.458 SOCOM

[Westbound]

I was browsing around some of the less popular cartridges and came across the 458 SOCOM.
From what i've read, this was designed with a military application in mind.  A look at the ballistics shows it is very similar to the 45-70.
So my observation has to be that we have come full circle.  One of the first US military cartridges now reborn in a special forces application.  I guess size does matter!

I do have to admit, 45-70 energy in a semi-auto would be the ultimate in fun shooting!!

[Totenkopf]

Search on the 50 beowulf, even better. It's amazing what they are doing with the lowly AR now. The 6.5 grendel isn't far behind a 308. Indeed, some where around 150 years later the old 45-70 performance is still sought after.

[jro45]

I own the 458 Lott never heard of The 458 SOCOM. Is that a miltary caliber?

[Westbound]

I read about it on wikipedia and followed a link there to the designers website.
it said it was designed in response to a "beer and BBQ" discussion among several special forces guys that had issue with the stopping power of the 5.56 during engagements in Somalia.
a 45 caliber necked cartridge to cycle in the M16/AR15 style upper.  looks like there is also a receiver manufactured for the AK style weapons.
The velocity and energy look similar to factory 45-70 loads.

By no means a replacement for any of the 458 magnums, but a pretty potent little pill coming out of an M16.
300gr FMJ moving along at 2000fps.  that ought to stop some bad guys quite a bit quicker than the 5.56 FMJ at any speed.

I didn't see anything saying that is in use by the special forces though.

[quickdtoo]

I own the 458 Lott never heard of The 458 SOCOM. Is that a miltary caliber?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.458_SOCOM

http://www.thegungarage.com/458%20SOCOM%20project/458socom%20page.htm

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=3&Categoryid=19777&categorystring=653***690***

[.30-06 Guy]

Both the .50 Beowolf and the .458 SOCOM have their ups and downs. The .458 uses standard diameter .458" rifle bullets whereas the .50 Beowolf uses the .50 cal pistol diameter rather than the full .510" of the rifle. On the other hand, the Beowolf's rim is rebated to that of the 7.62X39 case (or .445-.447") where the SOCOM's rim is only rebated to a standard Mauser (or .470-.473") If you have ever seen an AR-15 bolt face turned out to the latter measurement, well it kinda makes me cringe. Both cartridges are based on an elongated .50 AE case. I guess either would make for some good hog medicine or something sub-sonic.

[Davemuzz]

FWIW,

I usually buy a gun that I can use for hunting. Here in Pa. you can't use a semi-auto rifle to hunt anything. You also can't use a 1911 to hunt with, but I do use my 1911 to shoot speed shoots at my local gun club.

So, the point of my babble is...if I were to buy an A\R-15, I think the one in 458 SOCOM would be just plain fun!

Dave

[Westbound]

I'm with you Dave.
I don't have any plan to buy an AR, but if I did i think this would be a blast to shoot.

[.30-06 Guy]

www.rockriverarms

www.teppojutsu.com

Also I believe Bushmaster and DPMS sell uppers as well as complete rifles in this and other "exotic" chamberings. Also you can do a Google search on ".458 SOCOM".

A little warning; these rifles and upper recievers are more expensive than standard caliber.

[Lone spur]

I've been shooting the 458 SOCOM for a year now and am absolutely in love with the round. You are correct that it is ballisticaly identical to a mild to moderate 45-70 but because of the standard AR buffer spring it feels like a 20ga. On the back end! I have the option of 300gr JHPs @ 2000fps or all the way up to 500gr solids @1050fps. Leigh even makes 100gr aluminum HPs that have been chronied @ 3000fps out of a 10.5" barrel. The case is actually based off the .505 Jefferys but Starline has been making 458 SOCOM headstamped brass for a few years now. It uses completely unmodified GI mags so you can use your existing mags and don't even need to change the follower. A 30rd GI mag holds 10 458 SOCOM, a 20rd holds 7 and the 10rd 5.56 mags hold 3 458s. IMHO it beats out the 50 Beowolf because while the energy output is almost the same, the 458 has a better selection of bullets. Additionally, 458 bullets are built more solidly because they are designed for rifles as opposed to pistols and offer improved sectional density to boot. I invite you all to go over to www.458socomforums.com and learn more about Marty's brainchild (you will have to create an account, we've had trouble with spam).

[JimP.]

I also have been shooting the 458 SOCOM and by far it is the sweetest AR 15 i have in my safe. I purchased a upper from Rock River Arms and it came with a heavier recoil spring which comes in very handy. I load 34.0 grains of Lil Gun and a CCI large rifle primer in Starline brass for 2056 fps. The bullet i use is the Barnes Semi Spitzer 300 gr. It is a solid 200 yard gun, and is really in its prime here in the woods of NC, i use a Bushnell Red Dot sight and the combination of that sight and the hard hitting 300 gr Barnes bullet makes it a very devestating cartridge for  white tails, drops them very quickly and is fun to shoot.

[Davemuzz]

Leigh even makes 100gr aluminum HPs that have been chronied @ 3000fps out of a 10.5" barrel.

Just curious....but how does an aluminum bullet hold up in a barrel at that speed? I mean....a lead bullet would likely give you lead deposits, I'm just wondering if you would get aluminum deposits in your barrel....and then...how in the heck do you clean that?

Dave

[Lone spur]

I honestly have no idea how one would clean out Al build up. I haven't played with those rounds myself (that's just a little beyond what I'm comfortable experimenting with given my reloading experience). I have not heard of it being much of a problem though. I think they have been used in such limited quantities that it just hasn't come up.