Firing the Boys Anti Tank rifle

[Eaglelord17]

I have always liked the concept of a anti-tank rifle. It is just so novel, I mean launching a massive round at a tank from the shoulder, what could go wrong there? Personally I think one of the coolest ones are the PTRS-41, just because it combines anti-tank sized rounds, with semi-auto capacity (its basically a massive SKS), and mannlicher style clips (en-bloc clips).

The problem with anti-tank rifles (for the civilian shooter) in all calibers other than .50 cal is that it is next to impossible to be able to shoot them. A huge amount of time, effort, and money has to be made just to acquire brass, bullets, and primers. Not to mention the need to buy a specialized press and dies. It is definitely a serious commitment to get one up and running.

[browningautorifle]

I had often thought of making a big calibre rifle from an old M8C spotting rifle but ammo wasn't available nor were reloading facilities so the project went sideways

Dies have been available for ages for that and for practically everything else. I know we looked at it back in the early '90s and you could get them from RCBS. I'd use .50 ammo and reduce it...

[Peter Laidler]

Interesting BAR......... Use what...., use .50 cases and cut to M8C length? I asked about this and apparently, so-said, it's a no-no because the thickness of the brass at the new neck is just too thick to do whatever you have to do. But I'm not an avid reloader, preferring to shoot what was in the store!

[browningautorifle]

That's right, on both counts. The brass is sized down and trimmed to length. The inside of the neck is reamed out to correct thickness by a couple means...one is a ream and the other is a mini lathe. The load should be reduced by 10% at least and then go ahead. You can start at the bottom of the loading data and still reduce 10% if you feel it. I've made ammo for such as the MP 44 from .308 Federal brass and followed this exact procedure, very effectively... Opinions may vary but that's the poop... Use .50 BMG primers and IMR 5010 powder...both designed for .50 BMG. Here's one thread chatting about it. I've been into this stuff for decades now... Rifle chambered in .50 BMG versus .50 Spotter-Tracer... - AR15.Com Archive

Another... .50 cal spotter - General Discussion - FCSA Visitors Forum

[Badger]

With thanks to stencollector for locating these, check the Boys videos in the "The Screening Room" (click here)

Boys Anti-tank Rifle Training (3 videos produced by Disney Studios) (click here)

Regards,
Doug

[browningautorifle]

Just because we were talking about it...here's more food for thought. Remember, if we think of it, someone already has... How about loading 20MM Lahti cannon...or 2 pounder? I have a lathe, I'll make projectiles.

Environment Test Go down to .50 cal spotter...

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Anti-tank rifles are a bit like the "streaker's defence":

"It seemed like a good idea at the time, Your Worship!"

[browningautorifle]

a good idea

I'm with you there...you need to live out in the outback with bags of flat to shoot it properly...at least 500-600 m...