.50 Action Express

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The .50 Action Express (AE, 12.7 mm) is a cartridge used in a small number of large handguns and was originally created for the Magnum Research Desert Eagle. It is one of the largest handgun cartridges in production, and the most powerful one designed for automatic pistols. IMI factory loads have a muzzle velocity of 425 m/s (1,400 ft/s) with a 325 grain (21 g) bullet and 1917 J of energy (1414 ft·lbf). Handloading and cartridges from other manufacturers can develop even more power. Only three commercial cartridges designed for handguns exceed its ballistic performance: the .454 Casull, 460 XVR and the .500 S&W, all of which are fired only by revolvers.

.50 AE round from Desert Eagle pistol (left) next to 7.65x17 mm Browning (.32 ACP)(right).

The cartridge was developed in 1988 by Evan Whilden of Action Arms, who chose the gas operated Desert Eagle as the development platform, and first sold in 1991. The actual cartridge is .547 inch (13.9 mm) diameter at the base, but it has a rebated rim giving it the same diameter as the .44 Magnum. The case length is also identical. This was to allow Desert Eagle pistols to be upgraded to the new cartridge with only a barrel change. Nominal bullet diameter is 0.500 in (12.7 mm).

The principal uses of the .50 AE are metallic silhouette shooting and hunting. The .50 AE has developed a reputation for superb accuracy, no doubt due to the high-quality, expensive firearms that have chambered it. The cartridge is extremely powerful and is generally not practical for tactical and defensive use. However this cartridge is often chosen for self defense purposes due to its media portrayal and high power. Other Firearms chambered in the .50 AE include the AMT Automag V, LAR Grizzly, Freedom Arms model 555, Magnum Research BFR and some other, lesser known handguns.

.50 Action Express

See also