The Cost of 100 Rounds of .50 BMG Ammunition: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to the cost of 100 rounds of .50 BMG ammunition, the price can vary widely depending on the source, the type of ammo, and the purchasing method. Below, we break down the current cost and provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to pay for your 50 BMG rounds.

Current Market Price

As of my last update, a search revealed that 100 rounds of standard military surplus ball .50 BMG ammunition typically sell for between $300 to $400. However, with thorough research, you can find better deals and possibly higher-quality ammunition at a lower cost.

Country-Specific Contracts and Prices

Countries such as Albania often have large contracts involving the use of Soviet-era weapons and ammunition. This makes the sell price of .50 BMG ammo commonly negative, indicating both trade and surplus stocks are available.

Typically, the price per round can range from $3.50 to $5.50, depending on the vendor and the type of ammo. For basic military surplus rounds, the cost is around $3.00 per round, making a 100-round can cost approximately $300. Interestingly, while general ammunition prices have increased significantly over the past year, 50 BMG ammo prices remained relatively stable.

Current Retail Prices

Currently, retail prices for 50 BMG ball ammunition, when purchased in bulk, range from approximately $3.20 to $4.50 per round. This means a 100-round can would typically cost between $320 and $450.

For higher-end options, like armor-piercing incendiary tracer, the price can go up to around $5 per round. A 100-round can might cost $5 to $10, depending on the supplier.

Specialty Ammo and Additional Costs

Certain specialty ammo types, such as armor-piercing incendiary tracer, can have varying prices. For example, 100 rounds of 50 BMG ball with tracer after every fourth round can cost around $2.69 per round, which totals approximately $269 before shipping.

One anecdotal story tells of an instance where a century of 50 BMG rounds, including tracer rounds, was found for a lower price: my old man, Frank Schlichting, once found a single round for 12.75 Canadian dollars (approximately $9.96 USD). If we assume ten of these rounds, the total would be $99.60, which translates to $1,280 Canadian at the current exchange rate.

In conclusion, the cost of 100 rounds of .50 BMG ammunition can range widely, from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. It's crucial to carefully research and compare prices from different vendors to find the best deal. Additionally, factors such as the type of ammo and whether it's military surplus or specialty ammo will greatly influence the final price.