AR build...308 vs. 458 SOCOM

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Archangel14

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My mind has been drifting toward the .458. I like large bullets and I really like the variety of sizes. As a hunting/social situation rifle, I'm sure it would do very well. But then I got to thinking, what does the .458 bring to the table that a .308 doesn't? Shoot medium sized game or a 2 legged critter at 125 yards, and both will do the job. At 300 yards? Not so bueno for the .458, I assume.

So I ask you fine gents, why should I build a .458? And keep in mind that I'm a practical guy.....I'm not looking to collect rifles.
 
I would have to go 308. Like you said, from a practical standpoint, you have the ability to reach out there if need to.
 
If this were a poll I would vote 308. I'm practical too and that's why I'd go 308. If weight was a concern as far as rifles are concerned you could get a carbine and they're only about 8lbs. As far as bullet selection, you have all sorts of variety to choose from: fmj, lots of hunting ammo, and even tracer for some fun:)!!!!!!! But in all seriousness I think 308 is the way to go.
 
For practicality you have already answered your own question. The 308 will outperform the 458 in most ways. It will drop just about anything on the NA continent short of the big bears. The 458 is basically a 45/70 in an ar15. Shorter range, slow moving bullet. There is a wide selection of 458 bullets to choose from but if you do not reload you will have a very small selection and it can be VERY expensive.

Now for me, I had 2 AR10's. One carry handle carbine, weighed about 8.5lbs no glass. Also a 22" target style rifle. Set up with nice glass and stock. BUT it weighed 11.5lbs. Way too heavy to lug around the hills. I sold both of them and bought a 458 SOCOM. So far I have not been sorry. I do have a 308 Bolt gun that is an absolute tack driver.

Why did I choose the 458? I was intrigued with the thought of a big bore on a true ar15 platform. All I have to do is change the upper and go shoot. Takes the same mags as the 5.56. Now you can modify the mags but it is not required. It is also a drop on to the lower with no mods.

Since I already have a 308 bolt for longer range. I really wanted a huge projectile to really pack a punch. Most shots are taken within 100yds and I am not really comfortable going past 250 anyway. Plus putting the smackdown on a HOG will be worth the extra effort.
 
The 458 is basically a 45/70 in an ar15. Shorter range, slow moving bullet.
Click to expand...

45/70 reaches out, too, you just need to get the proper sights and practice with them. Not sure how a Vernier site would work on an AR, though ;)

What is the range of a 45/70

The 458 probably suppresses better than 308, and would be more effective with heavy subsonic rounds. It also costs much, much more to buy or reload.

TCB
 
I've got both calibers,and like them equally.
But looking at them on their merits,the 308 wins hands down.

Cost of ammo,whether factory or handloads = 308

Velocity/Range of ammo = 308
The 458 SOCOM will accurately shoot out to 300 yards,but after that it's falling/running out of steam.

Ease of finding ammo/reloading components = 308
Starline is the only mfg of 458 brass,and it can be hard to find if you don't keep plenty on hand,plus it's more expensive.

Fun factor/Knockdown ability = 458 SOCOM
Whatever you shoot with the 458 is knocked flat at the point of impact.I haven't had any animal take a step after being hit with the "Hammer"!
 
I just have to go with the NATO platform over the Socom for universal ammo availability.

The AR10 is just going to be that much more friendly to feed in the SHTF scenario.


Nobody is going to pack Socom.


And, I do love the Socom upper as a great augmenter to the AR15 setup.
 
I love the AR 15 and 10.

AR 15 in 458 SOCOM is just fantastic.

Yah, I hear all the nay sayers as far as AMMO availablity but that's why God invented reloading.

Wouldn't trade mine for a gaggle of 308's

Light, powerful versatile with a wide range of bullets.

Have never regreted buying or having the 458.

I've got an AR10 in 308, but I keep reaching for the little carbine that could and never looked back.
 
.308 for the same reasons mentioned.

Even if you reload, there will be lots more .308 components around if you need them. 458, most likely not.
 
gotigers said:
.308 for the same reasons mentioned.

Even if you reload, there will be lots more .308 components around if you need them. 458, most likely not.
Click to expand...
Midway currently has 54 varieties if .308 bullets in stock, and 64 versions of .458. Brass would be a whole 'nuther issue.
 
Others have mentioned the fact that you are talking about two different guns when you compare the two but I would fall into the "both" category. They are for different uses, kind of like a car or tractor.

What can the 458 do that the 308 can't? Put more energy into the target at subsonic speeds. You can buy 405 grain bullets for the 458 in bulk boxes and go up to 600 grains. You can't get half that mass in a 308 bullet.

Makes for a good nighttime hog buster.

DSC02435.jpg
 
Comparing the 2 is like apples and oranges. I'd say get the one you want the most then sometime later get the other.
 
68wj
Snip....

Midway currently has 54 varieties if .308 bullets in stock, and 64 versions of .458. Brass would be a whole 'nuther issue.
Click to expand...

There's the rub...

308 brass is everywhere. If the hoarders will let it go.
 
Like Post #4 says, they are really two different guns. An AR-10 gives you cartridges in based on the .308 shell casing. (I have seen some in more cartridges, like .257 Roberts and 22-250, I have no idea how well they actually work.) You can build other uppers in .243, 7mm-08, .260 Rem, and .338 Federal, with the same magazine and bolt face.

I don't know much about a .458, but it's a completely different animal in a different frame.
 
http://www.burrisoptics.com/eliminator.html is God's gift to the .458". (& the .45"-70, for that matter) I have a Rock River .458" upper on order for my brother - the alternative would have been .30" AR or .300" Blackout in the AR platform.

If you live in Texas, or another state the permits suppressed deer hunting, definitely the .458". If not, you have a lot of options in the AR-10. Including:

http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/ColtRifles/ColtLE90116S.aspx

A .308" that you can drop a .458" upper on - problem solved!
 
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