Caliber matchup
| Metric | .38 Special | .50 AE |
|---|---|---|
| Typical bullet | 130 gr | 300 gr |
| Muzzle velocity | 890 fps | 1500 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 229 ft·lb | 1499 ft·lb |
| Cost per round | $0.40 | $1.75 |
| Recoil | Light-moderate | Severe |
| Introduced | 1898 | 1988 |
| Best role | Revolver classic | Maximum handgun power |
.38 Special: Soft-shooting revolver staple; +P loads close some of the gap to 9mm.
.50 AE: The Desert Eagle round; range-day spectacle with real hunting energy.
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