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AR-15Bolt face: .50 Beowulf

.50 Beowulf Ballistics

Alexander Arms proprietary big-bore cartridge. Massive bullet mass delivers heavy energy at close range. Uses a dedicated bolt and single-stack magazines. Effective within 200 yards for large game and defensive use.

Cartridge Specifications

SAAMI Max Pressure
33,000 psi
Bullet Diameter
0.5 in
Case Length
1.65 in
Overall Length
2.26 in
Parent Case
.50 AE
Bolt Face
.50 Beowulf
Min Barrel
12 in
Platform
AR-15

Common Bullet Weights and Types

Alexander Arms 300 gr XTPAlexander Arms 400 gr FP

Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length

Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length

Bullet Drop Table

Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.

LoadZero100 yd200 yd300 yd400 yd500 yd
300 gr XTP200 yd50-21-62-
350 gr XTP200 yd5.50-23-68-
400 gr FP200 yd6.50-27-78-

Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind

Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.

Load100 yd200 yd300 yd400 yd500 yd
300 gr XTP11.623.334.946.558.2
350 gr XTP11.923.735.647.459.3
400 gr FP13.727.441.254.968.6

Effective Range by Application

Large game hunting0 to 200 yd
Self-defense0 to 100 yd

Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations

300 to 400 gr1:16 or 1:19

Published Load Data

WeightTypeBarrelMV (fps)ME (ft-lb)BC (G1)Source
300 grXTP16 in1,9002,4040.21Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf 300gr Hornady XTP published specs
300 grXTP18 in1,9502,5330.21Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf 300gr Hornady XTP published specs
350 grXTP16 in1,7752,4480.23Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf 350gr Hornady XTP published specs
350 grXTP18 in1,8252,5880.23Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf 350gr Hornady XTP published specs
400 grFP16 in1,6502,4180.2Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf 400gr Flat Point published specs
400 grFP18 in1,7002,5660.2Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf 400gr Flat Point published specs

Data Disclaimer

Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf 300gr Hornady XTP published specs; Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf 350gr Hornady XTP published specs; Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf 400gr Flat Point published specs. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.

Pick the right barrel

Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in .50 Beowulf.