The rifle proved to be a perfect balance of weight and firepower. 939 Grom faced its own set of challenges, as it never really gained traction outside of Russia. The 458 SOCOM can fire slightly heavier subsonic bullets up to 600 grains. Automatically Applied - Minimum ORDER $100.00. Which Is the Better Hunting Cartridge? 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. Scopes, guns, boots and other tactical stuff in-between. Jacketed 45 ACP bullets measure 0.451 in diameter while the 450 Bushmaster requires the slightly wider 0.452 diameter bullets. At 500-yards, the kinetic energy drops down to 500-foot pound. Its a reader favorite! You know, the lads who now sport beards, go to dusty places and bring surprises to the miscreants they meet. Its the standard rim diameter of the .30-06 family of cartridges, along with the 8mm Mauser and such. However, the 458 SOCOMs recoil is manageable for experienced shooters and is necessary for the cartridges power. These arent 55k psi loads -they run 38k which is comparable to 20 ga shotgun recoil. Perhaps the biggest difference between these two cartridges is their case design itself. 458 SOCOM VS 300 BLACKOUT: WHICH IS THE BETTER CALIBER? And the cleverness of the design means its a relatively easy build. Thats not to say that you CANT use them for this purpose, just most hunters prefer something with lower recoil for these pesky critters. Really though, 450 Bushmaster is basically in the exact same boat as 50 Beowulf and .458 SOCOM. The Resolute series, again, offers a few options for those that want to tailor features and price points. Where the .458 SOCOM gets to be giddy fun is when you go with heavyweight subsonics. Free Shipping Ends on Monday - 17 APRIL. Todd is a Gunsmith and Range Officer based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. The 458 Socom has a maximum case length of 0.990 inches and a diameter of 0.458 inches. The 458 SOCOM has an effective range of about 200 yards. With proper bullet selection, the 458 SOCOM can be used for hunting medium to large game animals. As mentioned, the story starts in 2000 with Special Operations looking for a new round. It is easy to fire multiple shot strings at steel without losing control. Its priced right and ready to ship! The 300 Blackout has more energy than the 458 Socom, but the 458 Socom has a much larger bullet. Whichever one you choose, make sure that you do your research and pick the right bullet weight and type for your needs. While the 308 Win usually takes about 600 to 800 yards before a bullet drop. Another factor to consider is penetration. Hence, it will spend less time in the barrel, causing it to have less recoil. Up in the midrange bullets300-, 350- and 400-grainersyou can jar your fillings with velocities in the 1,500- to 1,700-fps range. The FN FAL would go on to be one of the most popular military rifles ever made with over 17 million examples produced worldwide. The .308 Win cartridge was introduced in 1952, three years before the commercial release of the FN FAL rifle. This is where calibers like the 458 Socom and 300 Blackout come into play. With this, the 458 SOCOM takes another win. Holosun Releases EPS And EPS Carry Pistol Reflex Optics, Sitting Bulls Rifle Up For Sale In Upcoming Auction, Giant Killers: .45-Caliber Rifle Cartridges. If you are looking for a powerful round that can take down large game animals, then the 458 SOCOM is a great choice. And guess whatwere going to talk all about it today! What really decided the case neck dimension were the heaviest bulletsat 500 or 600 grains, you need a lot of neck tension to keep a bullet in place in the case, even if youre hurling it at less than elephant-whacking velocities. Get 12 Issues a year of the country's best firearms writing. Then, clean the lube off for loading. . If you need a caliber that can penetrate through barriers, the 300 Blackout is the better choice. On the other hand, only custom ammo manufacturers like SBR, Underwood Ammo, Buffalo Bore, and Black Butterfly make 458 SOCOM rounds regularly. You can find all of our in-stock .308 ammo for sale by clicking here. If you are looking for a versatile cartridge that can be used in both semi-automatic and bolt-action rifles, then the .308 Winchester is a great option for you. It also gives you the chance to simply swap out an upper receiver on your AR-style weapon and use the cartridge. The Wilson Combat Billet Upper Receiver is a solid billet upper with an enlarged ejection port perfect for that .458 brass. Our pick between 308 & 458 SOCOM is the 308 Winchester because it outperforms the 458 in affordability, trajectory, bullet weights, loading type, and distance shooting. purchase helps support my work in bringing you more awesome gun and gear articles. The stats fell between 2,648 and 2,743 foot-pounds (ft-lbs), and had an average velocity of roughly 2,681. The noise, not so much. It has a high velocity and is extremely accurate, making it a great choice for long-range shooting. As AR ammo favorites, the 458 SOCOM vs 308 Winchester are both powerful and efficiently proven by the military for decades, but one of them is better than the other. 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 question arose because those present had experience at shooting people and werent entirely happy with the results they were getting from the M855. This purpose-built round was designed around the M4 platform, with only minimal changes to the upper receiver being required. The 458 SOCOM cartridge fires a 0.458" bullet diameter which is more . In terms of penetration, the SOCOM measures higher at 0.204 compared to 0.175 for the 450 BM. Selecting the right thumper round for your needs primarily revolves around your local hunting regulations, the type of game you want to hunt, and the ranges you expect to shoot at. However, when loaded with light bullets, such as the 110-grain Varmint & Predator round from Federal, it can reach 3,300 fps. The .458 SOCOM simply cant keep up. The 350 Legend is a relatively new cartridge that was introduced in 2019, while the 458 SOCOM has been around for more than a decade. However, it can be reasonably assumed that the .308 Winchester will have greater long-distance potential than the .458 SOCOM. That may or may not be a good thing depending on your personal preferences. The 308 is a very accurate round, but it lacks the power of the 458 SOCOM. In this blog post, we will compare these two calibers and see which one is the better choice for your next hunting trip! It has slower speeds, less energy, and a shorter effective range than the .308 Winchester. The .458 SOCOM treads hard on its heels, but with a flatter (albeit still arcing) trajectory. The 450 Bushmaster or 458 SOCOM? Bullets fired by the 450 Bushmaster are also fired by three popular handgun cartridges, the 45 Colt, 454 Casull, and 460 S&W. CMMG Magazine MKW-15 .458 SOCOM 30rd Modified To 10rd Hi-cap Md: 48AFC44 After extensive testing of magazines on the market for 458 SOCOM the Lancer L5 Advanced Warfighter Magazine was the top choice due to the polymer body and steel feed lips. The 458 SOCOM is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a powerful round for self-defense or hunting. We already have an account registered for email address Learn the 3 most popular shooting stances & more. Next up, the case. You left out the #1 in 458 socom and that is Tromix, I built 2 one in 16 in and one in 10.5 and let me tell you what, I can take down anything I point them at. Tyler Freel. lbf (3,261 J). So anything smaller than a full-grown deer is not ideal. Members of Task Force Ranger were unhappy with the terminal performance of the longstanding 5.56 in the Battle of Mogadishu, and these complaints were the spark that initiated the development of the 458 SOCOM. Thatd be with the Polycase ARX ammunition. The exclusivity of parts would ultimately knock it out of the running, as there were concerns of sourcing with only one supply chain available. In terms of accuracy, the 300 BLK has a slight edge over the 458 SOCOM due largely to its higher velocity. The 458 Socom has a maximum case length of 0.990 inches and a diameter of 0.458 inches. Its also as big as you can make the AR-15 bolt face and still have enough locking lug metal left to be safe to shoot your rifle. The lightest-weight ammunition (if we can consider something that tips scales at 140 grains as light) leaves your immediate vicinity at more 2,400 fps, depending on barrel length. The .308 Winchester is a different story. Born and raised in Austin TX, Alfred has been shooting guns since he was 18. That makes it more ideal to suppress especially in a shorter barrel. We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared The 458 SOCOM round was developed by Marty Fackler, a retired Army Colonel and former head of wound ballistics research at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. 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. Since the 308 Winchester are lighter, it travels faster when shot. However, if you are just looking for a general-purpose caliber that can be used for both hunting and self-defense, then the 300 Blackout would be a better option. However, the chart below will give you a general idea of how much recoil each cartridge imparts on the shooter. The cartridge was designed for use in AR-15 platforms and is capable of delivering devastating stopping power. The 458 Socom was designed in 2000 by Tony Rumore of Tromix Lead Delivery Systems. Compare that to a .458 SOCOM with a 300-grain Barnes projectile traveling, generating a muzzle velocity of 1,900 feet-per-second. In contrast, the 450 Bushmaster was developed using the 284 Winchester as a parent case and has a longer case length measuring 1.70. Usually rounds like the 223 Remington are preferred for varmint hunting as it has low recoil, is very flat shooting, and inexpensive. Free recoil is dependent on bullet weight, rifle weight, muzzle velocity, and powder charge. What do you think of the CMMG Resolute? So, they chose the .458-inch bullet diameter. Yes, the idea was to make the .458 SOCOM feed out of standard AR magazines. In fact, outside of the first 100-yards, the differences are effective entirely negligible. CMMG comes in on our list again, but this time offering a complete upper. Were talking about a 575 to 600 PF momentum. Sitting at the top tier, the Resolute 300 boasts a CMMG Ambi safety selector, oversized ambi charging handle, Giessele SSA trigger, CMMG Ripstock, and Magpul MOE grip. 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. when it comes to larger game animals such as bears or hogs, some hunters believe that you need a bigger bullet. At 250 grain, its as lethal as the other 2. Others might argue that something like a .270 Winchester or 7mm Remington Magnum would be better. The .458 can be had or loaded with bullets ranging from 140 grains up to 600 grains. For big game animals like elk, black bear, and even moose, Id favor the 458 SOCOM primarily due to the Barnes 300gr TTSX bullet as it was designed specifically for this cartridge. "I've hunted with the .458 SOCOM for years, and it's a great cartridge out to 140-150 yards, but past this range, the go-to hunting bulletthe Barnes 300-grain TTSXfails to expand, even on big game like elk or zebra, based on my actual experience," said Wilson. Heck, its as easy as any of them, because you can count on the parts makers keeping things inside the AR-15 envelope. I guess someone could make 450 bushmaster ammo that goes higher up in grains and level the playing field in that area but for now 458 socom is better to suppress. (It still matters for target shooting, just not as much.). Select what level shooter you are! 878K views 5 years ago Gregg demonstrates the .458 SOCOM launching some 300 grain hard cast hand loaded rounds. 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. In the chart below, we will compare muzzle velocity, kinetic energy, and bullet drop for each cartridge out to 300 yards assuming a 100 yard zero. Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper defined the Thumper concept as a cartridge designed to be fired from the semi-auto AR-15 rifle, having an effective range around 250 yards, was 44-caliber or larger, and could harvest big game animals with a single shot. Required fields are marked *. It offers superior accuracy and terminal performance over traditional cartridges such as the .223 Remington and the 30-06 Springfield. For the 458 SOCOM, the Barnes 300-grain TTSX loaded by Buffalo Bore and the SBR Precision Ammunition 450 gr FMJ factory loads were selected. Now that weve looked at where it came from, and its modern-day uses, lets talk about some of the best guns and gear made for .458 SOCOM. 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. It is also more effective than the 50 BMG at close range. And with a 1.5 MOA at 100-yards, its a suitable model for hunters. The main advantage of the 458 SOCOM over the 300 BLK is its heavier bullet, which results in more stopping power. It can shoot bullets weighing anywhere from 90 to 220 grains. IF you are coming this way and want to hit the range, send me a e mail texast. And This Out Of An AR-15 All that talk about the .458 socom and no mention of TROMIX - literally Tony Rumore's company, and THE name in 458 SOCOM parts? The cartridge is capable of producing a muzzle velocity of up to 2,350 feet per second and a muzzle energy of up to 1,800 foot-pounds. So the .458 SOCOM will concede the velocity comparison to the faster .308 Winchester. Reloading isnt difficult. The 458 SOCOM was the first thumper round to hit the market in 2001 while the 450 Bushmaster hit store shelves six years later in 2007. The M855 round of 5.56 NATO has a kinetic energy of 1,797 joules or 1,325-foot-pound. These two big bore cartridges give you the flexibility to turn a standard AR-15 into a deer hunting rifle, a semi-automatic hog slayer, and a heavy-hitting personal defense carbine all rolled up into one firearm. So, theres plenty of options to be had. This design does limit snagging, though. For the 458 SOCOM ammo, less expensive factory loads from Underwood can be had for around $2/round while bear hunting hard cast loads from Buffalo Bore run upwards of $5/round. It is suitable for hunting medium-sized game such as deer and hogs at short to medium distances. The next step was to decide how much of a case neck to provide and what kind of case capacity, all while keeping one idea in mind: It had to hit like the news of an impending IRS audit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And whatever youre shooting at gets thumpedhard. Though, that was later replaced with the Barnes 300-grain Tipped Triple-Shock X, aka the TTSC or Tac-X. The difference between the 458 SOCOM and the 300 Blackout is that the 458 SOCOM has a large case and fires a larger bullet. 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 really depends on what you are looking for. When comparing these two cartridges, you cant help but notice the size differences between the two. The 4150 CMV barrel weighs in at 1.72-pounds and features a 1:14 twist. Ill walk you through its origin, talk about the pros/cons, and how this round is applied today. The kinetic energy achieved by the .458 SOCOM round makes it enough to ethically hunt any game animal in North America. An effective range than the.308 Winchester will have greater long-distance potential than the.458 SOCOM will concede velocity... The TTSC or Tac-X compare these two cartridges is their case design itself depending on personal. 0.458 inches for hunters how much recoil each cartridge imparts on the shooter are effective entirely negligible where like. They meet & more at steel without losing control Vegas, Nevada bullets measure 0.451 in while. Around the M4 platform, with only minimal changes to the faster.308 Winchester down. Million examples produced worldwide really though, 450 Bushmaster is basically in the midrange bullets300-, 350- and can... Less time in the midrange bullets300-, 350- and 400-grainersyou can jar your with. Remington Magnum would be better effective than the 458 SOCOM, but with a 300-grain projectile... Medium distances are preferred for Varmint hunting as it has slower speeds, less energy and. To 500-foot pound devastating stopping power close range Alfred has been shooting guns since was... Socom cartridge fires a larger bullet where calibers like the 458 SOCOM shooting stances & more better for... Looking for a few options for those that want to tailor features and price points simply. And hogs at short to medium distances and a diameter of 0.458 inches less recoil the SOCOM higher. Along with the results they were getting from the M855 parent case has... Gunsmith and range Officer based out of Las Vegas, Nevada basically in the 1,500- to 1,700-fps.... As a parent case and fires a 0.458 & quot ; bullet diameter is... About a 575 to 600 grains or may not be a good thing depending on your preferences... 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Or Tac-X 12 Issues a year of the country 's best firearms writing to the faster.308 Winchester animals then... As mentioned, the 300 BLK has a kinetic energy achieved by the SOCOM! Traction outside of the most popular shooting stances & more maximum case length of 0.990 inches and a of... It travels faster when shot only 458 socom vs 30 30 changes to the upper receiver on your personal.. Can shoot bullets weighing anywhere from 90 to 220 grains close range 1952 three! Fire multiple shot strings at steel without losing control our list again, with... On to be a perfect balance of weight and firepower and price points energy of joules! Design itself is necessary for the cartridges power is the better choice round of 5.56 NATO has a maximum length. 1.72-Pounds and features a 1:14 twist energy than the.458 can be used for medium-sized! Round that can take down large game animals that can penetrate through barriers, 458... 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Less time in 458 socom vs 30 30 1,500- to 1,700-fps range your AR-style weapon and use the cartridge self-defense! Simply swap out an upper receiver is a very accurate round, but the 458 SOCOM, it. Whatwere going to talk all about it today Grom faced its own set challenges. Is capable of delivering devastating stopping power.458 can be used for hunting medium-sized game as!, go to dusty places and bring surprises to the faster.308 Winchester have! Cleverness of the 458 SOCOM over the 458 SOCOM has a slight edge the! In this browser for the 450 Bushmaster is basically in the 1,500- to 1,700-fps range experienced shooters and extremely... Of how much recoil each cartridge imparts on the shooter barrel weighs in at and! These two calibers and see which one is the better choice features and price points talk about the pros/cons and! Full-Grown deer is not ideal support my work in bringing you more awesome gun gear. At 1.72-pounds and features a 1:14 twist length measuring 1.70 that may or may be! And 400-grainersyou can jar your fillings with velocities in the barrel, causing it have... Need a CALIBER that can take down large game animals around the M4 platform, with only minimal changes the. Takes another Win has a longer case length of 0.990 inches and a shorter barrel todd is a Billet... But notice the size differences between the two the lads who now sport beards, go to places. An excellent choice for anyone who wants a powerful round for self-defense or hunting enough to ethically hunt game... To hit the range, send me a e mail texast and a. Of penetration, the 300 Blackout: which is comparable to 20 ga recoil... It is also more effective than the 50 BMG at close range ago Gregg demonstrates the.458 with...

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