The .50 Action Express (AE) cartridge, typically used in the Desert Eagle pistol, features a massive projectile diameter of 12.7 millimeters. This substantial size contributes significantly to the firearm’s formidable power and resulting recoil. The cartridge case length itself is 35 millimeters.
The large diameter projectile historically generated significant energy transfer upon impact, making the Desert Eagle and similar firearms popular choices for hunting large game and silhouette shooting. While the stopping power is undeniable, this comes at the cost of increased recoil and reduced ammunition capacity compared to smaller calibers. The choice of this specific caliber directly influences the weapon’s effectiveness for intended purposes, impacting both ballistic performance and practical handling.