458 Socom for deer hunting (Indiana)

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EMB145

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I have been using a combination of rifled shotguns for 15+ years deer hunting in Indiana.
Several years ago we legalized certain cartridges for a rifle. Since then I have been trying .44 lever action rifle but have recently donnated it to my old man!

I am considering an AR15 - 458 Socom to replace. It appears that this is a legal deer cartridge in Indiana. Anyone using this? Any thoughts? Recommendations?
 
I'm in the same boat --- Mine has been on order now for 16 days - 3 hours - 10 minutes.... Just waiting for delivery - I'm thinking PIGS not deer though.
From my understandings knock down power of a Peterbilt yet light enough to hike thru the woods for hours and enough acces. available to trick out the Free world. ONly downfall is the price of ammo - but hell gas ain't much better. Rock River Arms was my choice -- a turn key killer
 
"Rifles with cartridges that fire a bullet of .357-inch diameter or larger; have a
minimum case length of 1.16 inches; and
have a maximum case length of 1.625 inches
are legal to use only during the deer firearm
season. Some cartridges legal for deer
hunting include the .357 Magnum, .38-.40
Winchester, .41 Magnum, .41 Special, .44
Magnum, .44 Special, .44-.40 Winchester,
.45 Colt, .454 Casull, .458 SOCOM, .475
Linebaugh, .480 Ruger, .50 Action Express,
and .500 S&W. "
 
I recently built a .458 SOCOM AR. It came together very nicely and I've thoroughly enjoyed firing it. The trajectory is very, very sharp, making it best for shots within 200 yards. The only problem I've had is some jamming with brand new, well constructed magazines. Best mags are well-used, cheap magazines.

Recoil isn't terrible. It's very heavy recoil, but over a longer period of time so it's more a push than a kick.

Upper is from Rock River Arms and is of high quality.

I'm not a hunter, so I can't talk about it's effect on the deer, but keep in mind that the round is the modern equivalent of .45-70 Govt.
 
458 Socom is an awsome round for hunting up close, a bit of an overkill for deer mind you but awsome none the less. That thing packs some major thump into a little AR package.
 
You can hunt with a Semi-Auto rifle in IN if the weapon is nominally chambered in a pistol round. However, with how they defined 'pistol round', the .458 SOCOM applies.
 
Much as I like the SOCOM I would go with a 454 or 500 S&W lever gun :) Yeah sure they are an overkill on deer but talk about some THUMP.
 
I think the .458 SOCOM is on par with a 454 or 500. You can get jacketed bullets up to 600 grains for the SOCOM round.
 
If you want a 458 SOCOM,you'll love the caliber,but you'll need to load your own ammo unless you have really deep pockets.It's not cheap to shoot,factory ammo will run around $60 a box,and even loading your own will be around $1 a round to begin with.
There is starting to be a good number of load info on the net,but for some bullets,you just have to learn on your own.As usual,start with low powder charges,and work your way up.
Starline is the only supplier of brass,but there are several online dealers that offer it.
SBR offers factory ammo,but they will reach hard for your wallet with their ammo.

I have several loads worked up that shoot moa or better at 100yds using 300,325,and 405gr bullets.
Recoil using the 300-325gr bullets is really mild,but the 405gr will let you know they are there after you spend a day testing loads.
Most loads chrono out from 1700-2000fps with my loads.

Standard GI type steel/aluminum mags work best,Pmags work good with the 300-325gr bullets also.
I cut a half-moon in my GI style mags,I was having problems with the last round hitting the front of the mag and damaging the nose of the bullet.

I'm in the process of building a 458 SOCOM bolt action rifle,and will be using a Savage action,and McGowen barrel.If it's half as fun to shoot as the RRA,I'll be happy!

005-15.jpg
 
Now "that" is ridiculous. There certainly are some squirrely hunting regulations in some States.
Click to expand...
That's why I am glad my family left Germany and settled in Texas back 1891, and I have NO desire to ever leave! :)
 
303tom said:
I know of none here in Missouri............
Click to expand...

IIRC, buckshot is illegal for deer hunting in Missouri.
In most of the counties I hunt in Virginia, buckshot is my only option for a gun. They don't allow rifles, pistols or shotgun slugs.

Most of these laws are so squirrely because they are made up by the Nancy Pelosi types who try to regulate things they don't even have a clue about.
 
I recently finished my SOCOM build. It's a heck of a rifle. I also load my own which makes it more fun. Great rifle for deep Michigan woods Whitetail.

6df48a3b.jpg
 
I know you just wanna have the biggest, baddest AR in town but might I humbly recommend a 44 Mag or even 500 S&W rifle barrel (with a good muzzle brake) for one of those Encores you have rusting away on the shelf? :neener:
 
building 458

I am interested in the 458, but I am having difficulty finding the barrel to build around. Maybe you who have built them could chime in, please?
 
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