9×19mm Parabellum (pistol) vs .50 BMG (12.7×99mm)
From the world's most widespread pistol cartridge to the heavy machine-gun and anti-materiel round. The 9×19mm Parabellum has a typical manual effective range of about 50 metres; the .50 BMG (12.7×99mm), about 1.8 km: thirty-six times as far. These are reference effective ranges; both have a far greater maximum ballistic range.
9×19mm Parabellum (pistol) · 50 m — .50 BMG (12.7×99mm) · 1.8 km
.50 BMG (12.7×99mm) reaches about 36 times farther than 9×19mm Parabellum (pistol)
Both lines start at the same point. Each interval multiplies distance: this is not a trajectory or geographic route.
9×19mm Parabellum (pistol)
50 m · reference effective range
Typical manual effective range; not maximum ballistic range.
.50 BMG (12.7×99mm)
1.8 km · reference effective range
Reference effective range; maximum ballistic range is much greater.
Full scale
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* Estimate, variable figure or condition-dependent envelope. It does not indicate accuracy, effectiveness or effects.
Figures used and how reliable they are
- 9×19mm Parabellum (pistol): 50 m. Typical manual effective range; not maximum ballistic range.
- .50 BMG (12.7×99mm): 1.8 km. Reference effective range; maximum ballistic range is much greater.
Related comparisons
Compare any other pair in the projectile range comparison, with its full method. More context: Weapons · Military history · All tools
Sources / References
- Royal Armouries and The Metropolitan Museum of Art bow and crossbow catalogues.
- U.S. Army public technical manuals for small arms and artillery.
- BAE Systems and KNDS public sheets for the M777 and CAESAR.
- NATO public ammunition standardisation material.