According to the manufacturer, it was descended from the .50 Action Express, a cartridge originally developed for the Israel Military IndustriesDesert Eagle pistol, with significant modification to improve functionality and safety in the AR-15 platform.[1]
.50 Beowulf 334 gr. hollowpoint shot from 16" Barrel Beowulf rifle at 36 yards penetrated one quarter inch (1/4") thick steel plate.
The round is intended to improve stopping power greatly at short-to-medium range as compared to the standard 5.56mm. 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.
With normal bullet weights between 300 and 400 grains, overall cartridge length shorter than that of an AR-15 magazine well, and holding to pressures limited by the AR gas system, the .50 Beowulf remains at best a medium-powered cartridge. Alexander Arms uses gas ports adjusted for a pressure of 15,000 PSI, 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. [2]
Proprietary status
The .50 Beowulf is a proprietary caliber and its manufacturer controls the distribution process of its ammunition and components. This has resulted in supply bottlenecks.[2]
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