IdahoLT1
Member
Ive been doing quite a bit of research about AR thumpers and have narrowed it down to these 2. The upper will be used for medium/large game hunting in Idaho(Mule deer, Elk and maybe black bear) and was curious about your guys' opinion. Also, I dont need to stop any vehicles by shooting into the block so that argument is moot IMO.
Basically almost everything I would order would be from midway just to keep pricing/ordering consistant. I will be reloading either one to help negate costs but will still order factory ammo to get things rolling and replicate loads. Im looking at both options in their cost to shoot/reload and its big game effectiveness.
Brass cost: Almost a toss up. The .458 SOCOM brass is a tad cheaper than the .450 Bushamster. Its ~$.79/piece for .458 SOCOM and $.84/piece for .450 Bushmaster. Although the .458 SOCOM is a tad cheaper, its made by Starline and .450 is made by Hornady. Starline isnt junk by any means, I just think Hornady brass is better quality.
Bullet cost: Again, a toss up. .452" ammunition is cheaper but the .458" bullets are a bit larger and offer a tad better selection in +250gr. weights.
Upper cost: Basically equal depending on any deals going.
Factory ammo cost: Here a significant edge is given to the .450 Bushamster. Although the .458 SOCOM has a better selection, its much more expensive. The cheapest load made by SBR is $47/20 rounds where as Hornadys ammo is $28/20 rounds. That is a significant difference.
Hunting effectiveness: This is where I may need some guidance. I know the argument is that the .458 SOCOM uses a better suited bullet for hunting over the .450 Bushmaster, yet I know there's plenty of Elk, Moose, Caribou and Bears that are dropped with a .454 Casull. Is there really that much difference? I can see a heavy .458 cal bullet holding up better in the shoulder of an Elk, but I dont believe there will be a difference when either shot is placed in the vitals.
The .450 Bushmaster ballistics seem to look better on paper. Im not aware of any light(250gr.) .458 SOCOM loads but the .450 Bushmaster seems to have better energy and to be the flatter shooting cartridge. I havent found many sub 250gr .458" bullets. So in .450 Bushmaster, a 200gr. bullet flying at 2,500fps doesnt sound too bad.
Am I missing anything here? Im leaning towads the .450 but just wanted to hear your input. Thanks.
Basically almost everything I would order would be from midway just to keep pricing/ordering consistant. I will be reloading either one to help negate costs but will still order factory ammo to get things rolling and replicate loads. Im looking at both options in their cost to shoot/reload and its big game effectiveness.
Brass cost: Almost a toss up. The .458 SOCOM brass is a tad cheaper than the .450 Bushamster. Its ~$.79/piece for .458 SOCOM and $.84/piece for .450 Bushmaster. Although the .458 SOCOM is a tad cheaper, its made by Starline and .450 is made by Hornady. Starline isnt junk by any means, I just think Hornady brass is better quality.
Bullet cost: Again, a toss up. .452" ammunition is cheaper but the .458" bullets are a bit larger and offer a tad better selection in +250gr. weights.
Upper cost: Basically equal depending on any deals going.
Factory ammo cost: Here a significant edge is given to the .450 Bushamster. Although the .458 SOCOM has a better selection, its much more expensive. The cheapest load made by SBR is $47/20 rounds where as Hornadys ammo is $28/20 rounds. That is a significant difference.
Hunting effectiveness: This is where I may need some guidance. I know the argument is that the .458 SOCOM uses a better suited bullet for hunting over the .450 Bushmaster, yet I know there's plenty of Elk, Moose, Caribou and Bears that are dropped with a .454 Casull. Is there really that much difference? I can see a heavy .458 cal bullet holding up better in the shoulder of an Elk, but I dont believe there will be a difference when either shot is placed in the vitals.
The .450 Bushmaster ballistics seem to look better on paper. Im not aware of any light(250gr.) .458 SOCOM loads but the .450 Bushmaster seems to have better energy and to be the flatter shooting cartridge. I havent found many sub 250gr .458" bullets. So in .450 Bushmaster, a 200gr. bullet flying at 2,500fps doesnt sound too bad.
Am I missing anything here? Im leaning towads the .450 but just wanted to hear your input. Thanks.