Description
Federal Lake City .50 BMG (12.7x99mm) 4:1 M33 Ball / M17 Tracer Linked Ammo in M2A1 Can
Authentic U.S. Military-spec .50 BMG ammunition manufactured at the famed Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. Linked in a standard 4:1 ratio containing four 660gr/690gr M33 Full Metal Jacket Ball rounds to one 618gr M17 Red Tracer round, packed in a heavy-duty M2A1 metal ammo can.
Product Overview
Federal Lake City .50 BMG 4:1 M33 Ball / M17 Tracer linked ammunition (Part #ZSAMA557MOI) delivers genuine mil-spec performance and military heritage. Produced at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, Missouri, under government contract standards, this belt-fed 12.7x99mm ammunition is built for extreme durability, long-range fire, and maximum reliability in belt-fed systems and heavy rifles.
Each 100-round continuous belt is connected with standard M9 metallic links, configured with four M33 FMJ Ball cartridges followed by one M17 Red Tracer cartridge. The M33 Ball projectiles feature a steel core with a gilding metal jacket designed for target engagement and anti-materiel applications, while the M17 Tracer rounds provide clear visible trajectory tracking out to 1,500 yards. Loaded in heavy-duty reloadable brass cases with sealed non-corrosive Boxer primers and waterproofed case mouths, this batch comes packed directly inside an authentic metal M2A1 ammo can.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Manufacturer | Federal / Lake City Army Ammunition Plant |
| Manufacturer SKU / Part # | ZSAMA557MOI / MPN: 5165500810 |
| Caliber | .50 BMG / 12.7x99mm NATO |
| Link Ratio | 4:1 (4 M33 Ball : 1 M17 Tracer) |
| Bullet Weight | 660 Grain (M33 Ball) / 618 Grain (M17 Tracer) |
| Bullet Type | FMJ Steel Core Ball / Visible Pyrotechnic Tracer |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,910 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 12,408 ft-lbs |
| Max Average Pressure | 65,000 psi |
| Link Type | M9 Disintegrating Metallic Links |
| Casing Material | Mil-Spec Brass (Waterproof Sealed Mouth) |
| Primer Type | Boxer, Non-Corrosive (Crimped & Sealed) |
| Packaging | M2A1 Steel 50 Cal Ammo Can (100 Rounds Linked) |
Ballistic Performance Data
| Distance | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,910 | 12,408 |
| 200 Yards | 2,650 | 10,285 |
| 500 Yards | 2,290 | 7,680 |
| 800 Yards | 1,960 | 5,630 |
| 1,000 Yards | 1,760 | 4,540 |
Military specification parameters measured from standard military test barrels. Real-world trajectory and velocity will vary based on firearm barrel length and environmental conditions.
Key Benefits
- Authentic Lake City Production: Manufactured under strict U.S. Military contract quality standards for reliability and long storage life.
- Factory M9 Linked Belt: Ready for immediate deployment in belt-fed firearms or easily de-linked for bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles.
- 4:1 Ball-to-Tracer Ratio: Provides real-time visual tracking of projectile trajectory while maintaining solid target impact.
- Extreme Environmental Protection: Sealed primers and case mouths offer 7.5 psi waterproof sealing, safely stored inside a gasket-sealed M2A1 metal can.
Compatibility & Usage Notes
This ammunition is chambered for .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO) firearms. It feeds in belt-fed systems utilizing M9 metallic links (such as the M2HB Browning machine gun) or can be de-linked manually for single-shot and magazine-fed rifles like the Barrett M82A1, M107A1, and Armalite AR-50. Warning: Ensure local range regulations permit the firing of tracer ammunition and steel-core projectiles prior to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this ammo in a magazine-fed .50 BMG rifle?
Yes. While the cartridges come factory-linked on metal M9 links, you can easily press the individual rounds out of the links to load them into standard .50 BMG firearm magazines.
Are M17 tracer rounds safe for all target ranges?
Tracer projectiles generate intense heat during flight. Always check local range rules and dry fire conditions, as tracers can present a fire hazard in dry vegetation or on indoor range backstops.
Is Lake City .50 BMG ammo reloadable?
Yes. These rounds feature premium heavy-wall brass cases with standard non-corrosive Boxer primers and crimped primer pockets, suitable for reloading.
