About .50 Beowulf

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about .50 Beowulf today. The cartridge is a popular alternative AR-15 caliber which has seen wide use since its introduction over two decades ago. Our goal is to provide a brief overview of the cartridge while delving traits, features, use cases, and more. Without further ado, let’s talk about .50 Beowulf.

What is .50 Beowulf?

The .50 Beowulf is an intermediate rifle cartridge which was developed and introduced by Alexander Arms in 2001. The cartridge was specifically designed to provide better stopping power than the 5.56x45mm NATO at close and medium engagement distances. Additionally, the cartridge was also advertised and marketed as being suitable for checkpoint use as it could defeat auto glass like windshields with minimal deflection. Notably, the .50 Beowulf is derived from the .50 AE and was designed to function in autoloading firearms.

Loadings for .50 Beowulf tend to lie between 300 and 400 grains, providing shooters with heavy, low velocity projectiles. The heavy projectiles aid in barrier penetration and providing a staggering effect on target. Many have compared the ballistics of the .50 Beowulf to that of early .45-70 Government loadings. Recoil of the cartridge is stouter than the familiar 5.56x45mm NATO but is ultimately manageable due to the operating system of an AR and things such as muzzle brakes.

Alexander Arms is quite protective of the .50 Beowulf as the company holds a trademark on the name and is tight-lipped regarding information regarding the loading. In spite of this, many producers of ammunition and firearms have reverse engineered the cartridge and offer support for the 12.7x42mm cartridge. Ammunition marked 12.7x42mm is compatible with .50 Beowulf firearms, just like .50 Beowulf ammunition will work with 12.7x42mm firearms and components. These alternative offerings simply cannot mark their loadings as “.50 Beowulf” due to issues regarding the trademarked name.

Is .50 Beowulf Interchangeable with Other Calibers?

While there are many .50 caliber cartridges on the market in this day and age besides the .50 Beowulf, the round is not interchangeable with any of them. Like the .50 Beowulf, these other cartridges are unique and designed for different use cases and firearms. These variances do not allow for interchangeability across calibers. For example, .50 Beowulf and .50 BMG are vastly different cartridges which are incompatible with each other. All in all, .50 Beowulf is not interchangeable with any other cartridge.

Optimized for AR Pattern Rifles

The .50 Beowulf is notably optimized for use in AR pattern rifles, allowing users to access a big bore intermediate rifle cartridge. An end user can find a variety of AR-15s, components, and accessories designed with the .50 Beowulf in mind. Additionally, due to the modularity of the platform and wide range of components, an end user is capable of building an AR-15 of their own in .50 Beowulf.

The cartridge’s intermediate length makes it appropriate for use in STANAG style magazines. Potential magazine options include standard AR mags and specialty .50 Beowulf magazines. These magazines function with standard AR-15 lowers due to the adherence to STANAG pattern specifications. .50 Beowulf specific magazines notably feature redesigned followers and feed lips to accommodate feeding of the thicker cartridge. Additionally, .50 Beowulf magazines typically accommodate fewer rounds than their 5.56x45mm NATO designed counterparts.

How Available is .50 Beowulf Ammunition?

Presently, the .50 Beowulf is supported by a handful of ammunition manufacturers. These companies mainly include Underwood, Alexander Arms. These loadings typically encompass full metal jacket (FMJ) offerings and specialty ammo designed for various use cases such as and hunting and defensive purposes. While the cartridge sees support from a wide range of companies, .50 Beowulf ammunition is generally not as common or plentiful as other, more contemporary cartridges are. One will find 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62×39, .300 Blackout, and .223 Remington ammo much easier than they will find .50 Beowulf ammo.

.50 Beowulf ammunition is not impossible to find by any means, one will just need to look harder for ammo than they would for other calibers. Proponents of the round typically buy bulk .50 Beowulf ammo quantities to ensure that they have a good stock of ammo. If one is having issue finding .50 Beowulf ammo locally, one can choose to shop for ammunition online and browse a wide range of options. If one chooses to buy ammo online, one is no longer limited by local stocks and can search for specific loadings. All in all, .50 Beowulf ammo is out there if you want it, you just might have to look a little harder for it and stock up with bulk ammo quantities when necessary.

How Available are Firearms Chambered in .50 Beowulf?

Like .50 Beowulf ammo, prospective buyers will find that firearm offerings seem to be lacking for the same reasons. .50 Beowulf offerings tend to be overshadowed by more popular and contemporary offerings in more common calibers. At this point in time, Alexander Arms is one of the most notable manufacturers of .50 Beowulf firearms. Other companies such as Bear Creek Arsenal and Pro2A Tactical

It is also possible for an end user to build an AR-15 in the caliber themselves. One can configure an AR-15 in a variety of ways by utilizing parts and components designed for the .50 Beowulf. All in all, if you are after a firearm in .50 Beowulf, you can certainly get ahold of one. While options may not be on every local shelf, buyers will have better luck looking online or placing a special order. Of course, if you cannot find exactly what you are looking for, building something yourself is also a viable option.

What is .50 Beowulf Used For?

As mentioned earlier, the .50 Beowulf was initially designed to provide superior stopping power than the 5.56x45mm NATO in an M4 type package. As such, the cartridge has seen use in martial and defensive capacities. With specialty loadings from companies like Underwood, the cartridge is exceptionally potent and possesses considerable fight stopping capability. Additionally, some SWAT agencies and similar entities have employed .50 Beowulf firearms with frangible rounds to be used in breaching applications.

While not originally intended for hunting, the cartridge has begun to develop a reputation among hunters. The cartridge is capable of dispatching many types of North American game like moose, deer, and even black bear. As with any type of hunting, one should utilize appropriate ammunition, firearms, equipment, and practices. By doing so, one ensures an optimal and ethical hunt.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the .50 Beowulf is a potent and versatile cartridge. Its viability in both defensive and hunting applications allows it to appeal to a wide range of shooters. We here at True Shot Ammo offer .50 Beowulf ammunition for sale in addition to the rest of our inventory. Our offerings encompass loadings for popular use cases such as hunting and precision-oriented shooting. Whether you want to buy .50 Beowulf ammo or buy ammunition of another type that we stock, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.

Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at [email protected] for more ammo options.

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Tyler Elsberry

Tyler Elsberry is an author for True Shot Ammo, boasting over a decade of experience in the firearms industry. His extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise make him a valuable asset to the True Shot team. Tyler's deep understanding of firearms, coupled with his passion for the ammunition industry, allows him to provide insightful and practical guidance to enthusiasts and professionals alike. His writings often reflect his commitment to delivering accurate, up-to-date information on the latest trends, products, and advancements in the field. Tyler's ability to convey complex technical details in an accessible manner has earned him a loyal following among readers seeking reliable advice and information in the world of firearms and ammunition.