Nothing else on our shelves comes close to the 50 BMG. A single round weighs more than a handful of 9mm cartridges, and the muzzle energy is in five figures. This guide covers 50 BMG ballistics for the loads we carry and explains how to read them. It also answers the questions people ask most, starting with what the name means.
What Does BMG Stand For in 50 BMG?
BMG stands for Browning Machine Gun. The round was developed around the end of World War I for John Browning’s heavy machine gun. That line of guns led to the M2, which is still in service.
The military name is 12.7x99mm NATO. The bullet is .50 inch across, and the case is 99 mm long. Civilians shoot it mostly in large bolt-action and semi-auto rifles built for long-range target work.
Is 50 BMG the same as “50 cal”? People use “50 cal” loosely. The 50 AE and the 500 S&W also fire half-inch bullets, but they are handgun rounds. When someone says “50 cal rifle,” they usually mean the 50 BMG. See our 50 AE ballistic data guide for the pistol round.
50 BMG Ballistics Table
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammo Inc. FMJ | 660 | FMJ | 2,900 | 12,327 | 50 rounds (5 boxes of 10) |
| Ammo Inc. FMJ | 660 | FMJ | 2,900 | 12,327 | 10-round box |
| PMC | 660 | FMJ boat tail | Not listed | Not listed | 10-round box |
| PMC | 660 | FMJ boat tail | Not listed | Not listed | 200 rounds (20 boxes of 10) |
| Hornady Match | 750 | A-MAX | 2,820 | 13,241 | 10-round box |
| Hornady Match | 750 | A-MAX | 2,815 | 13,196 | 100 rounds (10 boxes of 10) |
PMC does not publish a speed figure for the loads we carry, so those cells say “Not listed.”
Reading the Numbers
Velocity
Ammo Inc. 660 grain FMJ lists 2,900 fps. Hornady 750 grain A-MAX Match lists 2,820 fps in the 10-round box. The 100-round Hornady pack lists 2,815 fps. Small gaps like that are normal between listings.
Energy
The Ammo Inc. load lists 12,327 ft-lb. The Hornady 750 grain lists 13,241 ft-lb. For scale, the Federal Power-Shok 308 150 grain soft point, a common deer load, lists 2,648 ft-lb. The 50 BMG carries roughly four to five times that. Energy is figured from bullet weight and the square of speed.
Bullet weight
How many grains is a 50 BMG bullet? In our stock, 660 or 750 grains. That’s about 1.5 to 1.7 ounces of bullet. The heavier Hornady bullet is slower at the muzzle but has a sleek polymer tip and boat tail. It is built to hold speed at long range.
FMJ vs Match: Which to Buy
660-grain FMJ is for general shooting and practice. It costs less per round. The PMC 660 grain FMJBT in a 200-round pack is the bulk pick.
750-grain A-MAX Match is for long-range target work, where small groups and steady wind drift count.
One range note: the PMC load uses a steel jacket and is listed as magnetic. Some ranges ban steel-jacketed or magnetic ammo because it can damage steel targets or start fires. The Hornady load is listed as non-magnetic. Check your range’s rules before you go.
Recoil is heavy even in a big rifle. Most 50 BMG rifles use a muzzle brake, which makes the blast very loud for anyone nearby. Double up on hearing protection.
How Far Can a 50 BMG Shoot?
A long way. Shooters use it for targets well past 1,000 yards. The bullet can travel miles if fired at a high angle, which is why safe backstops and range limits matter so much. Your effective range depends on your rifle, optic, load and skill. We don’t publish drop tables. Build your own data at the range with a good ballistic app.
Barrel Length and Conditions
Factory 50 BMG rifles come in a range of barrel lengths. A shorter barrel gives up some speed compared with the box figure. Temperature changes powder burn. Altitude thins the air, which cuts drag and helps the bullet keep its speed. If you shoot at long range, log the conditions with each group. That’s how you turn published 50 BMG ballistics into real dope for your rifle.
Legal Notes
Laws on 50 BMG rifles and ammo vary. Some states and cities restrict them. Check your state and local rules before you buy or order. Shipping limits may also apply to your address.
Moving up from a big magnum? Compare with the 338 Lapua Magnum ballistic data guide.
Shop 50 BMG Ammo
All loads above are in our 50 BMG ammo collection. Grab FMJ for practice and A-MAX Match for long-range work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BMG stand for in 50 BMG?
BMG stands for Browning Machine Gun. The cartridge was developed around the end of World War I for John Browning’s heavy machine gun, which led to the M2. Its military name is 12.7x99mm NATO.
How many grains is a 50 BMG?
Bullet weights vary by load. In our stock, the FMJ loads from Ammo Inc. and PMC use 660-grain bullets. Hornady’s A-MAX Match uses a 750-grain bullet. That is about 1.5 to 1.7 ounces of bullet.
Is 50 BMG the same as 50 cal?
People often use 50 cal to mean the 50 BMG. But other rounds, such as the 50 AE and 500 S&W, also fire half-inch bullets. They are handgun rounds and do not swap with the 50 BMG in any way.
How far can a 50 BMG shoot?
Shooters use it for targets well past 1,000 yards. At a high angle, a bullet can travel miles, so safe backstops matter. Your effective range depends on the rifle, optic, load and your skill.
How fast is a 50 BMG bullet?
In our stock, Ammo Inc. 660 grain FMJ lists 2,900 fps. Hornady 750 grain A-MAX Match lists 2,820 fps in the 10-round box. Barrel length and conditions will change the real speed from your rifle.
