Let’s Talk About Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass
The Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass represents the foundation for building some serious firepower. Alexander Arms is a known entity in the big-bore AR world, and their commitment to quality starts from the ground up – literally, with the brass itself. This review isn’t just about listing specs; it’s about sharing my decade-plus of experience with tactical gear and big-bore rifles to help you decide if this brass is right for your next reloading project.
For years, I’ve been a fan of the .50 Beowulf cartridge. It’s a true thumper, capable of taking down large game or stopping threats with authority. However, factory ammunition can be expensive, and I’ve always preferred to roll my own to tailor loads for specific applications and save some money. So, when I needed to replenish my .50 Beowulf brass supply, Alexander Arms was naturally my first stop.
The bag arrived well-packaged, containing 100 pieces of pristine, unprimed brass. My initial impression was positive. The brass looked clean, and the Alexander Arms headstamp was crisply applied. I’ve used brass from other manufacturers before and I was hoping this would be better.
Compared to some of the no-name brass I’ve used in the past, this Alexander Arms Brass immediately felt superior. The walls seemed more consistent in thickness, and the overall finish was cleaner. This quality made me confident I’d be getting consistent performance and multiple reloads from each case.
My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of anticipation. I was eager to get to the reloading bench and start crafting some custom .50 Beowulf loads with these pieces. The possibilities seemed endless.
Real-World Testing: Putting Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass took place at my local shooting range. The goal was simple: load up a batch of rounds with a proven load, and see how the brass performed. I loaded 300-grain jacketed hollow points over a moderate charge of powder, targeting a velocity around 1800 fps.
The weather was typical for an early summer day. It was warm and dry, with a slight breeze that didn’t affect accuracy. I fired a series of five-shot groups at 50 yards. The Alexander Arms Brass performed flawlessly.
There were no signs of excessive pressure, such as flattened primers or difficult extraction. The cases ejected cleanly. The consistent performance gave me confidence.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple reloading cycles, the Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve reloaded some cases upwards of five times with no signs of case head separation or neck splitting.
The brass cleans up easily with a standard tumbler and case cleaner. A quick visual inspection after each firing ensures that there are no hidden issues. The brass has exceeded my expectations.
Compared to some of the “bargain” brass I’ve used, the Alexander Arms Brass is in a different league. It holds its dimensions better. Reloading feels more consistent and ultimately delivers better accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass
Specifications
The Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass is designed specifically for the .50 Beowulf cartridge. This is new, unprimed brass, ready for loading. The bag includes 100 pieces.
- Caliber: .50 Beowulf.
- Material: Brass.
- Quantity: 100 pieces per bag.
- Condition: New, unprimed.
- Headstamp: Alexander Arms, .50 Beowulf.
- Weight: Approximately 3 lbs per bag.
- Dimensions (bag): 5″ x 5″ x 2″.
These specifications are vital for reliable reloading. The correct caliber ensures proper chambering. The quality brass allows for consistent pressure and repeatable results.
Performance & Functionality
The Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass performs exceptionally well. It’s consistent in weight and dimensions, which is crucial for accuracy. It handles standard .50 Beowulf loads without any issues.
The brass’s greatest strength is its durability. The brass maintains its integrity through multiple reloadings. A potential weakness might be its price compared to bulk, unbranded brass, but the quality justifies the cost.
It exceeds my expectations for consistency and durability. The resulting accuracy and reliability make it worth the investment.
Design & Ergonomics
The Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass is designed for functionality. It is not flashy, but the brass is clean and well-formed. The weight is consistent from piece to piece.
The design ensures easy reloading. There’s no learning curve here.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its composition and construction, the Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass should last for many reloadings with proper care. Keeping the brass clean and properly lubricated during the reloading process is key.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only standard case cleaning and inspection procedures. With basic care, this brass should provide many years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass does not come with accessories, being just the brass itself. Customization comes in the form of load development.
You can experiment with different bullet weights, powder charges, and seating depths to achieve optimal performance for your rifle and intended use. The availability of various .50 Beowulf projectiles further enhances customization.
Pros and Cons of Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass
Pros
- High-Quality Brass: Consistent weight and dimensions ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Excellent Durability: The brass can be reloaded multiple times without showing signs of wear.
- Consistent Headstamp: Clear and consistent Alexander Arms headstamp for easy identification.
- Cleanliness: The brass arrives clean and ready for reloading, saving time and effort.
- Reliable Performance: Reduces the risk of case failures and ensures consistent performance.
Cons
- Price: It is more expensive than some bulk, unbranded brass options.
- Availability: Sometimes difficult to find in stock due to high demand.
Who Should Buy Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass?
The Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass is perfect for serious reloaders who demand the highest level of accuracy and reliability. It’s also a great choice for hunters and tactical shooters who rely on consistent performance. This brass is the best for users who want to build custom loads for specific applications.
Those who prioritize the lowest possible price above all else might want to consider other options. Also, reloaders who only shoot occasionally might not need the high level of durability offered by this brass.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality reloading die set specifically designed for the .50 Beowulf. These will help ensure consistent case sizing and bullet seating.
Conclusion on Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass
The Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf Brass is a top-tier product that delivers exceptional performance and durability. While it might be slightly more expensive than some alternatives, the investment is justified by the brass’s consistent quality and reloadability. Alexander Arms delivers a fantastic product.
The price is justified by the quality and performance. This brass offers the best foundation for building accurate, reliable .50 Beowulf ammunition.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this brass to anyone serious about reloading the .50 Beowulf. It is a testament to Alexander Arms‘ commitment to quality.
If you are looking for the best possible brass for your .50 Beowulf reloading project, look no further than Alexander Arms. It’s an investment in performance and reliability that you won’t regret.