The 50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) is a large rifle caliber (bullets size) that uses cartridges measuring up to 0.50 inches in diameter. The 9mm (also known as 9x19mm Parabellum) is a much smaller pistol caliber bullet which gets its name from the fact that it measures 9 mm or 0.355 inches in diameter.
Both calibers are popular among gun enthusiasts and professionals alike, but there are more interesting differences between them. Let’s delve deep into them.
We also did a comparsion between the 50 BMG and 50 AE, which you might be interested in!
Size and Weight
The 50 BMG cartridge measures just over 3 inches long – with its projectile alone measuring nearly 2.75 inches. The head of a standard 50 BMG cartridge reaches almost 1 inch in diameter, making it at least three times wider than any given round form.
The 9mm cartridge measures just over one inch at its longest point. Its comparatively small counterpart – measuring less than half an inch.
A 50 BMG round weighs in at a hefty 661 grains or approximately 43 grams while the typical 9mm bullet averages out to just around 115 grains or 7 grams– that’s quite a size difference!
Design and Appearance
Visually speaking, these two rounds offer another point of comparison with vast discrepancies between them as well. Because of their different weights and sizes, they look quite unlike one another when set side by side, even from a distance
It is easy to pick out which is which as the larger shape and subdued brass tone are characteristics that make the 50 BMG stand apart from other types of ammunition.
Performance
Both offer effective stopping power when used correctly; however, if you wish to engage long-range targets effectively then you may want to opt for employing a more powerful round 50 BMG than its smaller counterpart.
Recoil and Accuracy
The 50 BMG is a force to be reckoned with. Its massive size and weight create a recoil that demolishes the 9mm round and can even prove too powerful for those who are inexperienced in shooting heavy weaponry.
However, an experienced marksman can use the 50 BMG to achieve remarkable levels of accuracy, even at extraordinary distances like one mile.
In fact, the 50 BMG is often more accurate than some well-known sniper rounds such as .308 or 7.62 X 39mm cartridges which become less effective as distance increases. For those who love power and precision, the .50 BMG is the way to go!
Penetrative Potential
The 50 BMG offers superior penetrative power. It can breach even the most rigid armor plate steel with ease and has an impressive range of 2,000 yards.
Its range only reaches up to 150 yards, but it can still penetrate a thick wall or piece of Kevlar body armor at close range.
Destructive Potential
Thanks to its large caliber design, 50 BMG packs an incredible punch that is devastatingly effective on challenging targets like buildings or vehicles.
The 9 mm round isn’t typically used for demolitions, due to its relatively low energy at long ranges compared to the 50-caliber counterpart. However, in closer quarters, it still maintains excellent destructive capabilities with fewer shots needed than larger rounds like 12-gauge shotgun shells or .45 ACP handguns.
In addition, because 9mm is smaller than other rounds such as 762x39mm rifle rounds or even 556 NATO ammunition – it carries less recoil force per shot making it easier for shooters who may have smaller frames or are inexperienced with firearms in general.
Differences in Usage
The 50 BMG (also known as 12.7x99mm NATO) round has very high penetrating power and can destroy armored vehicles or fortified bunkers from long-range distances, making it ideal for military operations that require this type of firepower.
Historically, it has been used in conflicts all around the world since World War I and continues to be the weapon of choice for many branches of the armed services.
On the other hand, the 9mm Parabellum round has much lower penetration power but is still devastatingly lethal when used at close ranges.
This makes it ideal for use by law enforcement personnel or home defense applications where a smaller caliber may be more appropriate than larger ammunition such as that used in 50 BMG rounds.
Choice of Guns
In terms of guns specifically designed to fire these two types of rounds, there are many options available depending on one’s needs and preferences.
Popular firearms chambered in 50 BMG typically include bolt action sniper rifles like those manufactured by Barrett and Accuracy International, semi-automatic shoulder-fired rifles like those manufactured by Serbu Firearms LLC., and even single-shot pistols like those manufactured by Gunsite Precision Firearms.
If you are looking for the best 50 BMG sniper rifle, look no further than the Barrett M82a1 50 BMG, as it is one of the most powerful, most accurate rifles out there. It also provides the highest value for money due to its lower price, in my opinion.
As far as guns chambered in 9mm Parabellum go, some popular handguns include Glock 17 pistols, Smith & Wesson M&P pistols, Sig Sauer P226 handguns, H&K USP Compact pistols, and Astra Falcon C double action semi-automatic handguns made by Astra Arms Corporation.
To summarize, they are used in compact handguns. If you are on the looks for a quality, well-handling and versatile 9mm handgun, I recommend you Smith and Wesson CSX. It is one the most sold and highest rated guns out there and for a good reason.
A highlight is the extremely economical price of around $600. You can avail a further $60 discount if you buy it from Guns.com, my recommended seller.
Price and Value for Money
The price for both varies with the manufacturer and the retailer. The 50 BMG is manufactured by a significantly fewer number of manufacturers.
Among those, my personal favorite is the Hornady Match. A 10-round box of 50 BMG 750 grain bullets will cost you around $70-80. You can click here to check the updated price and also to buy it from my recommnended online retailer, Guns.com.
The 9mm is manufactured by a plethora of ammunition manufacturers. Between them, I would recommend the Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 147 grain bullets (full metal jacket). Alternatively, you can save some more bucks and go with the Remington Range 124 grain which are also full metal jacket. Both will serve you sufficiently well.
Final Thoughts
Overall, when putting their penetrative and destructive potential against each other we can see that both of them are quite different.
If you are perparing for a long-range sniping haul, the 50 BMG will definitely serve you better. Thus, I will not recommend this calibre to the average guy looking for a home security solution even a beginner guns enthusiast.
On the other hand, the 9mm is more suited to home defense situations and even the daily police activities, which is a testament to its potential.
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