a form of ammunition employed by the UNSC's M6 Personal Defense Weapon System line of handguns.[2][Note 1]

Overview[edit]

M6 series pistols, the weapons that fire this ammo, are noted to possess impressive range and stopping power due to its use.[3] As with many UNSC small arms ammunition types, however, the round has been observed to be somewhat inefficient against energy shielding.[4] There exists a distinct lack of variety in ammunition types of this cartridge available to soldiers in the field, something that the UNSC marines of E2-BAG/1/7 found strange given its high caliber.[5]


Variants[edit]

M225 SAP-HE[edit]

M225 12.7×40mm SAP-HE (semi-armor-piercing, high-explosive)[6] ammo (also known simply as "SAPHE") is the standard-issue round for the M6-series.[2] The rounds are nickel-plated,[1] and are frequently distributed under the designation "M225 12.7×40mm SAP-HP" in 60-round packs.[Note 2][7][8][9][10][11] It was noted to have made the weapon that fired it almost as effective as an assault rifle.[12] Its physical effects against vulnerable targets can be brutal,[13] particularly when the projectile impacts the target's skull,[14] making headshot-targeting with weapons firing this ammo an advisable tactic in combat with Covenant troops, who often possess resilient biology.[15] This ammo type is fed into M6 series handguns via 6-,[16] 8-,[2] or 12-round detachable box magazines.[17]

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The illustration of the 12.7×40mm round here features both the erroneous dimensions of and designation "12.7x30mm". This is a common theme from sources of this period relating to the round, but has been overridden by more recent sources such as the Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, and the Halo Waypoint article on the Magnum. This image should not be taken as a reliable source, but remains broadly relevant.
  2. ^ Throughout the Halo games, packs of ammunition for the M6-series handguns are labelled under this designation. This page lists this designation as one related specifically to packaging, because there is no source that actually links it to an existent ammo type. However, it is possible that it is an alternate designation for SAP-HE ammunition itself, or potentially that it is even its own ammunition type that for reasons unknown shares its alphanumerical designation with the standard SAP-HE round. Due to the lack of mention of any SAP-HP ammo outside the in-game ammo packs, however, it is probable that this is an art error that has managed to transcend from one game to the next and persist over time. Due to the sheer number of re occurrences however, this is been debated.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo: Silent Storm, Chapter 3
  2. ^ a b c Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, Page 186
  3. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, "Library" feature, "Pistol"
  4. ^ Halo: The Flood, Chapter 2
  5. ^ Bungie.net, The M6G Pistol (Retrieved on Jan 24, 2021) [local archive] [external archive]
  6. ^ Halo 3: ODST Field Guide, Ordnance, "AUTO MAG"
  7. ^ Halo 3, Magnum ammo pack
  8. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, Pistol ammo pack
  9. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Pistol ammo pack
  10. ^ Halo 2, Magnum ammo pack
  11. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary, Magnum ammo pack
  12. ^ Halo: Silent Storm, Chapter 15
  13. ^ Halo: Silent Storm, Chapter 3
  14. ^ Halo: The Flood, Chapter 1
  15. ^ Halo: CE manual, Page 17, "M6D Pistol"
  16. ^ Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe (2011 edition), Page 321
  17. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, Gameplay

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