The 50 AE is the round most people picture when they think of the Desert Eagle. It’s big, loud and fun on the range. It can also take deer and hogs with the right bullet. This page covers 50 AE ballistics for each load we carry: the bullet types, the published speeds and energy, and how to choose between them.
What Does AE Stand For in 50 AE?
AE stands for Action Express. The round was developed in the late 1980s for semi-auto pistols, and the Magnum Research Desert Eagle made it famous.
The case has a rebated rim. That means the rim is smaller than the case body. It matches the rim size of the .44 Magnum. That lets a Desert Eagle switch between the two with a barrel and magazine change.
Is 50 AE a 50 Cal?
Yes and no. The 50 AE fires a bullet that measures .500 inch, so it is a 50 caliber handgun round. But it is not the same as the 50 BMG. The 50 BMG is a huge rifle and machine gun round. The two share a bullet diameter and nothing else. Read our 50 BMG ballistic data guide to see how far apart they are.
It is also not the same as the 500 S&W Magnum. That revolver round uses a longer case and runs much faster. Compare them in our 500 S&W Magnum ballistic data guide.
50 AE Ballistics Table
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underwood Xtreme Defense | 230 | Fluted copper | 1,700 | 1,476 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Custom | 300 | JHP | 1,475 | 1,449 | 20-round box |
| Underwood XTP | 300 | JHP | 1,580 | 1,663 | 20-round box |
| Buffalo Bore | 300 | FMJ | 1,500 | 1,499 | 20-round box |
| Underwood | 300 | FMJ flat nose | Not listed | Not listed | 20-round box |
| Federal Fusion | 300 | Bonded JHP | Not listed | Not listed | 20-round box |
| Buffalo Bore | 325 | JHP | 1,450 | 1,517 | 20-round box |
| Magnum Research | 350 | JSP | 1,411 | 1,547 | 20-round box |
| Buffalo Bore | 350 | JHP | 1,350 | 1,416 | 20-round box |
| Buffalo Bore | 350 | FMJ | 1,350 | 1,416 | 20-round box |
| Buffalo Bore | 380 | Flat nose | 1,250 | 1,318 | 20-round box |
The Underwood 300 grain FMJ flat nose and Federal Fusion 300 grain are in stock without published speed figures.
What the Numbers Tell You
Light and fast
The Underwood Xtreme Defense 230 grain is the speed leader at 1,700 fps. Its fluted copper bullet does not expand. It is built to cut and push through with less recoil than heavier loads.
The 300-grain middle
Most shooters land on 300 grains. Underwood 300 grain XTP lists 1,580 fps and 1,663 ft-lb, the most energy in our 50 AE stock. Hornady Custom 300 grain JHP lists 1,475 fps and 1,449 ft-lb.
Heavy and slower
The 350 and 380-grain loads trade speed for weight. Magnum Research 350 grain JSP lists 1,411 fps and 1,547 ft-lb. Heavy bullets push deeper and suit larger game.
How to Read Velocity and Energy
Muzzle velocity is the speed as the bullet exits, in feet per second. Muzzle energy is in foot-pounds and comes from weight times the square of speed. Speed counts more than weight in that math. That is why a fast 300-grain load can match or beat a slower 350-grain load.
The Desert Eagle comes with barrels of different lengths. A longer barrel tends to add speed, and a shorter one loses some. Cold weather can slow some powders. High altitude barely moves muzzle speed but helps the bullet hold it. Use published 50 AE ballistics as a guide and chronograph your own pistol.
Picking a 50 AE Load
- Range fun: FMJ loads like the Buffalo Bore 300 grain FMJ.
- Deer and hogs: 300 to 350-grain hollow points or soft points. Check that handgun hunting is legal for your game and area.
- Bigger, tougher game: the Buffalo Bore 380 grain flat nose.
- Lead-free: the Underwood Xtreme Defense.
Feeding matters too. The Desert Eagle is a gas-operated pistol and can be picky. Test any new load before you rely on it.
Is 50 AE a Good Defense Round?
It can work, but it is a tough fit for most people. The pistol is large and heavy. Recoil and muzzle blast are severe, which slows follow-up shots. Indoors, the noise and flash are hard on you. Most shooters are better served by a smaller round they can shoot fast and well. If you do choose the 50 AE, practice a lot with your carry load. Laws on defensive ammo and hollow points vary, so check your state and local rules.
What Guns Shoot 50 AE?
The Desert Eagle is the main one. A few other pistols have been made for it over the years. Only fire 50 AE in a gun marked for it. Laws on handguns and ammo differ by state and city, so check your local rules before you buy.
Shop 50 AE Ammo
All loads above are in our 50 AE ammo collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AE stand for in 50 AE?
AE stands for Action Express. The 50 Action Express was developed in the late 1980s for semi-auto pistols. It is best known as the round of the Magnum Research Desert Eagle.
Is 50 AE a 50 cal?
Yes, the bullet measures .500 inch, so it is a 50 caliber handgun round. It is not the same as the 50 BMG, which is a far larger rifle and machine gun cartridge. The rounds do not swap between guns.
What guns shoot 50 AE?
The Magnum Research Desert Eagle is the main pistol chambered for 50 AE. A few other handguns have been made for it. Only fire it in a gun marked for the 50 AE.
Is 50 AE legal in California?
Ammo and handgun laws vary by state and city, and they change. California has its own rules on ammo sales and on which handguns can be sold. Check current state and local law before you buy or order 50 AE ammo.
How fast is a 50 AE bullet?
It depends on the load. In our stock, Underwood Xtreme Defense 230 grain lists 1,700 fps, and Buffalo Bore 380 grain flat nose lists 1,250 fps. Barrel length changes the real speed, so test your own pistol.
