The .50 BMG and the .50 AE are two of the most powerful handgun cartridges that are popular among handgun enthusiasts. The .50 BMG is a military-grade round used primarily in large-caliber machine guns, while the .50 AE is a relatively new cartridge developed for use in large-caliber pistols. But both rounds offer impressive stopping power and accuracy at long range. And thus making them an ideal choice for both target shooting and hunting.
However, there are some key differences between the two rounds that must be considered when choosing the right round for a particular application. And I am going to reveal the differences between 50 BMG vs .50 AE in-depth in my writing.
History Of .50 BMG And .50 AE
The .50 BMG and .50 AE (Action Express) are two different calibers of large-bore ammunition.
The .50 BMG:
It was developed in the early 1900s by John Moses Browning. He designed the round to be used in heavy machine guns.
- The .50 BMG is still used today in many military applications including sniper rifles and anti-materiel weapons.
- It is one of the most powerful rifle cartridges in existence, capable of delivering tremendous amounts of energy and destructive power.
The .50 AE:
It was developed in the 1990s by Action Arms, a firearms manufacturer.
- The .50 AE is a larger caliber than the .45 ACP
- It is typically used in large-frame semi-automatic pistols.
- It is more powerful than the .45 ACP and is capable of delivering greater energy and more stopping power than the .45 ACP.
- While the .50 AE is not as powerful as the .50 BMG, it is still a formidable round and suitable for personal defense or hunting.
Advantages Of .50 BMG And .50 AE
The .50 BMG and .50 AE are both powerful rounds used in large-caliber rifles.
Advantages of .50 BMG:
- It has a very high velocity and long range, making it an ideal choice for long-range shooting.
- It is very accurate and has very low recoil.
- It is a relatively inexpensive round.
- It is very powerful, making it a great choice for hunting large game.
Advantages of .50 AE:
- It has a higher muzzle velocity than the .50 BMG, making it ideal for short-range shooting.
- It has very low recoil and is very accurate.
- It is a relatively inexpensive round.
- It is more powerful than the .50 BMG, making it a great choice for home defense.
Disadvantages Of .50 BMG And .50 AE
- Cost: The .50 Beowulf and .50 AE are significantly more expensive than typical handgun and rifle cartridges, making them cost-prohibitive for many shooters.
- Recoil: Both the .50 Beowulf and .50 AE generate more recoil than most other cartridges, making them difficult to handle for inexperienced shooters.
- Availability: Both the .50 Beowulf and .50 AE cartridges are not widely available, making them difficult to find.
- Ammunition: Due to their size and power, the .50 Beowulf and .50 AE require specialized ammunition which can be hard to find and expensive.
- Barrel Length: Both the .50 Beowulf and .50 AE require long barrels to achieve their full potential, making them difficult to use in shorter-barreled handguns.
.50 BMG VS .50 AE: In-Depth Discussion About Their Differences
Which One Is More Powerful?
The .50 BMG is a much larger and more powerful round than the .50 AE. It has an effective range of up to 2,000 yards and is capable of penetrating body armor and other hard targets. It is commonly used in military and law enforcement applications.
On the contrary, the .50 AE is a much smaller and less powerful round. It has an effective range of up to 100 yards and is not capable of penetrating body armor. It is commonly used in civilian and recreational applications.
Uses Of .50 BMG And .50 AE
.50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun):
The .50 BMG, or Browning Machine Gun round, is a large caliber rifle cartridge used primarily in long-range sniper rifles and machine guns.
- It is also popular in 50-caliber muzzle-loading rifles.
- The cartridge is designed to penetrate armor, light vehicles, and other hard targets.
.50 AE (Action Express):
The .50 AE, or Action Express, is a large caliber handgun cartridge used primarily in large-frame, semi-automatic pistols.
- It is popular for self-defense and target shooting.
- The cartridge is designed to penetrate soft body armor, as well as provide a higher velocity and flatter trajectory than other handgun cartridges.
Cost Difference Between The .50 BMG And The .50 AE
The cost difference between the .50 BMG and the .50 AE is quite significant.
- The .50 BMG round typically costs between $4.00 and $4.50 per round, while the .50 AE round typically costs around $1.50 per round.
Because the .50 BMG round is a much more powerful round. And it is used primarily for long-range shooting.
On the other hand, the .50 AE round is a less powerful round. And it is often used for target shooting or self-defense purposes.
How Are the 50 BMG and the .50 AE Ammunition Loaded?
50 BMG ammunition is loaded with a large brass case, a large rifle primer, and long-grain propellant.
- The projectile is typically a heavy-weight, full-metal jacketed bullet with a diameter of .510 inches.
50 AE ammunition is loaded with a large rimless case, a small pistol primer, and short-grain propellant.
- The projectile is typically a lightweight, jacketed hollow point bullet with a diameter of .500 inches.
Note:
The projectile may vary in weight from 650 to 800 grains, depending on the specific cartridge.
The Main Difference: .50 BMG VS .50 AE
- The .50 BMG is a military cartridge used in heavy machine guns and large-caliber sniper rifles.
- And, the .50 AE is a larger, more powerful pistol cartridge used in some semi-automatic handguns.
Some High-Voltage Queries On .50 BMG
How Does The .50 BMG Compare To Other Rifle Calibers?
The .50 BMG is a large caliber rifle cartridge that is used in both long-range target shooting and anti-materiel applications. It is the largest caliber centerfire cartridge available and is extremely powerful.
In comparison to other rifle calibers, the .50 BMG is significantly more powerful, producing more energy and having a higher muzzle velocity. It is capable of penetrating light and medium armor. And these qualities make it a powerful choice for military and law enforcement applications.
Is the .50 BMG Accurate?
Yes, the .50 BMG is accurate when fired from a quality rifle with experienced shooters. But the .50 BMG can be difficult to shoot accurately for novice shooters due to its high recoil and long bullet drop.
How Powerful Is The .50 BMG?
The .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) is a powerful round that is used in both anti-materiel and anti-personnel roles.
- It is capable of taking out a variety of targets, including light armor, heavy machinery, and personnel.
- It is one of the most powerful rifle rounds in the world and can produce significant amounts of damage.
Is The .50 BMG Legal To Own?
Yes, the .50 BMG is legal to own in most countries and states. But, there may be restrictions on the type of firearm that can be used to fire the round. Therefore, you should always check your local laws and regulations before purchasing a .50 BMG firearm.
Final Words!
The .50 BMG and .50 AE are both powerful rounds that are well-suited for long-range shooting and hunting. Both rounds have excellent accuracy and can be used for a variety of purposes. The .50 BMG is larger and more powerful than the .50 AE.
The .50 BMG is primarily used for military and law enforcement applications. In contrast, the .50 AE is smaller, lighter, and more available than the .50 BMG. And it is favored by many civilian shooters. As a result, the .50 AE is the more popular round for civilian use.
