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Hey folks, I'm thinking about filling a gap. I'm sure this has been widely discussed but it's new to me.
The 5.56 Colt & FN, then the Ruger Scout in .308, then ???
Sold my Marlin 45/70 (I loved the cartridge), so I'm looking to step up in the AR platform to something similar.
Seems the choice is between 458 SOCOM and 450 Bushmaster... ?? Please help an old dog learn new tricks... THANKS!
What do you want it to do? Is there a specific game animal, that you plan to hunt, which the .308 is inadequate for, or do you simply want to know each shot costs more than $1?
Hopefully you reload because none of the megabore AR cartridges have plentiful or cheap ammo.
I have been looking into the 458 as well. I think it would not be too bad if one reloads. Yes it is an expensive round but it is an interesting concept to have in a AR 15 sized rifle. You do have more more bullet options with the 458 versus the handgun bullet options of the 450. For me though living where I do and due to recent changes to magazine laws, the 30 rnd 5.56 magazine now becomes a legal 10 rnd magazine. That is the main driver for me to acquire a 458 upper.
Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by PrarieDog
That's been some of my thinking too. I'd really like to go big (Can you say .416 Rigby?:cool: ) but the need is no longer there, so I want to stay with the AR platform.
I don't want a separate rig, so an extra upper in 458 is what I'm thinking.
I'm just looking to round out my arsenal a bit... If and when the SHTF I'd like to have some options. 5.56/.308/458?
2 handguns will go, but which rifle accompanies me into the field? Will I need range? Accuracy? Stopping power?
3 choices I'm thinking, and the 458 seems to slip right in that slot. But I could be totally wrong headed in my thinking, hence the post...
Of course none of this will likely happen, and, in that case my 'arsenal' will go to the closest neighbor...
I'm still trying to work this out...but, many thanks for the replies...:D
I have a 458 10.5 in and I love it. If you want one you really have to reload. It has a wide bullet selection from 250 to 600 grains. The brass is made by Starline and is readily available with 68 cents ea being the best price I've found. Lots of different powers to choose from with Lil Gun being a favorite. There is a 458 forum that you can go to for lots of great information. I highly recommend Tromix for your barrel/bolt or upper.
I have a .458 SOCOM upper from Tromix.
The main difference between the two rounds is the .450 Bushmaster uses handgun (.452") bullets at about 2200fps and 40000 PSI, while the SOCOM uses rifle (.458") bullets at ~2200fps at 35000 PSI.
If you want to hunt big game with it, get the .458 SOCOM as the variety of hunting bullets available is greater. If you're just going to plink or hunt medium game, get the .450 Bushmaster as .452" bullets are less expensive in large quantities..
To get the most out of either round, you should reload.
mbogo
I need to buy you guys a cigar!
Great info thanks! I'm saving all this info in my little black book! :cool:
I'm gonna check out the Tromix upper and parts...
Then I need to look into the cost issue and do my usual comparisons...
You guys are really great! THANK YOU!
It will cost you about $700 to get what you need from Tromix, but it will work (as opposed to the uppers/barrels chambered by the PTG reamer).
mbogo
That's good advice... I didn't know that... I was planning on a complete upper as I'm not into tinkering any more.
I've become one of those..."I want it and I want it now!"... kinda guyz... ;-)
Go over to www.458socomforums.com
There is a WEALTH of information there.
Many thanks for that link! I'm on the hunt...
Told a friend who is a big bore fan about a 20" Bushmaster .450 upper Midway had on sale a few years ago.
He picked it up and has shot the hell out of it and it's really accurate and you can tell you're launching serious bullets.
Using the .452s you save a lot of money over something using .458s but you're limited to lighter bullets than something in .458.
The load is a 240gr .452 XTP-MAG and near max charge of Lil Gun from the Hornady Manual. No issues finding new brass or ammo at Cabelas either, I can't say the same for .458 SOCOM.
If you are fine with, seemingly, being "limited" to about 300gr bullets and can source better quality parts than Bushmaster (I am assuming you're building a serious use rifle), then I think you would be fine with the .450 Bushmaster.
Thanks bb223... That's really helpful info!
With plans of building a .458 Socom Upper I purchased a Wilson .458 upper receiver...it's new in box and I'd be willing to take a slight hit on it just to get it gone as I opted not to go this route and got into reloading instead...it hasn't been listed in the EE and it doesn't sound like you're looking to build but I figured I'd let you know just in case you're interested. PM me if you're interested and good luck!
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Many thanks for the heads up on the Wilson Upper. That might be a bit out of my price range right now... I'm still puttin things together for the next step... I'm a bit cautious in my old age... All the best...
I went with the .450 Bushmaster. I just bought a factory bushmaster upper. I bought it due to the fact that I can now use it in my shotgun zone. I took my first small buck with it this year. The rifle shoots 1-1.25 MOA at 100 yards and I am confident to 250. I couldnt be happier.
I dont know if Indiana has the same restrictions or not, but I know you can hunt with the 308 now. (lucky)
FYI, RRA has a 20% off shot show special through tomorrow evening. Drops the price below what Tromix charges for a 458 socom.