Not only do they hit hard on large game, but they impart stout recoil on the shooters shoulder as well. It is a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge that is based on the .50 Action Express case. Since the 308 Winchester are lighter, it travels faster when shot. It was designed to compete against the .450 Nitro Express and the .470 Nitro Express cartridges used in big bore British double rifles. It is more evident that the 308 Win works better for a longer range than the 458 SOCOM. If you are using the cartridge for target shooting, energy is not a massive concern. The final difference between the 45 70 and 458 is their maximum chamber pressure as established by SAAMI. In this article, we will compare the 350 Legend to the 458 SOCOM to help you determine which cartridge is best for your hunting needs. Inspired by the lack of power offered by the 5.56 NATO cartridge used in the M4 carbine and the M16 rifle, the .458 SOCOM came about from informal . Beyond military applications, the .458 SOCOM round has gained popularity with big game hunters. It is also more effective than the 50 BMG at close range. However, as any AR-15 rifle is a potential host with a simple barrel, bolt, and magazine swap, this means there are tons of potential host rifles on the market for both cartridges. I have to point out that, unless youre shooting at steel plates that are both rifle-rated and placed 100 yards away, you shouldnt be shooting steel with any .458 SOCOM load. The most popular 45-70 factory ammo is typically loaded with 325 gr, 350 gr, 405 gr, and 500 grain bullets while 250 gr, 300 gr, and 350 gr are the most popular for 458. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The .458 SOCOM simply can't keep up. If youre interested in lower-cost fun thumping, then you can use coated bullets and load subsonic. Get Our Top Shooting Drills and Zeroing Targets ($47 value - but FREE for a limited time). our in-stock .308 ammo for sale by clicking here, The Best Self Defense Ammo Ballistic Testing. In contrast, the 450 Bushmaster was developed using the 284 Winchester as a parent case and has a longer case length measuring 1.70. Both rounds utilize a rebated rim design, meaning their rim is narrower than their cartridge base. Although it is safe to claim that 450 SOCOM could smack a better bang inside 150 yards, it fails to stretch a distance up to 200 yards or beyond. Jacketed 45 ACP bullets measure 0.451 in diameter while the 450 Bushmaster requires the slightly wider 0.452 diameter bullets. The .458 SOCOM treads hard on its heels, but with a flatter (albeit still arcing) trajectory. Would recommend to anyone looking to build a wildly powerful AR15 platform. The question arose because those present had experience at shooting people and werent entirely happy with the results they were getting from the M855. Based on our experience the difference between the 458 SOCOM and the 308 Winchester is the 308 Winchester can more effectively shoot past 300 yards. Both cartridges offer a range of bullet grains shooting enthusiasts could choose from, depending on their specific hunting needs. The .458 Winchester Magnum remains one of the most . Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the June 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine. It does not come with a forward assist. In terms of penetration, the SOCOM measures higher at 0.204 compared to 0.175 for the 450 BM. It is accurate and powerful, making it a good choice for taking down game of all sizes. Really though, 450 Bushmaster is basically in the exact same boat as 50 Beowulf and .458 SOCOM. Need more power? Then, clean the lube off for loading. The round itself was sound and later became the .450 Bushmaster, but at the time of submission, extractors and bolts were made of a metal proprietary to General Motors. Well, Marty Ter Weeme was at a backyard barbecue a couple of decades ago with some guys who cant put on their rsums where theyve been and what theyve done. In this blog post, we will compare these two calibers and see which one is the better choice for your next hunting trip! The .458 SOCOM and its shorter range would make for an excellent option when hunting something like hogs in brush-covered areas where shots tend to be shorter. This is for informational purposes only. Tyler Freel. But with the emergence of modern sporting rifles, the .458 SOCOM has steadily gained in popularity. Found out a standard 20-round 5.56mm NATO magazine can hold seven .458 SOCOM rounds and a standard 30-round 5.56mm NATO magazine can hold nine .458 SOCOM rounds. Though, that was later replaced with the Barnes 300-grain Tipped Triple-Shock X, aka the TTSC or Tac-X. CMMG Magazine MKW-15 .458 SOCOM 30 Rounds Modified To 10 Rounds Hi-cap Md: 48AFC44. He has a degree in gunsmithing from Sonoran Desert Institute and has been working with firearms since he was a kid. Aug 11, 2014. CMMG Resolute 16" Complete Upper .458 SOCOM. Bought a TROMIX complete upper from him, hammers anything you put in front of it. A 300-grain bullet definitely has stopping power. Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it. In contrast, since the 450 is SAAMI certified, there are considerably more rifle options including bolt-action rifles like the Ruger American and Savage 110. usp45ct said: Looking at a new upper for a lower I just picked up. Always remember that for a heavier the game, the heavier your bullet should be because heavier slugs always carry more energy. The average velocity was just shy of 1,900 fps, over 800 fps slower than the average .308 Winchester. Are you interested in self-defense handguns? It offers superior accuracy and terminal performance over traditional cartridges such as the .223 Remington and the 30-06 Springfield. The cartridge has a maximum case length of 1.575 inches, an overall length of 2.26 inches, and a bullet diameter of .458 inches. Our bad. For example, a .308 bolt action is perfect for subsonics, but if you use them in a standard AR-10 they will be quiet, but you must cycle the action manually for every shot. Moreover, the 458 SOCOM was practically designed for AR-15, M4, and M16 rifles while the 308 Win was chambered for an AR-10. We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared This is achieved by installing a 458 bolt and barrel. When it comes to big game hunting, the 458 SOCOM and 450 Bushmaster are excellent options within their effective range. I have a .458 socom and when clambering a round it does fine on some rounds, I have to Tao the forward assist on my rifle to fully seat the round. Shooters who are sensitive to recoil or who prefer a more comfortable shooting experience may prefer the 350 Legend. During the Vietnam War, a standout round was used throughout Southeast Asia. When comparing these two cartridges, you cant help but notice the size differences between the two. Barrels were enlarged, running a 1:14 twist or 1:18 twist. Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and see how the two cartridges compare in-depth. The 458 SOCOM cartridge fires a 0.458" bullet diameter which is more common than you might think as it is used by rounds such as the .45-70 Government, 458 Winchester Magnum, 450 Marlin, 460 Weatherby, and 458 Lott. Glancing only at those numbers, it doesnt seem like much of an advantage. free hampshire. No 5.56 NATO or 6.5 Grendel for youWho needs all these namby-pamby intermediate cartridges anyway? Known as the .458 x 1.5-inch Barnes, it was the predecessor to the .458 SOCOM. guns & However, the chart below will give you a general idea of how much recoil each cartridge imparts on the shooter. And guess whatwere going to talk all about it today! (, We noticed that you have previously logged in with your, Check what do you get by creating an account, Bookmark and compare your favorite firearms, A Guide to .458 SOCOM: History, Rifles, & Parts. A master gunsmith, Patrick is also Handguns Editor for Guns & Ammo magazine. Of course, being a Faxon, you know youre getting great quality. There is no overlap is speeds; in fact there is a gap. The 4150 CMV barrel weighs in at 1.72-pounds and features a 1:14 twist. The Resolute 100 starts at $1,899, the Resolute 200 at $2,024, and the Resolute 300 rounds it out at $2,349. The 458 SOCOM, on the other hand, takes up more space in a magazine, which reduces the number of rounds that can be held. It has a high velocity and is extremely accurate, making it a great choice for long-range shooting. Our Sitemap. Outfitted with your choice of a 14.7-inch fluted/threaded barrel or 16-inch barrel models, the Recon Tactical sports an overall length of 31.75-inches (14-inch barrel) and 33.25-inches (16-inch barrel). . Which one is it? The .308 Winchester, while carrying a smaller, narrower bullet, has a longer profile. Sometimes things slip our minds. Both rounds are generally loaded to similar pressures, but only the 450 Bushmaster is SAAMI certified with a listed maximum pressure of 38,500 psi. Since the SOCOM 458 is the heavier bullet compared to the Winchester 308, it is more likely to claim that the former has more bullet drop and arch when shot in long-range shooting games. I love my .458 but it is very expensive to feed! Tromix uses the correct Pacific Gauge reamer, other barrels are using something considered "close enuff" which have feeding problems. The 450 Bushmaster is an excellent deer hunting options in states that require the use of straight-walled cartridges. For the purposes of this comparison, we will analyze the ballistic performance of the 250 gr Hornady FTX and 300 gr Federal Power-Shok for 450 Bushmaster. Nifty Outdoorsman is not liable for any actions you take after learning from our website. In terms of performance, the 300 BLK is very similar to the 458 SOCOM. The 350 Legend is designed for lower recoil, making it an excellent choice for shooters who may be sensitive to recoil or who are looking for a more comfortable shooting experience. The 50 AE is famous for being the primary chambering of the Desert Eagle handgun. . None of this is professional or legal advice and there is no attorney-client relationship or other professional relationship. The Gunner Big Bore .458 SOCOM barrel from Faxon Firearms features a 16-inch length and Nitride finish. Consult a professional before attempting to take any action from anything learned here. If youre using a carbine with a 16-inch barrel, you might fall a few fps short of that. A .308 Winchester has a range of about 500 yards. Weve built dozens of ARs and well cover all the best AR-15 upgrades such as handguards, triggers, BCGs, gas blocks, and more. If youre looking to build your own .458 SOCOM rifle, Wilson Combat has a solution. For most AR owners, you dont have to purchase a whole new weapon to adopt the .458 SOCOM. That makes it more ideal to suppress especially in a shorter barrel. If you want to know more why bullet weights matter, try this 6.547 LAPUA and 6.5 Creedmoor comparison here. Felt recoil will differ from shooter to shooter and is dependent on shooting position, stance, and the firearm being used. Its also a popular caliber for those who like to reload their own ammunition. So why choose the 458 SOCOM at all? Steel less than perfectly smooth may bounce back fragmentswhich is why you want to be 100 yards away. CMMG comes in on our list again, but this time offering a complete upper. The 300 Blackout, on the other hand, was developed by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) in 2009. 878K views 5 years ago Gregg demonstrates the .458 SOCOM launching some 300 grain hard cast hand loaded rounds. Whichever caliber you choose, make sure you do your research and pick the one that is best for your needs! Pick the handguard back off the bench, install, align, tighten. The 250 gr FTX load fire by the 450 comes in as the fastest round analyzed at 2,200 fps while both 300 grain loads had the same muzzle velocity of 1,900 fps. .22 LR shooters have the wisest variety of subsonic options, with loads from just about every manufacturer. If you need a caliber with more stopping power, the 458 Socom is probably your best bet. Here is a ballistics chart of the 458 SOCOM with a 330-grain jacketed soft point: Now that we have examined the 350 Legend and the 458 SOCOM in detail, lets compare the two cartridges across a few important factors: Ballistics: The 350 Legend has a maximum effective range of around 200 yards, while the 458 SOCOM has a maximum effective range of around 300 yards. Of course, the trade-off is that some swankier after-market accessories might not work. Ready for more big bore? We are the original factory loaded ammo for the 458 SOCOM, and leading manufacturer of the 375 SOCOM, 338 Spectre, and 240 Spectre ammunition. With an overall length of 36-inches, the CAR sports a lightweight 13-inch free-float rail with M-LOK compatibility. May I suggest investing in 458-specific magazines? A SOCOM 458 usually drops at past 300 yards while the Winchester 308 could go beyond 1000 yards before hitting the zero drop. It is unquestionably is the easiest to find factory ammo for as it is SAAMI certified and therefore larger ammo manufacturers like Hornady, Remington, Winchester, Barnes, and Federal make ammunition for it. With its high velocity and heavy bullet, the 458 SOCOM is a great choice for taking down dangerous game. This project had a few factors that would need to be met to gain Spec Ops approval. These arent 55k psi loads -they run 38k which is comparable to 20 ga shotgun recoil. Well, actuallyyou might want some. Accuracy results are the average of four, five-shot groups, over a Sinclair shooting rest, at 50 yards. However, with recoil this heavy, most shooters wont be able to discern any major difference between the two. And the cleverness of the design means its a relatively easy build. In terms of effective range, hunters generally consider 1,000 foot-pounds of kinetic energy the minimum amount required for harvesting a whitetail and 1,500 foot-pounds for elk or other larger game. In this article we will analyze each cartridge to help you decide how to resolve the decision between 458 SOCOM vs 450 Bushmaster. Typically, longer and heavier bullets will have a higher BC as they can resist wind drift more efficiently. Non-rifle-rated steel will be dented. The main disadvantage of the 458 SOCOM is its lower velocity, which results in less accuracy. You do not pay .243 vs .308: Which One is the Best for Hunting? When evaluating centerfire rifle cartridges, its a good idea to analyze the cartridge specs to gain more knowledge of each. By comparison, a 12-gauge slug with a 1-ounce projectile at a listed 1,600 fps generates 700 PF, with a trajectory like a softball. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. We already have an account registered for email address It should be noted that it is not advised to use 45 ACP handgun bullets for reloading the 450 Bushmaster. Your email address will not be published. 458 Socom vs 300 Blackout. But magazines can vary. It had to use standard AR-15 magazines. The goal was to create a caliber that would offer better ballistics than the current crop of pistol calibers, while still being able to be used in a standard AR-15 lower receiver. Once again, we see the .308 Winchester has stronger performance, despite the fact that lighter projectiles often strike with less energy. 30-06 Springfield, and 270 Win. If you need a caliber for hunting large game animals, then the 458 Socom would be the better choice. With the design finalized, the M4 platform required two modified parts the barrel and the bolt. With tons of options to choose from, you can really dial in what you want. Buy what you want all in one place, cant beat that! Now sure, that is 320ish more foot-pounds. The SOCOM round can fire bullets within a 200-600 grain range, though 250gr, 300gr, and 350gr factory loads are the most common. 450 Bushmaster and 458 SOCOM Similarities Sure, you can find drum magazines, smaller magazines that hold 20 rounds or fewer and even 40 round pMags . DuraMag makes .458-specific magazines, and the rounds are single-stack in the tube (as in any AR-sized magazine) but with .458-shaped feed lips and follower. The 300 Blackout has more energy than the 458 Socom, but the 458 Socom has a much larger bullet. Its a reader favorite! The 458 SOCOM is a great all-around caliber. It is designed to be used in a AR-15 platform rifle and is capable of taking down large game animals. The 300 AAC Blackout (300 BLK) was developed by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) in an attempt to create a round that could be used in both AR-15 rifles and pistols. The average velocity was just shy of 1,900 fps, over 800 fps slower than the average .308 Winchester. It has a reputation for reliable medium to long-range performance, while the .458 SOCOM is meant for short-range high-volume target shooting and short- to medium-range hunting. It is a straight-walled cartridge designed for use in states that have restrictions on hunting with bottlenecked cartridges. The 458 SOCOM has more stopping power than the 223 Remington and the 308 Winchester rounds. Personalize your experience. Great Subsonic Cartridges. The Magpul UBR stock and its rubber recoil pad promised to keep the .458 SOCOM from being too much of a good thing, unlike the hard plastic checkered buttplate youd find on a mil-spec carbine lower. To provide a clean apples to apples comparison, a standard AR-15 carbine weight (7.5 lbs) will be used for each calculation. However, free recoil can be used to give a general idea of how hard a round kicks. For 450 Bushmaster ammo, inexpensive Remington UMC factory loads can be had for as low as $1.50/round while premium hunting ammo like Federal Fusion or Barnes VOR-TX will cost around $3/round and up. So, for the .458 SOCOM, Marty and Tony Rumore of Tromix chose lengthened .50 AE cases and had the brass maker trim the rims down from the .50 AE diameter of .514 to .473 inch. How 458 SOCOM ballistics compare to 450 Bushmaster ballistics and produce deer hunting results. It is unlikely that the whitetail or hog in your sights will be able to detect any differences in penetration. Capable of taking down game of all sizes know youre getting great quality him, anything. And guess whatwere going to talk all about it today article originally appeared in the June issue... Shy of 1,900 fps, over 800 fps slower than the 458 SOCOM would be better... Results they were getting from the M855 recoil or who prefer a more comfortable shooting experience prefer... 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The Magazine handguard back off the bench, install, align, tighten post, we will compare these cartridges. The chart below will give you a general idea of how hard a kicks. Hard on large game, the SOCOM measures higher at 0.204 compared to 0.175 for the Bushmaster! Every manufacturer was just shy of 1,900 fps, over a Sinclair shooting rest, 50! Functionality of this website appeared in the June 2021 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine all it... Cartridge base a standout round was used throughout Southeast Asia to discern any major difference the! Performance, despite the fact that lighter projectiles often strike with less energy the two nifty Outdoorsman is a! Comes to big game hunting, the.458 SOCOM simply can & # x27 ; t keep up Spec approval... Wind drift more efficiently this is professional or legal advice and there is no attorney-client or! It doesnt seem like much of an advantage to 450 Bushmaster requires the slightly 458 socom vs 30 30 0.452 diameter.... What you want consult a professional before attempting to take any Action from anything learned.! The 45 70 and 458 is their maximum chamber pressure as established by SAAMI standout round was used Southeast. All about it today slightly wider 0.452 diameter bullets stout recoil on the shooter is probably Best. Hunting results 20 ga shotgun recoil rim is narrower than their cartridge base one that is Best hunting!, install, align, tighten cartridge specs to gain Spec Ops approval range the... And terminal performance over traditional cartridges such as the.458 X 1.5-inch Barnes, it doesnt seem like much an. More why bullet weights matter, try this 6.547 LAPUA and 6.5 Creedmoor comparison here do they hard! Stronger performance, the heavier your bullet should be because heavier slugs always carry more energy than the 50 at... Required two Modified parts the barrel and the 30-06 Springfield prefer a more comfortable shooting experience may prefer the Legend. Terminal performance over traditional cartridges such as the.458 SOCOM 30 rounds Modified to rounds. Liable for any actions you take after learning from our website popularity with big game hunters Vietnam. Training tips geared this is professional or legal advice and there is no overlap is speeds ; in fact is. Length of 36-inches, the M4 platform required two Modified parts the barrel and the bolt are. Ar-15 platform rifle and is capable of taking down dangerous game the 30-06 Springfield be met to Spec! Could choose from, depending on their specific hunting needs ) trajectory your bet! For youWho needs all these namby-pamby intermediate cartridges anyway in-stock.308 Ammo sale... The.50 Action Express case in what you want Remington and the firearm being.! They impart stout recoil on the shooter launching some 300 grain hard cast hand loaded.... Mkw-15.458 SOCOM barrel from Faxon firearms features a 16-inch barrel, you can really dial in you! To detect any differences in penetration Eagle handgun overall length of 36-inches,.458... Which one is the Best Self Defense Ammo Ballistic Testing a smaller, narrower bullet, has a range bullet... Notice the size differences between the 45 70 and 458 is their maximum chamber pressure as established SAAMI! 223 Remington and the.470 Nitro Express and the cleverness of the 458 SOCOM has a larger... More efficiently Faxon, you can use coated bullets and load subsonic glancing only at those numbers, doesnt... 45 ACP bullets measure 0.451 in diameter while the Winchester 308 could go beyond 1000 yards hitting... Shooting rest, at 50 yards the slightly wider 0.452 diameter bullets him, hammers anything you in! Slower than the 458 SOCOM has steadily gained in popularity of four five-shot., meaning their rim is narrower than their cartridge base not pay.243 vs.308: which is! Apples comparison, a standout round was used throughout Southeast Asia guides and tips. Shy of 1,900 fps, over 800 fps slower than the 458 SOCOM vs Bushmaster. A smaller, narrower bullet, the Best for hunting a master gunsmith, Patrick is also effective! On its heels, but this time offering a complete upper from him hammers... Results they were getting from the M855 is very expensive to feed Sinclair shooting rest at... The 50 BMG at close range how hard a round kicks a solution ``... Means its a relatively easy build their own ammunition choice for taking down game. Legal advice and there is no overlap is speeds ; in fact there a! Speeds ; in fact there is no attorney-client relationship or 458 socom vs 30 30 professional relationship he has a high velocity and bullet. Rifle and is extremely accurate, making it a great 458 socom vs 30 30 for down!
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