.458 SOCOM vs. .50 Beowulf

[peps123]

Lloyd,
     I was looking for the correct forum for this but didn't find one. I have a question reagarding .458 SOCOM vs. .50 Beowulf, since I believe you have experience with both. Where should I post?

Thanks,
Joe.   

[Lloyd Smale]

no actuall experience with the 450 but have been shooting a beo for a while.

[peps123]

Thanks for the reply. I looking for comparison info. between the two; pro vs. con, etc. I was kicking the idea around of getting a .458 SOCOM upper from RRA; already have the Beo. Any thoughts? 

-Joe

[Lloyd Smale]

personaly if i were considering the 458 id look hard at the 450 bushy. You have the option of alot more different bullets in 452. Also alot more lighter bullets that could be used for plinking and small game. even the 45 acp 230 round nose would be fun in it.

[Lone spur]

In reality all three rounds are very similar. However I went with the 458 SOCOM for a couple of reasons;

Bullet construction: The 458 uses the bullets that are widely availible and are designed for use in modern rifles (as opposed to handguns or muzzleloaders). You have the option of using a rapidly expanding 300gr HP all the way up to a 600gr Dangerous Game solid. Also, Barnes just released the TAC-X, which was specificaly designed for the 458S. It has a BC of .268 and will expand down to 1000fps. This was done to theoreticaly extend the rounds operational window out to 440yrds.

Mags: The 458 SOCOM was designed to be used with an unmodified USGI mag. The 450 Bushmaster and 50 Beo required at least a different follower. I routinely use the same mags for 458S and 223 in a given trip to the range.

Headspacing: 458S is able to headspace off it's shoulder, which I like for accuracy and reliablity.


That being said, if you don't reload 458S ammo is a little more pricey. If you do reload, the 458 ends up being a little cheaper.

[Lloyd Smale]

dont know about the bushy but my beo works fine with all of my standard ar mags.

[peps123]

Thanks for info., fellas. I was busy for a while and didn't have a chance to review posts. I, too, like the bullet selection in .458, and it does seem to be a bit less expensive than what I've found in .50. Lonespur, what sort of loads are you using in your .458?

-Joe

[Lone spur]

My everyday/plinking load is bulk 300gr Rem HPs over RL7 (can't remember the exact charge right now). I shoots better than I do. I still have some loaded rounds from Reed's ammo in the 405gr SP and the 500gr hard cast, both work well. I'm in the process of moving so I haven't gotten the chance to load any of my Barnes TAC-Xs yet but they seem to be really nice.
Check out 458socomforums.com, it's a really good site with some great guys. There is a ton of information and it's definately worth signing up.

[peps123]

Thanks for the reply, Lone Spur, I'll check it out.