.50 Beowulf

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5.56mm Compared to .50 Beowulf Cartridges (334gr and 400gr)
5.56mm Compared to .50 Beowulf Cartridges (334gr and 400gr)

The .50 Beowulf is a powerful rifle cartridge developed by Alexander Arms. It was originally designed to be used in a modified AR-15 .223 semiautomatic rifle, but is now offered for other guns, including the Magnum Research BFR revolver.

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[edit] Accuracy and power

When fired from the modified AR-15, the .50 Beowulf displays excellent accuracy and power. It forms a 3/4 inch group at 100 yards, and can completely penetrate 10 inches of treated wood. However, it has somewhat lighter recoil than other large calibers, making it a better tactical caliber than other half-inch rounds. The kinetic energy conveyed by a .50 Beowulf bullet after 100 yards of travel is roughly the same as that conveyed by a 12-gauge shotgun slug (3" shell) at the muzzle.

[edit] Design

The .50 Beowulf is approximately the same size as the .500 Smith and Wesson Magnum but, with slightly larger powder capacity. The Beowulf, however, was designed for the AR platform and factory loadings are limited in power to the strength of the bolt found on the AR. It has a rebated rim to allow it to be used in conjunction with a 7.62x39 bolt face.

In the BFRrevolver the .50 Beowulf can be hand loaded to the same power and velocity as the .500 Smith & Wesson.[1]

The Imposing Muzzle View
The Imposing Muzzle View

The .50 Beowulf was designed to provide significant stopping power at short to moderate ranges from an AR platform. Combining the platform of the AR15/M16 style weapons with a unique .500 inch projectile and cartridge, this semi automatic weapon has been used by contractors to stop vehicles in the Middle East.

The .50 Beowulf has been used by hunters in the brush, capable of taking large wild game. Wild pig hunting is currently the largest hunting use of this rifle as wild pigs are notoriously difficult to take down. Currently it is being used not only by hunters, but by game control agencies as well. The combination of heavy large diameter bullets and moderate velocities enables the Beowulf to tackle the largest game found in North America and it has been used against Moose, Elk, Buffalo and Bear with superb results.

Providing a semi automatic, light carbine with the performance of the venerable 45-70 rifle, the .50 Beowulf could serve a specialty role with Military and Law Enforcement agencies. The external ballistics of the Beowulf cartridge are well suited to urban environments where the shorter range template allows for more flexible application and the large projectile energy delivered by the ammunition can disable both motor vehicles and assailants with body armor. Windscreen glass and automotive body panels do not significantly affect the trajectory of the bullet.

[edit] References

Quinn, Jeff (8 July 2002). Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf (Web page).

Umlaut, Arms LLC (4 December 2006). .50Beowulf.com (Web page). Umlaut Arms LLC.

Alexander, Arms LLC (4 December 2006). .50 Beowulf Ballistics (PDF). Umlaut Arms LLC.

.50 Beowulf 16.5" Barreled Carbine
.50 Beowulf 16.5" Barreled Carbine
334gr Hollowpoint Penetration of 1/4" thick steel plate at 36 yards
334gr Hollowpoint Penetration of 1/4" thick steel plate at 36 yards

[edit] External Links

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