I am considering the .50 Beowulf.  Is  this gun damn loud? I read a magazine article and it said it kicks like a 20 gauge but some guys on the forum says its a brute.  Should I consider getting the one with a muzzle brake or will the Extra noise not justify the taming of the recoil? Will the standard buffer work fine? Any recommendations I should make to my lower to make it function better?
Also, Are these chromed lined barrels?
I read that it accepts standard mags with little modificaiton to the mag feed lip. How do i to this mod?

Due to its pricey ammo and no knowledge on reloading, I plan on using it  lightly as a plinker but mainly as a 200 yards or less hunting rifle. I live here in South Texas and plan to use it mainly on wild hogs. Would this caliber be way too brutal on feral pigs? I hate to shoot and splatter the poor beast to smithereens!

I have a .50 Beowulf entry upper w/o the brake.  The gun is loud but it doesn't seem any worse than my other AR's with muzzle brakes.  The Alexander Arms brake for the Beowulf would probably help with the recoil and muzzle rise but I am not paying $180 for the brake.  The recoil feels more like a 12 gauge slug, definitely punishing on the shoulder.  I am lucky to finish off a box of ammo when I go to the range because it starts to hurt my shoulder.  My wife keeps nagging me to get a shoulder pad but I guess I like taking the punishment.  I have used regular unmodified 20 and 30 rounds magazines with only one issue but I tend to just use the magazine that came with the upper.  The barrel is chrome-moly not chrome-lined.  I have the upper mounted on a Rock River national match A2 lower and have not had any issues with the standard buffer.  Ammo is expensive and if I had to do it all over again I would probably have built a different AR but it is a fun gun and I have no plans to remove it from my arsenal.  It is an attention getter at my local range.  Should be a great rifle for hunting hogs.  If you want a picture of my setup just send me an email, [email protected].

What optics do you use on your Beowulf? I am considering an Eotech or aimpont and hope it can take the recoil.

Any more insight on the Beowulf (with and without brakes) would be greatly apreciated.


I am as green as hell when it comes to handloading. I don't undertand what is used, the terminology, or how difficult or dangerous it is. I am considering this since it is the cheapest way to shoot this brute without braking the bank. Anywhere I can get information to get started?

I have the Aimpoint ML2 with the Arms #22M68 including the Arms #22M68 cantilever extension.  I used a little blue loctite on the screws when I assemblied the mount and rings and haven't had anything come loose yet.  Either scope should work fine.  I do not handload as I too do not feel comfortable doing that yet.  www.competitionshootingsports.com has a lot of Alexander Arms things and could probably get you started.  I never shoot more than one box when I go to the range unless I bring my friends since it is costly.  Like I said earlier it is punishing on the shoulder so you probably wouldn't be shooting a lot of rounds through it at one time.

gargamel I can't help with the 50  but reloading is not that tricky. Ive been reloading for over 20 years about 18 different rounds, and I would recomend that you get Lee's reloading book "Modern Reloading" it not only tells you what to do and not to do it tells you why. If you read this book you'll know more about reloading than 80% of the people out there that reload.

Gotcha. Will do. I saw those reloading kits from various makers. Which one should i consider, what do i actually need and don't need?  I take it this book will tell me what powder to use and so forth?

is the following from Midwayusa.com all I need:

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/820810

I am runnning an Eotech on mine. Shoots point of aim every time I take it to the range. Hasn't shifted yet. So far so good.
Also have the Ace Socom stock & a heavy buffer/spring.
I think the recoil on mine feels more like a 20 gauge. Nowhere near 12 gauge slug territory! I am also using a Tango Down forward grip, so maybe that helps with recoil??
Oh yeah, no muzzle brake here but want to try one. I have been using Thermold mags with no mods & they work great. I love my Beowulf & just waiting on bear season!

I like the gun, but the recoil can be hard to handle. I use 20rd gi mags and they work ok. haven't had any problems yet. If you do decide to reload, take your time and double check every thing. I have been reloading for about 40 years. It can be a big money saver and you get the pleasure of shooting your own ammo. You will not save much at first , but after a while it will save you some. I can not even begin to imagine the thousands of rounds I have loaded.

Sweet. I hope to have one next month....just got to figure out which to go with Eotech or Aimpoint..buts thats another story.

Where and which Heavy buffer do you recommend might be helpful in a .50 Beowulf? Do you think the M G I Buffer would work great? Any links to this buffer?

I was also told to use "packing grease" on the recoil buffer spring? Exactly what type or brand?

Quoted: I was also told to use "packing grease" on the recoil buffer spring? Exactly what type or brand?

You'll get a great many pros and cons on the topic, but my personal opinion is the action spring shouldn't be 'packed' with anything, but rather, lubed per the -10 manual...  Some folks seem to think stuffing grease in the receiver extension will quiet the trademark AR sproinggg, I believe if you don't like the sound you'd be happier with a bolt action rifle...  

Where and which Heavy buffer do you recommend might be helpful in a .50 Beowulf? Do you think the M G I Buffer would work great? Any links to this buffer?

I'm running a shorty/entry sized stock for my .50 and am using a Colt tungsten heavy buffer I picked up from Fulton Armory along with a +10% spring from Wolff and the recoil is festive, but very manageable... I've no experience with the MGI buffer so you may want to ask some questions of the folks who are selling them on the EE as to their effectiveness with the .50 Beowulf...

Quoted: Quoted: I was also told to use "packing grease" on the recoil buffer spring? Exactly what type or brand? You'll get a great many pros and cons on the topic, but my personal opinion is the action spring shouldn't be 'packed' with anything, but rather, lubed per the -10 manual...  Some folks seem to think stuffing grease in the receiver extension will quiet the trademark AR sproinggg, I believe if you don't like the sound you'd be happier with a bolt action rifle...  h=85%

Where and which Heavy buffer do you recommend might be helpful in a .50 Beowulf? Do you think the M G I Buffer would work great? Any links to this buffer?

I'm running a shorty/entry sized stock for my .50 and am using a Colt tungsten heavy buffer I picked up from Fulton Armory along with a +10% spring from Wolff and the recoil is festive, but very manageable... I've no experience with the MGI buffer so you may want to ask some questions of the folks who are selling them on the EE as to their effectiveness with the .50 Beowulf...

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