Heavy machine gun and anti-materiel cartridge. Extreme power and range. Can disable vehicles and equipment at over a mile.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1921, United States
Parent case: None
Standardization: NATO
Bullet diameter: 0.51" (12.95 mm)
Case length: 3.91" (99.31 mm)
Overall length: 5.45" (138.43 mm)
Max pressure: 55,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: .50 BMG primer
Typical twist rate: 1:15
Muzzle velocity: 2800–3000 fps
Muzzle energy: 12000–14000 ft-lbs
Effective range: 2000 yd
Common bullet weights: 647, 660, 700, 750 gr
Primary use: Military, Target
Production status: Active
Also known as: .50 Browning · 12.7x99mm
History: Designed by John Browning in 1918 to defeat armored vehicles and aircraft. Officially adopted by the US military in 1921 as the primary heavy machine gun round. Over 100 years later, it remains the standard heavy MG cartridge worldwide. Also used in the Barrett M82/M107 sniper rifle for extreme long-range precision and anti-materiel roles.
Notable firearms: M2 Browning, Barrett M82, McMillan TAC-50
Military use: {"country":"United States","years":"1921-present","conflicts":["WWII","Korea","Vietnam","Gulf War","Iraq","Afghanistan"]}, {"country":"NATO","years":"1950s-present"}
Similar cartridges: .416 Barrett, 14.5x114mm