Affiliate Disclosure: AmmoCave.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Lucky Gunner, Optics Planet, Brownells, Cabelas, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Rainier Arms, Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Guide, Ammo.com, Ammo Man, Primary Arms, MidWayUsa, Amazon, eBay, etс. Clicking a link helps keep AmmoCave.com free, at no extra cost to you!
Authors: Each article is verified by AmmoCave's expert team. Professional hunters, firearm trainers, gunsmiths, and gun experts write the articles. AmmoCave Team independently researches, tests, reviews, and uses recommendations from our community of gun owners. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any agency's official policy or position. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions about Best 50 Cal Ammo in the comments and join the discussions. Let's share 💬 our ammo & gun experiences together!
What is 50 Cal Ammo? 💈
It is a type of ammunition used by firearms and other weapons that utilize the .50 calibre cartridge. It is one of the most popular types of rifle ammunition and is used in hunting, law enforcement, and military applications. The round was first developed in the early 1900s and has been used extensively in both military and civilian
Features 🔋
🧲 1. Calibre: 50 calibre ammunition has a bullet diameter of 0.510 inches, making it one of the largest ammunition types available.
🧲 2. Bullet Weight: they can vary in weight from around 270 grains up to 750 grains, depending on the specific type of ammo.
🧲 3. Muzzle Velocity: Most of them have a muzzle velocity of around 2,800 to 3,100 feet per second, which is extremely fast and powerful.
🧲 4. Penetration: Due to its large calibre and high velocity, it has excellent penetration capabilities, capable of going through armour, thick walls, and even light vehicles.
🧲 5. Accuracy: While heavy and powerful, this ammo is known for its accuracy thanks to advanced bullet designs and manufacturing techniques.
🧲 6. Recoil: The recoil produced by firing this ammo can be significant, requiring the use of specialized firearms and accessories to manage the force.
🧲 7. Price: Due to the specialized manufacturing and high-quality materials used in this ammo, it can be quite expensive compared to other ammunition types.
🧲 8. Types of 50 Cal Ammo: There are several types available, including ball, tracer, armour-piercing, incendiary, and more. Each type of ammo is designed for specific purposes and situations.
🧲 9. Availability: it is not as widely available as other ammo types, and may require specialized orders and shipping to obtain.
🧲 10. Uses: it is commonly used for long-range sniping, anti-materiel purposes, and in heavy machine guns. It is also used by some hunters for large games such as elk and bear.
Maintenance Recommendations 🚦
🧷 1. Store in a cool and dry place: it should be stored in a cool and dry place to prevent any moisture from seeping in which may affect its performance.
🧷 2. Check for damages: Before using, inspect each round for any signs of damage. Discard any rounds with deformities or imperfections.
🧷 3. Clean the firearm regularly: Dirty firearms can cause malfunctions and decrease accuracy, therefore it is important to clean them regularly to prevent any buildup of dirt or residue.
🧷 4. Use quality cleaning materials: When cleaning firearms, it’s important to use quality cleaning materials to avoid damaging the weapon or causing harm to yourself. Invest in a reputable cleaning kit and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
🧷 5. Opt for brass casings: Brass casings are more durable than other materials used for ammo production, such as steel or aluminium. Brass casings are also more resistant to corrosion and can withstand high pressures without rupturing.
Best 💣 50 Cal Ammo Reviews
1# 50 Cal BMG – 750 Grain A-Max Match – Hornady
Looking for a top-performing round for your next shooting competition? Look no further than Hornady’s 50 Cal BMG – 750 Grain A-Max Match rounds. These massive 750-grain rounds are incredibly accurate and have amazing trajectories – making them perfect for long-range shooting. Each round is loaded into a boxer-primed brass casing that is re-loadable, making this an economical choice for shooters who like to reload their own ammunition. With 100 rounds in each case, you’ll have plenty of ammo on hand to hit your target time after time. Pick up a case of Hornady’s 50 Cal BMG – 750 Grain A-Max Match rounds today and be ready to compete with the best of the best.
2# 50 BMG – 660 Grain FMJ M33 – Lake City
Looking for a heavy-duty cartridge for your big 50-caliber rifle? Look no further than the 660 Grain FMJ M33 from Lake City. This dish-shaped full metal jacketed projectile is perfect for target practice or training exercises.
With a steel core, this bullet is magnetic and thus can be easily retrieved after shooting. It also packs a powerful punch, with over 12,000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. So whether you’re looking to up your game at the range or need some extra protection in the wild, the 50 BMG from Lake City has you covered.
3# 50 Cal BMG – 660 Grain FMJBT – PMC
Looking for an affordable, high-quality round for target practice or range training? Look no further than the 50 Cal BMG from PMC. This newly manufactured ammunition is precision made and designed for excellent long-range accuracy. The boat-tail bullet provides improved accuracy at extended ranges, while the boxer-primed brass casing is reloadable for added value. Don’t miss your chance to get your hands on this great deal – order today!
Reloading 📐
🔎 Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials. Before you start reloading, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and materials. These include a reloading press, die set, callipers, primers, powder, casings, and bullets. It’s important to select the right tools and materials for the job to ensure safety and accuracy.
🔎 Step 2: Clean Your Casings. Once you have your tools and materials, you’ll need to clean your casings. This is an important step to ensure that there’s no dirt, debris or residue that may interfere with the reloading process. You can either use a brass tumbler or sonic cleaner to clean your casings. After cleaning, inspect each casing for any signs of damage.
🔎 Step 3: Prime Your Casings. The next step is to prime your casings. Make sure that you have the correct primers for your casings. Using the wrong primers can be dangerous or even cause your gun to malfunction. Place your casings in the reloading press and use the priming tool to insert the primer.
🔎 Step 4: Load the Powder. Loading the correct amount of powder into your casings is crucial for accuracy and safety. Measure and weigh each load carefully to ensure consistency. Using a powder scale, fill each casing with the correct amount of powder, then tap the casing to settle the powder.
🔎 Step 5: Seat the Bullet. After loading the powder, you can now seat your bullets. Use the reloading press to gently press the bullet into the casing until it’s seated firmly. It’s important to remember not to crush the bullet or leave it loose in the casing.
🔎 Step 6: Inspect and Test. The final step is to inspect and test each round. Make sure that each casing is properly loaded with the correct primer, powder and bullet, and that there are no defects or damage. Test the rounds in a safe and controlled environment to ensure accuracy and safety.
We believe this video can be helpful for you📺
FAQ 🎯
Conclusion 💎
When it comes to finding the best 50-cal ammo for your needs, it is important to do your research. The options can be overwhelming, but this buyer’s guide will help simplify things and provide you with some of the top-rated products on the market. We have also included some tips on what to look for when making your purchase so that you can be sure you are getting quality ammo that will serve you well in the field. Thanks for reading! 🎧😊
Your article was a pleasure to read. Thank you for writing it. I bought universal bullets, but now I am interested in what type of bullets are most effective for American .50 cal.
When it comes to finding the most effective bullets for American .50 Cal rifles, there are several options on the market.
🟡 One of the most popular and widely used rounds is the .50 BMG, which stands for Browning Machine Gun. This powerful round was originally developed for use in anti-aircraft machine guns during World War I but has since become a favourite among long-range shooters due to its excellent accuracy and range.
🟡 Another popular type of ammo for .50 Cal rifles is the Armor Piercing Incendiary (API) round. These rounds are designed to penetrate armour and can easily penetrate steel plates, making them ideal for use in military or law enforcement applications. They also have the added benefit of igniting a target upon impact, making them useful for taking out vehicles or other high-value targets.
🟡 For those looking for a more affordable and versatile option, the Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) round is also a great choice. These rounds are typically used for target shooting and practice and are often less expensive than other types of ammo. They also have a lower risk of ricochet, making them safer to use in populated areas.
Howdy fellow long range enthusiasts!As someone who is not very knowledgeable about firearms, I was wondering if it would be possible to use the 50 cal ammo that is used in military aircraft with a civilian gun such as a bolt action or a Barrett. I understand that not all ammunition is the same, and there may be significant differences between military and civilian firearms that could prevent such usage. I would appreciate any input on this matter, as I want to make sure that I am using the correct ammunition for my firearm to ensure safety and optimal performance.
If you’re thinking about purchasing 50 cal ammo for a civilian gun like a bolt action or a Barrett, there are a few things to consider.
🔵 First of all, it’s important to note that 50-cal ammo is primarily used in military weapons and is not typically designed for civilian use.
🔵 In addition, firing 50 cal ammo from a civilian gun can be incredibly dangerous, as the ammunition is highly powerful and can cause serious injury or even death. It’s important to understand the risks involved before attempting to use 50-cal ammo in a civilian gun.
🔵 If you do decide to use 50 cal ammo in a civilian gun, it’s essential to only purchase high-quality ammunition that is specifically designed for use in your particular firearm. This will help ensure that the ammunition functions properly and reduces the risk of misfires or other problems.
When it comes to 50 BMG ammunition, it doesn’t matter whether it’s being used in a Browning M2, a Barrett, or a bolt action ROBAR. As long as the firearm is chambered for 50 BMG and the ammunition is not tampered with, it should fire without any issues. The compatibility between the ammunition and the firearm is determined solely by the chamber, not by whether it is a military or civilian firearm. For those looking for a more affordable option, a bolt action Barrett such as the M99 or M95 would be a good choice.
Based on the information provided, it is likely that the ammunition in question is 50 BMG. As long as a firearm is chambered for 50 BMG, it should be able to fire this ammunition regardless of whether it is a military or civilian firearm. In other words, any gun that is chambered for 50 BMG should be able to shoot this ammunition without any issues.
Regardless of whether it is being fired from a military-issued gun or a civilian-owned one, the bullet itself is unaware of the firearm it is being shot from. As long as the firearm is chambered for .50 BMG, it should be able to fire the corresponding ammunition without issue. The chamber is what determines the compatibility between the ammunition and the firearm, not whether it is a military or civilian firearm.
Your article was insightful and well-written. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
Thank you for your kind words 👍
Special thanks for the tips about reloading! In a comment made 3 years ago, trbig67 stated that they have been reloading for over 30 years and had bought a 50 BMG rifle only to realize that none of their existing reloading equipment would work with it due to the size of the ammunition. They had to purchase all new reloading equipment and were able to reload at approximately 80 cents per round using pulled/sized API (armor piercing incendiary) bullets with 220 grains of powder. New M33 ball FMJ (full metal jacket) bullets were a bit more expensive. Since the 50 BMG is not typically used for shooting hundreds of rounds in a single range session like an AR, they only shot around 25 rounds at a time with several people taking turns. To get more use out of the brass, trbig67 invested in an annealing machine for the case necks and only neck-sized the brass for reloads since the brass alone for the 50 BMG can be expensive.