The .50 Alaskan cartridge is a large-bore rifle cartridge designed primarily for hunting big game, such as moose, bear, and bison. It was developed by Harold Johnson of Johnson's Guns and More of Cooper Landing, Alaska, in the early 1950s. The cartridge is based on a blown-out and necked-up .348 Winchester case, making it capable of holding a larger bullet for improved stopping power.
The .50 Alaskan typically fires a .510-inch diameter bullet weighing between 400 and 700 grains, with velocities ranging from 1,800 to 2,200 feet per second, depending on the load. This results in a significant kinetic energy that’s suitable for taking down large and dangerous animals at both close and moderate ranges.
Due to its power, the .50 Alaskan specializes in wilderness applications, where the risk of encountering large predators is high, making it an ideal choice for guides and hunters in remote areas. It is often chambered in lever-action rifles, which are favored for their reliability and ease of use in rugged terrain.
Overall, the .50 Alaskan is valued for its stopping power and effectiveness in ensuring swift, humane kills on large game.