Originally Posted By wheatons83: Sorry bro your pics only made my dicision clearer about wolf or socom!  Alexandar Arms is smart about keeping to the true AR style Rifle.  DUST COVER, FORWARD ASSIST " yep those are must componets for a true battle rifle such as the AR-15/M-16.  So Alexandar Arms did it right with the 50 beowolf.   Unless all you do is shoot off a bench at the range, but hell if thats all you do you might as well just buy  a LEVER GUN

Well my friend...you need to look a little closer, the 458 SOCOM I have has both a forward assist and a dust cover.  I would say that maybe the earlier models of 458 SOCOM's, which were all custom rigs, might have lacked a dust cover or Foward assist, however it would seem that the "more recently made" 458 SOCOM's have the cover and Foward assist.  

For referrence, see the pic titled "Pops and his MGI w/458 16"  in the link below

458 SOCOM Forum Pics

I think a little more research is required on your part you can make the claim 458 SOCOM rifles lack a dust cover and forward assist....furthermore by saying Alexander Arms did it right, am I to infer that Tromix/Teppo Jutsu did it wrong? Id say you can't charge us 458 SOCOM users as "bench shooters at the range" ...but I will let a few others chime in that respect...

Originally Posted By wheatons83: Sorry bro your pics only made my dicision clearer about wolf or socom!  Alexandar Arms is smart about keeping to the true AR style Rifle.  DUST COVER, FORWARD ASSIST " yep those are must componets for a true battle rifle such as the AR-15/M-16.  So Alexandar Arms did it right with the 50 beowolf.   Unless all you do is shoot off a bench at the range, but hell if thats all you do you might as well just buy  a LEVER GUN

Sorry for the mix up bro.  I was replying to some pice spooky130 posted on page one.  I'm trying to deside on which one to buy 50 or 458.   and no dust cover or forward assist would lean me to the 50.  But I see RRA'S has a 458 out now, and it would surpise me if they left  those components out!  Do you know if RRA'S has a forward  assist , and dust cover?  

bro I have done research  So your saying that all 458's have dust covers and forward assists!   I see your pic, but did you see spooky's pics on page one?

Originally Posted By wheatons83: Sorry bro your pics only made my dicision clearer about wolf or socom!  Alexandar Arms is smart about keeping to the true AR style Rifle.  DUST COVER, FORWARD ASSIST " yep those are must componets for a true battle rifle such as the AR-15/M-16.  So Alexandar Arms did it right with the 50 beowolf.   Unless all you do is shoot off a bench at the range, but hell if thats all you do you might as well just buy  a LEVER GUN

My 458 has a dust cover and forward assist.    

Tromix and TJ versions of the .458 can be made with FA and DC, or any other upper for that matter.  Note that we have built them on the Ameetec side charging uppers as well as the JP CTR-02 upper, the first has the FA, the second not.  Tromix uppers will typically have a working port cover whereas the TJ uppers - well, I'm just not as good as Tony ...

RRA will be making uppers in the traditional format, with FA and WORKING DC.  I stress WORKING as Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf uppers do feature the ears for the DC, but lack a cover that will latch closed, making it aesthetically pleasing but non-functional ...

Thank you marty, for seting me strait.  

What 50 beowulf ammo does Corbon supply?????? I just looked at there webpage and could only find 500 S&W ammo. Did i miss something guys????

Originally Posted By dmb12984: What 50 beowulf ammo does Corbon supply?????? I just looked at there webpage and could only find 500 S&W ammo. Did i miss something guys????

To my knowledge, Corbon does not supply any 50 beo ammo, only AA does. Am I correct or no?

I just finished putting my 50 B together and so far its a blast to shoot. As far as the availability of load data......all good things come to those who wait. There is enough data out there to do what the 50B was meant to do. I haven't cronographed my 1st loads but they are 33 gr of AA #9 with Rainier 335 JHP 1.1" oal and medium crimp. Looking forward to getting some Lil Gun and working up some other loads. Anyone using a 9mm or heavier buffer?

Over all length was 2.11" not 1.1 as I listed. Also just made a heavier buffer, 7.68 oz to replace the 2.88 oz buffer in the carbine stock. Will do a comparison at the range soon.

This thread needs some .458 gun porn!

Originally Posted By silentbushmaster: This thread needs some .458 gun porn!

Ya well...get to posting!

Cold, I just have some brass and dies and a lower. Tromix says the upper will be about two months. I don't think anyone want's to see some parts, so lets see your rig!  

Originally Posted By silentbushmaster: Cold, I just have some brass and dies and a lower. Tromix says the upper will be about two months. I don't think anyone want's to see some parts, so lets see your rig!

Page three of this thread.

No upgrades or new performance pic's? That will be some of the first testing that I will do. Mostly on brick, drywall, doors, plywood, some ballistic gel if possible. This should show off some of the performance of this round. I think this round with correct bullets is underestimated my most. I can't believe that it isn't more popular than it is. Now just a wait for the upper.

Originally Posted By silentbushmaster: No upgrades or new performance pic's? That will be some of the first testing that I will do. Mostly on brick, drywall, doors, plywood, some ballistic gel if possible. This should show off some of the performance of this round. I think this round with correct bullets is underestimated my most. I can't believe that it isn't more popular than it is. Now just a wait for the upper.

Hey, your preachin to the choir, esp the last part, I have been using the round going on 3 years now. However my trials are out in the hunting fields. And, that being the case, my pics etc tend to come in the fall. Once oct 14th rolls around Im going to be MIA on these boards as I will be in the wilderness on the weekends. Ill be sure to do some good autopsy photos on those animals downed with the 458 SOCOM.

Does anyone know how long Corbon takes to ship out ammo?

Well, they havent taken very long for me, once I placed an order its only 2-3 days. There in SD and my orders were to Dallas so thats not bad.

I have read with intrest all five pages of this thread, I say with interest because i have been researching both the 50 BEO and the 458 socom. I made a decision based on the research I have done as well as input from serveral people who own or have owned both.I have been handloading since the early seventies, and shooting since the late fifties. I regularly shoot a 45-70 Marlin rifle and I also handload for it. I know the ballistics of that round very well.
Useing what I know, and have learned I will try to address some of the statements made so far relitive to the two rounds, as well as the 454 casull.
The 50 Beowulf was baised on the 50 AE a pistol cartridge. the 458 on the other hand was loosly based on the 424 Westley Richards as I recall. Up until very recent the only bullets avalible for the 50 were designed for the 50 AE PISTOL. The 458 was designed from the get go to use bullets designed for the .458 rifle rounds.
Some of you all, may recal back in the sixties and early seventies a couple companies came out with a carbine chambered in the 44 Magnum PISTOL round. It was suposed to be a great brush gun, but failoed initially because the bullets were not designed for the velocities gained from the 16&18 inch barrels Hornady came out with a 265 grain JSP bullet that had a thicker jacket so resited blowing up on thin skinned game and gave better penitration. I bring this up because the 50 AE is a pistol and thin jacketed compaired to the 458 bullets made for a rifle. Just like the 454 casull. Generally if a pistol round is chambered in a rifle, terminal ballistics suffer. The 458 Socoms ballistics are almost identical to the custom loaded 45-70 ammunition that is on the market. a 300 grain SJHP and a 405 grn JSP among others. So it is ballisticly the same as the 45-70 in the higher end jacketed loads same bullet same BC same vels same terminal effects. In short devistating on anything with in 200 yards BTW I have shot both deer and Hogs as well as Elk with the 45-70 my handloads are very similar in vels to the 458, I try to stay below 1900 fps though. Every animal I have shot except one dropped on the spot the one was a mulie that ran 20 yards.
I said I had been researching both the 50 Beowulf and the 458 Socom I decided to go with the 458 because of several issues. Load data is very much avalible at www.458.com I already load the 45-70 so loading bullets are already on my loading bench as well as primers and powder, I load 44 mag also. Brass is avalible as well as loaded ammo to campair to and the Maga zines do not have to be reworked at all.
I am starting two builds I had thought one was going to be 5.56 and the other a 243 WSSM but after thinking hard and doing the research I am going to forget about the 5.56 since the only application it would have is Prarie dogs  I can shoot hem with anything and the 243 or 458 would be a lot more fun I think.
I may get a 22 LR or 17 Rf eventually . But the 458 Socom is it for my other build right now. And BTW last time I looked the rra 458 uppers were 660 bucks. The differance in price is really not that much of an issue when one considers the terminal ballistics of a 300 grn Remington JHP at 2100 fps. oUt of an AR type Carbine.

Edit to add the uppers fron RRA are listed at 660 bucks the rra rifles are 1065 or somthing liiem that. Cor Bon sells loaded ammo at around 40 bucks for a 20 round box Alexander sells thier rifles for 12-1400 depending on configuration and the 50 Beo ammo is a couple hunded a case of 200 rounds. Brass is a bit more for the 458 as well but a few bucks more on ammo or brass is made up for by the  avalibility of bullets and the wide selection. Reread the first part of my post about the construction of the bullets used for the 458 and the 50 it may be a small thing to some but a humane kill as opposed to a wounded animal is really not a small thing. I know what a 458 bullet will do in the real world all I know of the beo is what I have seen on paper, and that has been to sell rifles. I am not connected to Teppo Jutsu or the 458 in any way, I am just commenting based on my knowledge and experiance with large bore rifles and large bore rifles shooting pistol bullets

Originally Posted By Autobahndriver: I prefer the .50 Beowulf for what it is...a 50 cal bore. If you want something really inexpensive with great power in .45..... ....want to take advantage of the large number of .45 bullets available.... .... there is the .454 Casull.   The Legacy model 92 lever action in .454 Casull is sub $400.   Factory loadings are also much less expensive (60cents and up per round for .454).   ...and you can shoot .45 Long Colt when you don't feel like you need so much power. Shooting standard .45 LC you can go down to 35 cents a round. The Gunblast site has a good review of the Model 92 in .454 Casull if you are interested. Paco managed to push a 325gr bullet at 2221fps through this carbine with a handload! Freedom Arms .454 Casull ammo with the 300gr JSN was pushed out at 2085fps. ...or shoot .45 Colt +P through it for up to 1800fps. www.gunblast.com/Paco_Legacy_454.htm Not a semi-auto AR but it compares to the SOCOM in ballistics.

I beg to differ with you on the similarity of ballistics, while the 454 is a good round in a hand gun it is no where close to the 458. I saw three loads in 300 grn at 2000+fps and NOTHING over 335Grns no 400 no 405 no500 or 600, the only close loads were cast lead no jacketed witch I found some what strange as well. But you can go along in your Beo dream world it still has to use fragile hamdgun bullets  instead of rifle bullets with thicker jackets = deeper penitration

Can anyone give me some links for load data for the Beowulf?
And also where I could get tec. drawings of the cartridge?
Lastly, what is the port diameter in 16" barrels?  Any one know?
:)

Just finished my .458 rifle!

The .50Beowulf has a forward assist, but no dust cover from the factory.  Rumor has it that they are working on one, but who know's when.  One can be fairly easily made to fit though, as it has been done using a standard dust cover and tweaking a bit here and there.  Check on .50beowulf.com as there is a thread about it.  I think Reginhild was the guy who did it, maybe someone else.

Nice pix of the rifles guys!  I liken the .458 and .50Beo as Semi-auto .45-70's on steroids!!  I load for my .45-70Marlin Guide Gun with 300gr bullets travelling at about 2100fps, so they cruise along pretty good.  It is still more fun to carry the .50Beowulf in the woods, especially when I come across a Masshole up here hunting!  They have this bewildered look on there faces!

See ya!

Gave in to the Big Bore craze and bought two 50 Beowulf lowers!!! Cant wait......

I had been researching both the 50 Beowulf and the 458 Socom and I decided to go with the 50 because of several issues. Load data is avalible at http://www.alexanderarms.com/beowulf_reloading.pdf as well as numerous other internet sites.  I cast & load the .501 so bullet selections are widely available.  M16 Thermold mags work great and can be had cheaply.  I have only bought one factory box of the 50 Beo and currently load a box of 20 for about $2.50.  I load cast 440 grains (Gas Checked) at chrono'd 1550fps and am working on 500, 575 and 700 grain loads.  No, there is no leading in the barrel, gas port, or anywhere near the bolt carrier.
My bullet selections range from 275 grains to 700 grains and include JSP's JHP's, FP, Solids (Tungsten Dangerous Game 500 grainers that almost penetrate 3/8" steel plate), Spire HP, and flat & round lead.  

I also own the 500 S&W and use the same cast bullets in it.  I have chrono'd the 700's out of it near 1300fps.  Too bad the cases aren't the same as the Beo, What a combo that would be!!

Good luck with your informed decision.

Hmm...I know where alot of easily accessable load data can be found for the 458 SOCOM...

Originally Posted By SplittingHairs: I had been researching both the 50 Beowulf and the 458 Socom and I decided to go with the 50 because of several issues. Load data is avalible at http://www.alexanderarms.com/beowulf_reloading.pdf as well as numerous other internet sites.  I cast & load the .501 so bullet selections are widely available.  M16 Thermold mags work great and can be had cheaply.  I have only bought one factory box of the 50 Beo and currently load a box of 20 for about $2.50.  I load cast 440 grains (Gas Checked) at chrono'd 1550fps and am working on 500, 575 and 700 grain loads.  No, there is no leading in the barrel, gas port, or anywhere near the bolt carrier. My bullet selections range from 275 grains to 700 grains and include JSP's JHP's, FP, Solids (Tungsten Dangerous Game 500 grainers that almost penetrate 3/8" steel plate), Spire HP, and flat & round lead.   I also own the 500 S&W and use the same cast bullets in it.  I have chrono'd the 700's out of it near 1300fps.  Too bad the cases aren't the same as the Beo, What a combo that would be!! Good luck with your informed decision.

You could just trade in your 500 S&W and get a BFR in 50 Beowulf

Actually, over at 50beowulf.com, someone mentioned that Magnum Research will do a 50 Beowulf cylinder for around $350 to use in your S&W .500!

Originally Posted By SplittingHairs: I had been researching both the 50 Beowulf and the 458 Socom and I decided to go with the 50 because of several issues. Load data is avalible at http://www.alexanderarms.com/beowulf_reloading.pdf as well as numerous other internet sites.  I cast & load the .501 so bullet selections are widely available.  M16 Thermold mags work great and can be had cheaply.  I have only bought one factory box of the 50 Beo and currently load a box of 20 for about $2.50.  I load cast 440 grains (Gas Checked) at chrono'd 1550fps and am working on 500, 575 and 700 grain loads.  No, there is no leading in the barrel, gas port, or anywhere near the bolt carrier. My bullet selections range from 275 grains to 700 grains and include JSP's JHP's, FP, Solids (Tungsten Dangerous Game 500 grainers that almost penetrate 3/8" steel plate), Spire HP, and flat & round lead.   I also own the 500 S&W and use the same cast bullets in it.  I have chrono'd the 700's out of it near 1300fps.  Too bad the cases aren't the same as the Beo, What a combo that would be!! Good luck with your informed decision.

Sounds like the Beowulf selection is finally catching up.

That's good for everyone in the market.

One other nice thing about the 458 Socom is it can be loaded sub-sonic. With a good can it should be a very quiet gun. This would also take alot of the recoil away and make this a fun and versital rifle. I don't know if the 50 Bewulf can be loaded sub-sonic or not. A very good guy to talk to about this is JD Jones at SSK Ind., they build upper's in about every "neat" round going. They are the people that make the Whisper round's. (Which are awsome by the way!) So, my vote goes to the 458 Socom.

Originally Posted By Reddot: One other nice thing about the 458 Socom is it can be loaded sub-sonic. With a good can it should be a very quiet gun. This would also take alot of the recoil away and make this a fun and versital rifle. I don't know if the 50 Bewulf can be loaded sub-sonic or not. A very good guy to talk to about this is JD Jones at SSK Ind., they build upper's in about every "neat" round going. They are the people that make the Whisper round's. (Which are awsome by the way!) So, my vote goes to the 458 Socom.

You can load .50 Beowulf subsonic and being a .50 there are certain advantages.

50 cal bullets can be had in extremely heavy weights for great knock-down power at subsonic speeds such as the 500gr Hornady XTP shown that runs about $26 per 50:


There are also muzzle accessories for the 50 bmg that can be adapted for use with the Beowulf.  The 50 bmg stuff is probably overkill for the Beo round but is very effective.

Here is another 50 that is used in the Beowulf platform.
The 530gr Steel Tip PowerBelt Dangerous Game round is available at Cabela's and www.50beowulf.com

Originally Posted By Reginhild: Here is another 50 that is used in the Beowulf platform. The 530gr Steel Tip PowerBelt Dangerous Game round is available at Cabela's and www.50beowulf.com www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/21/50/68/i215068sq02.jpg

now that is interesteing.

I got to shoot rogue's .458 on hrt4me's registered lower at the Hun Farm Shoot!! That was awsome! It was my first time shooting the .458 and in full auto to boot!

Originally Posted By Reginhild: 50 cal bullets can be had in extremely heavy weights for great knock-down power at subsonic speeds such as the 500gr Hornady XTP shown that runs about $26 per 50: www.midwayusa.com/mediasvr.dll/highresimage?saleitemid=770395

Corbon loads a 600gr subsonic 458 SOCOM......

Originally Posted By SHIVAN: Originally Posted By Reginhild: 50 cal bullets can be had in extremely heavy weights for great knock-down power at subsonic speeds such as the 500gr Hornady XTP shown that runs about $26 per 50: www.midwayusa.com/mediasvr.dll/highresimage?saleitemid=770395 Corbon loads a 600gr subsonic 458 SOCOM......

Not anymore... sadly.

Originally Posted By power-plant: Originally Posted By SHIVAN: Originally Posted By Reginhild: 50 cal bullets can be had in extremely heavy weights for great knock-down power at subsonic speeds such as the 500gr Hornady XTP shown that runs about $26 per 50: www.midwayusa.com/mediasvr.dll/highresimage?saleitemid=770395 Corbon loads a 600gr subsonic 458 SOCOM...... Not anymore... sadly.

You could still load them yourself, as most do anyway.

Originally Posted By SHIVAN: Originally Posted By power-plant: Originally Posted By SHIVAN: Originally Posted By Reginhild: 50 cal bullets can be had in extremely heavy weights for great knock-down power at subsonic speeds such as the 500gr Hornady XTP shown that runs about $26 per 50: www.midwayusa.com/mediasvr.dll/highresimage?saleitemid=770395 Corbon loads a 600gr subsonic 458 SOCOM...... Not anymore... sadly. You could still load them yourself, as most do anyway.

Ahh... very true... and that's where the fun begins!

Did they get the feeding problems with the .499 LW sorted out?

I was under the impression that it had some issues?

Edited to correct the cartridge with the alleged feeding issues.

Originally Posted By SHIVAN: Originally Posted By Reginhild: 50 cal bullets can be had in extremely heavy weights for great knock-down power at subsonic speeds such as the 500gr Hornady XTP shown that runs about $26 per 50: www.midwayusa.com/mediasvr.dll/highresimage?saleitemid=770395 Corbon loads a 600gr subsonic 458 SOCOM......

700 grain .50 on the far left.
Loaded in a .500 S&W shell in the photo - but the Beowulf is possible as well.

Feeding problems??? I wasn't aware of any - but maybe I joined the .50 Beo crowd
after that was sorted out.

Hey Reginhild, what kind of velocities you getting out of those 700's from the 500 S&W?  That's awesome!

This is the response so far from the guy loading them:

Gotta run. See ya! Oh, the load data for the .500S&W and the .50Beo is very similar as well. I have loaded for both. I have not refined the .500S&W loads yet. Need some range time. It is a 4.5" barrel, and all the data is based on the longer barrel, so things are different of course. Need a chrono too.

I've asked for info on what his preliminary data for the longer barrel is.

The Beowulf is great to shoot.   I have not fired the .458, but if you want to get a nice rush, get a Beowulf.

Originally Posted By Reginhild: 700 grain .50 on the far left. Loaded in a .500 S&W shell in the photo - but the Beowulf is possible as well. Feeding problems??? I wasn't aware of any - but maybe I joined the .50 Beo crowd after that was sorted out. img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/RANGERRICKQUIGLEY/131-3187_IMG.jpg

I thought gas checked cast lead bullets were a bad idea in an AR....

Is that an urban legend?

For more information on the .50 Beowulf, go to the recently updated Wikipedia page:

LINK: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.50_Beowulf

There are several links to articles from the Wiki site.

Finally got it http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o316/lou400a/50%20beowulf/pict030.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o316/lou400a/50%20beowulf/pict047.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o316/lou400a/50%20beowulf/pict036.jpg

Why not an 18" barrel ?


I'm really interested in the .458 Socom and I'm contemplating the barrel length I want.

Some feel the 16" is too short and takes away from performance, while others say the 20" is too long and makes the rifle too front heavy. (sorry to over generalize the pros and cons)

Why not get an 18"?  

It's proven to be a very popular barrel length in the FAL for many of the same reasons.

Comments please

The 16" barrelled .50Beowulf has shot at least one huge Alaskan moose at 200yds, by an avid AR shooter, so I don't think performance is a huge issue with that short of a barrel.  It is primarily a 200yd max gun and I know mine groups pretty darn well at 100yds.  I know there is talk about an 18" or so, but not sure of it yet.  Satern Machining will make a Beowulf barrel any length you want, so that is an option.  The larger ejection port is the only issue, unless you have a beowulf upper and swap out the barrel for a new one.  Check over at .50beowulf.com soon for details on the Satern Machining barrels and uppers if they become available somehow.  

Note on those Powerbelt bullets.  You actually pop the plastic belt off the bottom, then load them!  We are again going to try and do a video this summer of the effects of the Beowulf on certain objects and with various bullets and with 16" and 12" barrel lengths.  We'll let ya'll know when that becomes available!!

Originally Posted By Ranger689: Why not an 18" barrel ? I'm really interested in the .458 Socom and I'm contemplating the barrel length I want. Some feel the 16" is too short and takes away from performance, while others say the 20" is too long and makes the rifle too front heavy. (sorry to over generalize the pros and cons) Why not get an 18"?   It's proven to be a very popular barrel length in the FAL for many of the same reasons. Comments please

Well from what I have read, there really isnt much of a gain between 16" and 20" barrels in the 458 SOCOM, you should gain some FPS but is it enough to make a significant difference? That question should go to Marty