The 50 Action Express (50 AE) was designed by Evan Whildin and introduced in 1991 in the Israeli Desert Eagle semiautomatic pistol. At the time of introduction it was the most powerful handgun cartridge, though since surpassed by the 460 and 500 Smith & Wesson. 50 AE uses a rimless case with length of 1.285 inches and a true .50-caliber bullet with .500-inch diameter. Firing a 300-grain bullet at 1550 fps, the 50 AE is extremely powerful and requires an extra-large pistol such as the Desert Eagle to house it. Recoil is severe, and power level is substantially greater than needed for personal defense. However, the 50 AE is a superb round for handgun hunting, proven on very large game. Ammunition is available from multiple sources.
