.50 B&M Alaskan (Select Big-Bore Loads)

.50 B&M Alaskan (Select Big-Bore Loads)

The .50 B&M Alaskan is a modern heavy-caliber cartridge designed to bring extreme stopping power to compact lever-action and short-action hunting rifles. Developed by Bill and Marshall Jones of B&M Rifles, the cartridge was engineered as an evolution of traditional Alaskan-style big-bore cartridges while taking advantage of modern bullet designs and improved case efficiency. By utilizing .500-inch bullets rather than the .510-inch projectiles used in the original .50 Alaskan, shooters gained access to a much wider variety of modern hunting and hard-cast bullets originally intended for cartridges such as the .500 S&W Magnum.

The cartridge was specifically developed for use in customized Marlin, Winchester, and Browning lever-action rifles intended for large and dangerous game hunting. Most rifles chambered in .50 B&M Alaskan feature shortened barrels, reinforced actions, upgraded sights, and recoil-reducing modifications to improve handling in harsh wilderness conditions. These rifles are typically built for close-range encounters where fast follow-up shots and massive stopping power are more important than long-range trajectory.

Select big-bore loads for the .50 B&M Alaskan commonly use bullets ranging from approximately 325 to 500 grains. Lighter 325- and 350-grain bullets can exceed 2,100 feet per second depending on barrel length and powder selection, while heavier 450- and 500-grain projectiles generally operate in the 1,700- to 1,900-feet-per-second range. These loads generate substantial muzzle energy and exceptional penetration, making the cartridge highly effective for large North American game such as brown bear, moose, elk, and bison.

Powders frequently used in .50 B&M Alaskan handloads include H-4198, IMR-4198, Reloder 7, and Accurate 1680. Handloaders often favor hard-cast gas-checked bullets because of their ability to penetrate deeply through heavy bone and dense muscle tissue without significant deformation. Jacketed soft-point and monolithic expanding bullets are also popular for hunting applications where controlled expansion is preferred.

Although recoil from full-power .50 B&M Alaskan loads is severe, enthusiasts value the cartridge for its remarkable authority and compact rifle platforms. The cartridge has developed a loyal following among big-bore hunters and lever-action enthusiasts who appreciate its combination of traditional rifle styling and modern heavy-caliber performance. While relatively specialized, the .50 B&M Alaskan remains one of the most capable and respected modern big-bore lever-action cartridges available today.

Source: Wolfe Publishing — 2014 Big Bore Special Edition