The Desert Eagle cartridge. Fires a half-inch diameter bullet from a semi-automatic pistol — the most powerful centerfire semi-automatic pistol cartridge in common production.
Type: Pistol
Introduced: 1988, United States
Parent case: .44 Magnum
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.5" (12.7 mm)
Case length: 1.285" (32.64 mm)
Overall length: 1.61" (40.89 mm)
Max pressure: 36,000 PSI
Rim type: Rebated
Primer: Large Pistol
Typical twist rate: 1:19
Muzzle velocity: 1400–1650 fps
Muzzle energy: 1305–1970 ft-lbs
Effective range: 50 yd
Common bullet weights: 300, 325 gr
Primary use: Self-Defense, Hunting
Production status: Active
Also known as: .50 Action Express · 12.7x33mm
History: Designed by Evan Whildin at Action Arms specifically for IMI's Desert Eagle pistol. The rebated rim allows the .50 AE to use the same bolt face as the .44 Magnum Desert Eagle — a cost-saving engineering decision. IMI/Magnum Research converted existing Desert Eagles to .50 AE by changing only the barrel and magazine.
Notable firearms: Desert Eagle Mk XIX, LAR Grizzly
Similar cartridges: .454 Casull, .500 S&W Magnum, .44 Magnum