The 50 Action Express is a centerfire handgun cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 35,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 6.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 20.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 50 Action Express with the 44 Remington Magnum on the same basis.
50 AE ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 300 gr | 1,460–1,550 fps | 1,420–1,600 ft-lb |
| 325 gr | 1,400 fps | 1,414 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists two reference bullet weights for the 50 Action Express, 300 and 325 grains. The lighter, 300 grains, is listed at 1,460–1,550 fps, which computes to 1,420–1,600 ft-lb. The heavier, 325 grains, is listed at 1,400 fps, which computes to 1,414 ft-lb.
SAAMI lists more than one reference velocity for 300 grains. Its own note says this is because a weight can carry several introductions meeting different market needs, such as reduced-recoil loads, or because propellant and loading advances allowed higher velocities after the original load appeared.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 50 AE ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Barrel, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 50 Action Express is 6.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 20.00 in, with a .500 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your handgun: handgun barrels vary widely in length, and a shorter barrel gives lower velocity. The maximum average pressure is 35,000 psi. Fire 50 Action Express ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
50 AE vs 44 Magnum: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 50 Action Express | 44 Remington Magnum |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 35,000 psi | 36,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 6.000 in | Revolver test barrel (see SAAMI drawing) |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 20.00 in | 1 turn in 20.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .500 in | .429 in |
| Lightest reference load | 300 gr — 1,460–1,550 fps / 1,420–1,600 ft-lb | 180 gr — 1,800 fps / 1,295 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 300 gr — 1,460–1,550 fps / 1,420–1,600 ft-lb | 300 gr — 1,200 fps / 959 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 325 gr — 1,400 fps / 1,414 ft-lb | 300 gr — 1,200 fps / 959 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 50 Action Express at 35,000 psi and the 44 Remington Magnum at 36,000 psi, so the 50 Action Express runs 1,000 psi lower. At 300 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 50 Action Express reference velocity is up to 1,550 fps (1,600 ft-lb computed), against 1,200 fps (959 ft-lb) for the 44 Remington Magnum. On that row the 50 Action Express carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 44 Magnum ammo.
50 AE ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 50 Action Express?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3 sets the maximum average pressure for the 50 Action Express at 35,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 50 Action Express?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 50 Action Express is 6.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 20.00 in. Your own handgun may differ.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 50 Action Express?
SAAMI lists 2 reference weights, from 300 to 325 grains: 300 and 325.
Is the 50 Action Express more powerful than the 44 Remington Magnum?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 300 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 50 Action Express reference velocity is up to 1,550 fps (1,600 ft-lb computed), against 1,200 fps (959 ft-lb) for the 44 Remington Magnum.
What is the effective range of the 50 Action Express?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 50 Action Express drop at 100 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 50 AE ammunition from Buffalo Bore, Underwood, Federal, Hornady and Magnum Research. Browse the full 50 AE ammo range.
