Lindcott Armory Compare / 20mm Hispano vs .50 BMG
Cartridge comparison
20mm Hispano vs .50 BMG
.50 BMG is faster (3,000 vs 2,900 fps).
20mm Hispano →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.50 BMG →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| 20mm Hispano | .50 BMG | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Autocannon | Rifle |
| Introduced | 1938 | 1921 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.787″ | 0.51″ |
| Case length | 4.331″ | 3.91″ |
| Velocity | 2,750–2,900 fps | 2,800–3,000 fps |
| Energy | — | 12,000–14,000 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | — | 55,000 psi |
| Recoil | — | 100–200 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | — | 2000 yd |
FAQs
- Is 20mm Hispano faster than .50 BMG?
- .50 BMG is faster — up to 3,000 fps versus 2,900 fps.