Raufoss MK211: Unveiling the Ultimate Multipurpose Round

• Table of Contents:
• MK211 vs. SLAP Rounds: A Heated Debate
• Legal Considerations for Raufoss MK211 Ownership in the United States
• Cost of Raufoss MK211 Rounds
• So That's The Raufoss Round

Raufoss MK211 .50 BMG: The Rounds Basic Profile

The Raufoss MK211, also known as the Multipurpose (MP) round, is a .50 caliber BMG (Browning Machine Gun) cartridge manufactured by Nammo, a Norwegian defense company. This round has a unique design, which combines multiple effects into a single projectile. It has the ability to pierce thick armor due to the tungsten carbide penetrator found inside the cartridge. Raufoss rounds also have a small amount of explosive compound, which enhances damage potential. As if that wasn’t enough, this .50 BMG round also contains incendiary components which ignite upon impact. This can cause fires and additional damage to targets, as well as look really cool upon impact! All of those features contribute to the acronym HEIAP often found in the description of this round (high-explosive incendiary armor-piercing).

Upon impact, the incendiary compound ignites which creates the initial explosion. This coupled with the tungsten penetrator lurching forward out of the mild steel cup helps ignite the explosive RDX compound (1.5 - 2x more powerful that TNT) which is the devastating secondary explosion. During the secondary explosion, the zirconium powder that surrounds the 215-grain tungsten carbide penetrator ignites and shoots white hot spall that has similar properties to burning magnesium or white phosphorous. The tungsten penetrator then continues on through the target until it loses all its energy. This round can easily punch through a 3" thick Humvee ballistic windshield and the secondary explosion will occur once inside the cabin.

This deadly combination makes the Raufoss MK211 highly effective against a variety of targets, including armored vehicles, aircraft, and fortified structures. I certainly wouldn’t want to get hit by one of these, nor be anywhere near the target when it hits!

(Figure 1: A close up of the Raufoss rounds and their signature green and white tips.)

Raufoss MK211 vs. SLAP Rounds: A Heated Debate

While both the Raufoss MK211 and SLAP (Saboted Light Armor Penetrator) rounds are designed for armor-piercing capabilities, they differ significantly in design and functionality. First, the composition of these rounds are slightly different. Raufoss MK211 combines armor-piercing, explosive, and incendiary elements, whereas SLAP rounds consist of a sub-caliber tungsten penetrator encased in a plastic sabot. This focuses solely on penetration without explosive or incendiary effects.

The effectiveness of each round differs as well. Raufoss MK211 provides a multi-faceted impact, with penetration followed by an explosion and incendiary damage, making it versatile against various targets. While capable of penetrating armor, it is designed to also deliver explosive and incendiary damage. This multipurpose design means that some of the round's energy is used for these additional effects, potentially reducing the depth of penetration compared to SLAP rounds. SLAP is primarily designed to achieve high velocities and penetrate armor. It lacks the additional explosive and incendiary effects. So, in other words, no secondary explosion and no incendiary fireworks at the point of impact.

Raufoss MK211 is ideal for situations where multidimensional damage is required, such as disabling armored vehicles and causing internal damage through explosions. SLAP rounds are best suited for scenarios where pure penetration is needed, such as piercing through heavy armor or hard targets.

(Figure 2: A close up of the Raufoss round internals. We had to check if these were legit!)

Legal Considerations for Raufoss MK211

For individual ownership, specifically in the United States, I highly encourage each potential buyer to do their own research. The law is notoriously complex and ever changing, and I do not feel comfortable stating laws or regulations that can change at the drop of a hat. That being said, I can write a little bit about their use as far as the Geneva Conventions are concerned.

The legality and use of MK211 ammunition under the Geneva Conventions is complex, and depends highly on the context of use. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols primarily regulate the conduct of armed conflict and aim to protect those who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities. The conventions themselves do not specifically mention types of ammunition. However, the use of certain types of weapons and ammunition is regulated by additional treaties and customary international humanitarian law principles.

There are somewhat relevant conventions to be found for MK211 ammunition in the Geneva Conventions. Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 included provisions prohibiting the use of certain types of ammunition, such as expanding bullets (often interpreted as hollow-point bullets). The MK211 doesn’t fall under this category. However, it still must comply with broader principles of international humanitarian law.

Second, and probably the most relevant to this .50 BMG round, is the Principles of Distinction and Proportionality. These principles, in their most basic sense, aim to ensure parties to a conflict avoid causing unnecessary suffering or incidental harm to civilians, as well as know who is a combatant, and non-combatant. The use of MK211 Raufoss rounds must comply with these principles.

So to recap, it would appear the use of Raufoss rounds comes down to knowing who or what the target is, and ensuring that if this round is indeed fired off, the recipient of these munitions do not suffer needlessly. The force used is not to be in extreme excess to the force required to eliminate the target or targets. As with individual ownership, take everything written here and please do your own research. Dozermunitions.com is not responsible for any liabilities!

Cost of Raufoss MK211 Rounds

The Raufoss MK211 rounds are relatively expensive due to their complex design and limited availability. On average, these rounds can cost between $100 to $150 per round. Prices may vary based on the seller, quantity purchased, and market conditions. Significant research and development go into creating and refining advanced ammunition like the MK211. These R&D costs are factored into the price of the rounds. Ensuring compliance with international and national regulations, safety standards, and military specifications can also add to the cost. This includes testing and certification processes. Side note, we often have some available for purchase. Get yours now while supplies last!

(Figure 3: Raufoss Penetrator Core)

So That's The MK211 Raufoss

The Raufoss MK211 .50 BMG round is a formidable piece of ammunition, offering a unique combination of armor-piercing, explosive, and incendiary effects. At DozerMunitions, we strive to provide our customers with detailed information to make informed decisions about their ammunition needs. Whether you are considering the Raufoss MK211 for its versatile combat capabilities or comparing it with SLAP rounds for specific applications, understanding the legalities, costs, and effectiveness is crucial.

For more information on our range of ammunition and friendly advice, visit  www.DozerMunitions.com. Stay informed and keep on Dozin' on!