For those with Big Bores, why Beowulf ???

[WillD]

I've followed the AR big bore evolution and I've seen several here mention their Beowulfs. I've always leaned towards the .458 SOCOM, a) for greater bullet selection and b) not needing to stock another caliber for reloading.

Why did you choose the Beowulf?
What other big bores are you all shooting and what lead you to them?

TIA, Will

[DangerClose]

Great question. I have seen more Beo's than the .458 SOCOMs. Why choose a 20 gauge over a 12? I have a feeling its more about preference and advertisment. I have a feeling AA got a lot of business after the futureweapons show did a piece on them.

[bwaites]

First, I own a Beowulf so my opinion is obvious!

The bullet variety issue is a nonstarter. I have factory loads with 4 different bullets on the shelf. I have handloads with a 5th, and that doesn't even cover all the loads that AA offers. How many different loads will you actually use in a rifle designed for use from 200 yards in?

The Beo is the original Big Bore AR, and .50 is always bigger than .45! LOL!!

The Big Bores are not plinking rifles, so you aren't going to go send 200 rounds downrange unless you are a glutton for punishment.

There is nothing wrong with the .458, but there is nothing it does that the Beo won't do.

If you already are keeping bullets in stock that work with the .458, I can certainly understand wanting to simplify!

[glane5910]

I got my Beowulf because I happened to get a pretty good deal on one. I was looking at both the 458 and the 50B. I'm glad I took the Wulf. Agree, bullet selection is a non-issue with me. I used some Barnes pistol X bullets that almost look like a damn half dollar when it opens up. I'm not sure what other bullet weight etc one would want to use that didn't cover any of the 458 bullets?

[WillD]

I have to admit I haven't had much interest in the .500 S&W and after viewing the ammo available at AA there are more projectiles available now than when I'd originally looked. It's unfortunate IMO that barrels longer than the 16" are not offered. Is the 24" barrel used in the AA ballistics table a standard test barrel length? My original interest was based on the performance I was obtaining with 300, 350, and 400 gr. Barnes X bullets in my .458 Rem.. At the time using those bullets in a lighter semi-auto package was appealing but as Bill mentioned, it's not a plinker. Shooting the lighter weight bullet handloads in my 700 Safari with a PAST recoil pad over a t-shirt is no worse than shooting a box of clays. My original idea was cross platform use of projectiles on hand but upon reflection a big bore AR seems like the answer to a question I didn't ask. Thanks for your input, Will

[DangerClose]

Last I heard the 50 Beo isnt a target catridge. But im sure someone here has worked up a decent load

[bwaites]

Last I heard the 50 Beo isnt a target catridge. But im sure someone here has worked up a decent load

It's a great bear round, very suitable for Elk and Moose within 200 yards. BUT...I agree, it is useful only for very specific purposes. I will admit that of the rifles I shoot, it is the one that absolutely, positively, brings a grin to everyone who shoots it!

It's accurate, too.

Here's a picture of the first group I shot with 300 grain Hornady FTX's. 5 shots/100 yards. I actually had a tighter group, basically all in one hole, about .75" diameter, but I threw the fifth shot about an inch out. The bottom two touching holes here are the first two after resetting from a 200 yard zero. The other 3 are with my adjustment to set the 100 yard zero.

[glane5910]

I get tight groups with my loads also. I've only have my hand loads to use though. The Rainer bullets are pretty darned good for the price.

[glane5910]

I doubt you really need that much more bbl than 16". There isn't that much powder there and should have a complete burn in that giant 16" long hole.

[wolverine]

There is a huge number of bullets available for use in the Beowulf! I like the 350g Hornady XTP, this is my go to hunting bullet that is very accurate. The best deal going is the Berry’s 350g, I bought 1000 of them for $200.00. I only use the Berry’s bullets for target practice, but I swear point of impact is the same as the Hornady 350g XTP at a fraction of the cost. The Hornady 300g FTX deserve an honorable mention, I have had good success with them as well like all .50 Hornady bullets. However, my Beowulf’s “sweet spot” is the 350g bullets and really see no need to use anything larger and there is defiantly larger bullets like the 600g Strong Arm for example.

My only complaint after I built the rifle was the lack of brass out there for it, now there even seems to be plenty of that. The straight case makes it simple to reload and the brass seems to last forever. The Beowulf, SOCOM, and 450Bushmaster truly are cartridges that must be reloaded; you just cannot go to Wal-Mart or Gander and buy it. Even when you can find factory ammo I’m not sure how anyone could afford to shoot big bores at over $1.00 a cartridge.

Bottom line, I absolutely love my Beowulf, it is the most fun to shoot and the best hunting rifle I ever owned……………………Roger

[WillD]

You guys are killing me LOL I'm not sure how to break it to the wife that we "need" another gun safe!
Does anyone have a list of Beowulf bullet makers?

Wolverine I agree wholeheartedly about the fun to be had from shooting big bores but I'd like to hear more why the Beowulf is "the best hunting rifle I ever owned". What was the best before the Beowulf?

Cheers, Will

[munchie3409]

I don't own a big bore yet, but I'm leaning towards 458 SOCOM because you can use the same AR mags. Don't you need a different mag for the wulf?

[bwaites]

I don't own a big bore yet, but I'm leaning towards 458 SOCOM because you can use the same AR mags. Don't you need a different mag for the wulf?

Nope, AR 5.56 mags work fine. Some you have to tweak the feed lips a little, others run just fine.

[glane5910]

Pmags run just fine in my 50

[Aquateen]

Pmags run great in the Beowulf as long as your using a 350gr bullet or less. Any bigger and it tends to run into the follower stop. For the most part you dont need anything bigger than 350. That bullet will kill anything in North America or any of the Americas for that matter.