A firearm can never function properly and effectively without the right ammunition. With a wide array of bullets available for use, how can you conclude which suits you and your gun the best?
50 BMG and 50AE, both are prominent names in the ammunition industry but they are highly unique in their capabilities and function. From size to muzzle energy to penetrative and destructive strength, we will discuss how these two bullets compare with each other. We also did a comparsion between the 50 BMG and 9 mm, which you might be interested in!
So, let’s get right to it!
Dimensions
| 50 BMG | 50 AE | |
|---|---|---|
| Case type | Rimless, Bottleneck | Rebated rim, Straight |
| Bullet Diameter | .510” ( 13mm ) | .500” ( 12.7mm ) |
| Neck Diameter | .560” ( 14.2mm ) | .531” (13.5mm ) |
| Base Diameter | .804” ( 20.4mm ) | .543” ( 13.8mm ) |
| Rim Diameter | .804” (20.4mm ) | .514” ( 13.1mm ) |
| Rim Thickness | .083” (2.1mm ) | .060” (1.5mm ) |
| Case Length | 3.91” (99mm ) | 1.28” ( 32.6mm ) |
| Overall Length | 5.45” ( 138mm ) | 1.61” ( 40.6mm ) |
| Primer Type | # 35 Arsenal Primer | Large Pistol |
| Maximum Pressure | 54,923 psi | 36,000 psi |
| Weight | 23 g | 19 g |
As you can tell from the table above, there is a huge difference in the size, shape, weight and velocity of both the bullets. The 50 BMG is notably larger and has the ability to generally exert more pressure than the 50AE.
Material
The 50 BMG cartridge is composed of a manganese molybdenum steel core and a lead antimony base seal along with an incendiary tip.
The 50 AE is primarily available in two bullet types. Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP), which is a lead bullet encased typically in copper. Soft Point (SP), which is the soft point ammunition made of soft lead.
Penetrative and Destructive Potential
The 50 BMG weapons like the Barrett M82 rifle and the Browning M2HB heavy machine gun are used by the military to discharge unexploded charges from a safe distance, against light armor vehicles as it can disable any vehicle if aimed at the engine.
The 50 BMG can also penetrate through any concrete walls easily. Unfortunately due to its high velocity and penetrative prowess any type of big game hunting is usually off the table since the rounds would cause excessive damage to the animal and make it unsalvageable.
Used for tackling down large predators and game hunting, the 50 AE possesses incredible stopping power as well. However, it still does not compare with the strength of the 50 BMG.
Muzzle Energy
The 50 BMG can produce muzzle energy between 10,000 -15,000 foot-pound of force and muzzle velocity of 2800-3500 fps.
Compare that to a popular cartridge among the hunting community, the 30-60 springfield caliber round which produces 2000-3000 foot-pound of force and it’s easy to see why the 50 BMG is the premium choice among militaries of most countries.
The muzzle energy for 50AE is 1400-1600 foot-pound of force while its muzzle velocity falls in the range of 1450-1550 fps. Evidently, the muzzle of 50 BMG has much better performance than the 50AE.
Gun Compatibility
The 50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) cartridge is a 12.7 x 99mm NATO round and was initially created for the M2 Browning heavy machine gun in 1910. 50 BMG is the standard cartridge for all NATO forces as well as many non NATO countries.
It is a large caliber heavy machine gun and anti materiel (destroys military equipment) rifle round. It can also take down helicopters and other low flying aircrafts.
The 50 AE (Action Express) is a large caliber handgun cartridge and is most famous for its use in the Desert Eagle handgun. It was created in 1988 by Evan Whildin for Action Arms. The 50 AE is one of the most powerful pistol cartridges available today.
50 AE has a 12.7×33 mm round and a substantial recoil. Although the Desert Eagle was the first handgun to chamber a 50 AE round there are some more guns which are compatible with it like Freedom Arms 555, Magnum Research BFR and AMT Automag V.
Uses and Gunner Preference
The 50 BMG cartridge is the ideal weapon for long range shooting as it has a lot of firepower. It also has a high ballistic coefficient (which means it can overcome air resistance), while external elements cannot change its trajectory by much, which makes it a favorite for snipers and is commonly used with the Barrett sniper rifle in the military.
As the 50 AE is such a hefty and accurate cartridge it is a favorite among big game hunters and it performs exceptionally well when hunting large predators. This is also an amazing backup to carry when hunting Apex predators because of its speed and power.
Another popular use of the 50 AE is Metallic Silhouette Shooting (shooting steel targets at varying distances) as the bullet travels hard and fast at a great distance.
I would also highly recommend you subscribe to my email newsletter where I personally handpick and share exciting offers, rebates and disocunt deals on firearms, ammunition, accessories and gun parts.
Check out my other equally in-depth popular bullet comparisons: