The idea of the .50 Browning developed during World War I and was said to be inspired by Germany’s Mauser 13.2mm TuF (Tank und Flieger, which translates as “tank and aircraft”) anti-tank rifles and ammunitions.
The 13.2mm TuF was the first ammunition that was intentionally made to attack armored targets and drew attention from those who witnessed its forces.
To create their own armor-attacking ammunition, the Army went to John Moses Browning, the renowned gunsmith, to discuss their needs. They wanted a machine-gun fired, heavy projectile that could reach a velocity of up to 2,700 feet per second (fps).
Browning agreed with the military’s need and has even been quoted as saying: “Well, the cartridge sounds pretty good to start. You make up some cartridges and we’ll do some shooting.”
Learn more about the .50 BMG with our caliber history guide: https://ammo.com/rifle/50-bmg-ammo#caliber-history