The mass of projectiles used in the .50 Action Express, a powerful handgun cartridge, typically ranges from 300 to 700 grains (approximately 19 to 45 grams). This substantial mass contributes significantly to the cartridge’s terminal ballistics.
Projectile mass plays a crucial role in determining a cartridge’s energy, momentum, and trajectory. Heavier projectiles retain energy and velocity over longer distances, potentially increasing their effectiveness on target at extended ranges. The .50 Action Express’s development in the late 1980s sought to provide handgun users with enhanced stopping power and range, filling a niche between traditional handgun cartridges and rifles.