At the muzzle, the 458 SOCOM bullet delivers a whopping 2,243 ft-lbs of kinetic energy compared to 1,282 ft-lbs for the 5.56.Īlthough the 458 SOCOM round has almost double the kinetic energy at the muzzle, the round quickly loses fps and ft-lbs of energy as it travels downrange due to its bullet design. However fast the 5.56 bullet might be, the 458 SOCOM is using a considerably heavier bullet that carries a lot more muzzle energy. Although this is only one example, essentially every 5.56 factory load will have a higher muzzle velocity than the 458 SOCOM since the 5.56 is firing lighter bullets. However, the 5.56 cannot keep up with the 458 SOCOM in terms of muzzle energy.įor this example, we will compare the Hornady Frontier 55 gr FMJ ( M193 clone) for 5.56 and the SBR Ammunition 300 gr Barnes TTSX load for 458 SOCOM.Īt the muzzle, the 5.56 round is blazing down range at 3,240 fps compared to 1,835 fps for the 458 bullet. When it comes to muzzle velocity, there are only a handful of rounds that are faster than the 5.56 NATO. The 458 SOCOM fires a 0.458” diameter bullet that is intended for close-range engagements while the 5.56 fires a 0.224” diameter bullet that excels at long-range shots. The primary differences between 458 SOCOM vs 556 is bullet diameter each cartridge fires and the intended engagement ranges. What is the difference between 5.56 and 458 SOCOM? In this article we will help you answer these questions and more as we compare the 458 vs 556. However, is investing in a big bore 458 SOCOM upper receiver really worth it? Or is it better to stick with the AR-15 platform mainstay, the 5.56 NATO? The 458 SOCOM cartridge is the answer that these gun owners were looking for, as its heavier bullets can deliver bone-crushing kinetic energy that can stop feral hogs or whitetail in their tracks. They wanted more stopping power, better terminal ballistics, and a rifle cartridge that could be used for both home defense and big game hunting. Although the 5.56 NATO has proven itself in the jungles of Vietnam and deserts of Iraq, some gun owners wanted something more… Yeah, I'm kind of a snob.The standard AR-15 chambered in 5.56 NATO is truly America’s rifle and is a symbol of American ingenuity and freedom. The only thing Lee makes that I'll own or use is their FCD(Factory Crimp Die). Oh, and don't waste your time with Lee dies(which should be common knowledge around here). I'll have to look at my load book, but offhand I want to say I was getting 1500fps. Heaviest I've shot so far is a 440grn Cast Performance. It's a freakin hammer though and you'll be impressed with the punch it packs. I've got all of that straightened out now and I'm very happy with it. I torched my firing pin and it started piercing primers too. I also didn't realize I had high pressure signs and had to bump my H110 load back considerably. That mistake caused poor ejection and ruined some of my brass. I really fucked up when I swapped on a collapsable stock and ran an AR10 buffer & spring(which allowed the bolt carrier to travel too far back into the buffer tube). I picked up an RRA rifle about 6yrs ago and have about 500rds through it now. Once you do that, it won't lock the bolt back reliably, so don't fuck with your Pmags. If you want to run Pmags, you'll have to remove the small pointed extension that stops the travel of the follower at the front of the mag. This round takes a pistol primer though, so be aware of that. Buy your brass in bulk and a good variety of pistol powders too. There is a plethora of bullets available and I personally have weights from 250grns up to 500. Good 'ol GI mags work fine too(but I'm kind of a mag snob I guess). I've found that HK mags work the best for me and they'll hold 11rds reliably. Don't even consider the round if you're not a proficient hand loader.
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