.50 AE Ammo Overview

Introduced by Action Express in 1988, .50 AE ammo powers the Desert Eagle pistol.
It offers massive stopping power with large-caliber performance.
Popular among hunters and handgun enthusiasts seeking heavy-hitting rounds.

Why It's a Top Choice

• Exceptional stopping power and recoil energy
• Versatile for hunting and silhouette shooting
• Widely available in hollow point and FMJ variants
• Compatible primarily with large-frame pistols like Desert Eagle
• Distinctive large-caliber silhouette aids target acquisition

Key Variants

.50 AE FMJ

Full metal jacket variant suited for target practice and range shooting.

.50 AE Hollow Point

Designed for controlled expansion and enhanced stopping power in self-defense.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.50 AE Ammo	.44 Magnum	.45 Colt
Typical Velocity (fps)	1200–1400	1200–1400	850–1000
Energy (ft-lb)	1100–1400	900–1200	400–600
Typical Use	Hunting, silhouette	Self-defense, hunting	Self-defense, cowboy action
Recoil	Very heavy	Heavy	Moderate
Availability	Common	Very common	Common
Notable Pro	Massive stopping power	Versatile and historic	Classic brass case
Notable Con	High recoil	Heavy recoil	Lower energy

Best Use Cases

• Big-game hunting with large-caliber handguns
• Silhouette and cowboy action shooting sports
• Collection for large-caliber handgun enthusiasts
• Range practice for experienced shooters

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use .50 AE ammo in pistols other than the Desert Eagle?

.50 AE ammo is primarily chambered in Desert Eagle pistols; few other pistols support this caliber.

What is the typical recoil of .50 AE ammo?

The recoil is very heavy, requiring strong grip and experience for safe shooting.

How does .50 AE compare to .44 Magnum in power?

.50 AE generally offers higher energy and larger bullet diameter than .44 Magnum rounds.