Lindcott Armory Compare / .50 BMG vs .55 Boys
Cartridge comparison
.50 BMG vs .55 Boys
.55 Boys is faster (3,250 vs 3,000 fps); .55 Boys carries more energy (23,466 vs 14,000 ft·lb); .55 Boys recoils less.
.50 BMG →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.55 Boys →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–1000 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .50 BMG | .55 Boys | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | Rifle |
| Introduced | 1921 | 1937 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.51″ | 0.565″ |
| Case length | 3.91″ | 3.899″ |
| Velocity | 2,800–3,000 fps | 2,950–3,250 fps |
| Energy | 12,000–14,000 ft·lb | 17,902–23,466 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 55,000 psi | 68,000 psi |
| Recoil | 100–200 ft·lb | 70–90 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 2000 yd | 300 yd |
FAQs
- Is .50 BMG faster than .55 Boys?
- .55 Boys is faster — up to 3,250 fps versus 3,000 fps.
- Does .50 BMG hit harder than .55 Boys?
- .55 Boys carries more muzzle energy (23,466 vs 14,000 ft·lb).