.50 Beowulf

.50 Beowulf

5.56 mm compared to .50 Beowulf cartridges.
Type Rifle
Place of origin United States
Production history
Designed 2001
Produced 2001
Specifications
Parent case .50 Action Express
Case type Rebated rim, straight
Bullet diameter .500 in (12.7 mm)
Neck diameter .525 in (13.3 mm)
Base diameter .535 in (13.6 mm)
Rim diameter .445 in (11.3 mm)
Case length 1.65 in (42 mm)
Overall length 2.125 in (54.0 mm)
Primer type Large pistol magnum
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
300 gr (19 g) Speer Gold Dot 1,800 ft/s (550 m/s) 2,159 ft·lbf (2,927 J)
325 gr (21 g) Speer HP 1,950 ft/s (590 m/s) 2,745 ft·lbf (3,722 J)
334 gr (22 g) Rainer FMJ 1,900 ft/s (580 m/s) 2,678 ft·lbf (3,631 J)
334 gr (22 g) Rainer HP 1,900 ft/s (580 m/s) 2,678 ft·lbf (3,631 J)
400 gr (26 g) Hawk JSP 1,800 ft/s (550 m/s) 2,878 ft·lbf (3,902 J)
Test barrel length: 16
Source(s):

The .50 Beowulf is a rifle cartridge developed by Bill Alexander [1] of Alexander Arms for use in a modified AR-15 rifle.

Design and specifications

The cartridge utilizes a rebated rim, sized to match the rim of the 7.62×39mm and 6.5 mm Grendel rounds. The case body is very similar in dimensions to the .500 S&W Magnum revolver cartridge, being slightly longer and fully tapered for automatic feeding in the weapon.

The round is intended to improve stopping power greatly at short- to medium-range as compared to the standard 5.56×45mm NATO round. One of its advertised uses is at vehicle checkpoints, since the heavy bullet's flight path is not easily deflected by auto glass or standard vehicle body panels.

Design limitations

With normal bullet weights between 300 and 400 grains (19 and 26 g), overall cartridge length shorter than that of an AR-15 magazine well, and holding to pressures of 33,000 psi limited by the AR bolt strength system,[2] the .50 Beowulf is best described as a low-velocity, heavy caliber, making its ballistics roughly equivalent to those of early .45-70 Government rounds rather than the higher pressure rounds tolerated by modern lever action rifles such as the Marlin Model 1895.[3] Adaptability is limited due to its use of the 7.62×39mm bolt face.[4]

Proprietary status

.50 Beowulf 334 gr. hollow-point shot from 16" barrel Beowulf rifle at 36 yards penetrated 1⁄4" (approx. 6.35 mm) thick steel plate.

The .50 Beowulf is a proprietary caliber developed as a specialized cartridge and weapon. Alexander Arms oversees all aspects of the production of the system and related accessories. Their reluctance to divulge information has been a source of irritation to some writers.[3]

Sporting uses

Although much has been written about its tactical uses, the .50 Beowulf is gaining recognition as a sporting cartridge. It is becoming more widely recognized as being usable for a wide variety of North American game,[5] including deer, moose, and black bear.[3]

Similar cartridges

The cartridge has its lineage in the .50 Action Express, a cartridge originally developed for the Magnum Research Desert Eagle pistol, with significant modification to improve functionality and safety in the AR-15 platform.[6]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Berger, Matt (December 2011). "ALEXANDER ARMS .50 BEOWULF". Special weapons for military & police. Tactical-life.com. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  2. ↑ Cutshaw, Charlie (Jul–Aug 2006). ".50 caliber Beowulf". Tactical Response. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 D'Alessandro, Joseph. "The 50 Beowulf: A Reluctant Retrospective". Retrieved 2009-06-22.
  4. ↑ the .50 Beowulf
  5. ↑ Youngblood, Paul (July 14, 2011). "What's the .50 Beowulf good for?". Guns & Ammo. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  6. ↑ "Alexander Arms - Frequently Asked Questions". Retrieved 2012-01-11.

External links