What is the Most Powerful Rifle?
The quest for the most powerful rifle is a fascinating topic that sparks intense debates among firearms enthusiasts, military personnel, and shooters of all levels. While opinions may vary, one thing is certain: some rifles pack an immense punch that can deliver devastating consequences to those on the receiving end.
Definition of Power
Before delving into the world of rifles, it’s essential to understand what constitutes "power." In the context of firearms, power can be measured in various ways:
• Muzzle Energy: This is the most widely used metric, defined as the kinetic energy possessed by a bullet upon exit from the muzzle.
• Velocity: Measured in feet per second (ft/s), velocity indicates how fast a bullet travels.
• Weight of Muzzle Load: Some firearms use a significant amount of propellant (e.g., gunpowder) to generate momentum.
• Effective Range: A rifle’s range capability also contributes to its overall power.
Contenders for the Most Powerful Rifle
With these definitions in mind, let’s examine some of the most potent rifles on the planet:
- Anti-Tank Rifles: These rifles are designed to engage armor and can be truly terrifying:
- QF 2-pdr: A British-made rifle firing a 40mm armor-piercing cartridge with a muzzle velocity of 1,320 ft/s (403 m/s).
- Steyr Huter M12: An Austrian anti-tank rifle launching a 12.7x99mm cartridge with 2,420 ft/s (737 m/s) velocity and a range of 2,300 meters.
- Large Caliber Bolt-Action Rifles:
- Walther Model 9/14: A German rifle firing a massive 15x100mm cartridge with 1,560 ft/s (475 m/s) velocity.
- Chevy Chizhou 12.7mm bolt-action rifle from China: firing a 12.7x107mm cartridge at 1,640 ft/s (500 m/s) with an effective range of 2,000 meters.
- Rocket-Launching Rifles: These innovative weapons incorporate rockets for increased effectiveness:
- The Liberator: A modular rifle launching 40mm grenade projectiles with 450 ft/s (137 m/s) velocity, extending effective range to 800 meters.
- Cartridge-Dictated Rifles:
- Dragunov SVD-D (Russian): a Dragunov Sniper Rifle (SVD) version using 12.7x107mm cartridge, delivering 2,550 ft/s (781 m/s) velocity.
Most Powerful Rifle Titleholders
Based on our research and analysis, here are the top three most powerful rifles:
Contents
1. Denel NTW-20
A South African-built, gas-operated anti-materiel rifle using 20x110mm cartridge with 4,600 ft/s (1,402 m/s) velocity, producing a remarkable 34.9 foot-pounds (47 J) of energy at the muzzle. The effective range of 4,500 meters solidifies its position at the top of the power food chain.
2. Soltam KORA-12
This Israeli-built, semi-automatic rifle employs a massive 12.7x109mm cartridge with 3,100 ft/s (945 m/s) velocity, releasing an incredible 29.7 foot-pounds (40 J) of energy upon discharge. With a remarkable 3,200 meter effective range, it ranks second among the most powerful rifles.
3. Podsechin PM Anti-Material Rifle
Russian-born and used by several Eastern European nations, this semi-automatic rifle fires 14.5x107mm cartridge with 3,300 ft/s (1,008 m/s) velocity and produces 27.8 foot-pounds (37 J) of energy at the muzzle. The impressive effective range of 2,400 meters seals its third place ranking.
Conclusion
It is evident that the notion of the most powerful rifle can be influenced by factors like barrel length, bullet composition, and muzzle treatment. Nonetheless, the aforementioned Denel NTW-20, Soltam KORA-12, and Podsechin PM Anti-Material Rifle dominate the league tables of maximum firepower, thanks to their significant muzzle energy, high velocity, and extended ranges. For those seeking absolute performance in their rifle, these powerhouses are unparalleled, although some may opt for alternatives like the Stirling Hot Air Rifle’s astonishing 3,550 ft/s (1,085 m/s) muzzle velocity for their own brand of shooting pleasure.
| Rifle Name | Cartridge | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy (foot-pounds) | Effective Range (meters) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denel NTW-20 | 20x110mm | 4,600 ft/s (1,402 m/s) | 34.9 ft-lbs (47 J) | 4,500 meters |
| Soltam KORA-12 | 12.7x109mm | 3,100 ft/s (945 m/s) | 29.7 ft-lbs (40 J) | 3,200 meters |
| 14.5x107mm | 3,300 ft/s (1,008 m/s) | 27.8 ft-lbs (37 J) | 2,400 meters |
For shooters, hunters, or law enforcement agencies seeking extraordinary stopping power, these most powerful rifles have set a benchmark that others will find difficult to match. When deciding which rifle to opt for, remember that effective range, penetration, and shot placement become equally critical, along with sheer velocity and energy output. Whether engaging enemies or taking on high-pressure hunting expeditions, one must carefully balance rifle specifications to ensure reliable, consistent performance under real-world scenarios.
