Lindcott Armory Compare / .50 AE vs .500 S&W Magnum
Cartridge comparison
.50 AE vs .500 S&W Magnum
.500 S&W Magnum is faster (1,900 vs 1,650 fps); .500 S&W Magnum carries more energy (2,900 vs 1,970 ft·lb); .50 AE recoils less.
.50 AE →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.500 S&W Magnum →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .50 AE | .500 S&W Magnum | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol | Revolver |
| Introduced | 1988 | 2003 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.5″ | 0.5″ |
| Case length | 1.285″ | 1.625″ |
| Velocity | 1,400–1,650 fps | 1,200–1,900 fps |
| Energy | 1,305–1,970 ft·lb | 1,500–2,900 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 36,000 psi | 60,000 psi |
| Recoil | 15–22 ft·lb | 65–90 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 50 yd | 200 yd |
FAQs
- Is .50 AE faster than .500 S&W Magnum?
- .500 S&W Magnum is faster — up to 1,900 fps versus 1,650 fps.
- Does .50 AE hit harder than .500 S&W Magnum?
- .500 S&W Magnum carries more muzzle energy (2,900 vs 1,970 ft·lb).