Invented in 1918 by John Browning, the .50 BMG, also known
as the 50 Browning, 50 Browning Machine Gun, and 12.7x99mm,
has been used extensively in almost every conflict since its
adoption in 1923.
Adopted by the US military in 1923 the .50 has been used longer
than any other cartridge in military history.
(Note: The .45 ACP is actually older, was technically superseded.)
Technnically .50 BMG is the biggest cartridge available to shooters without the encumbrance restrictions.
(There are other wider diameter cartridges, but not large available) |