Getting ready to start loading the 458 SOCOM.

[GunnyUSMC]

I’m just about ready to start building my 458 SOCOM, just waiting for the muzzle break to be finished.
I plan to hunt hogs with it and have decided to go with Hornady 300gr HP bullets. I’ve already picked up a few supplies.
I’ve got 100 pieces of SBR brass.


Hornady dies, two boxes of 300gr HP and a box of 325 gr FTX.


I also have 40 rounds of Black Butterfly, Hornady 300gr HP.


I’ve been doing some reading about powder. Some say the by using rifle powders the brass will last longer. So I have thought about going with IMR4198.
I would like some feedback from those of y’all that hand load for the 458 SOCOM abd if y’all have some pet loads.

 

[Blue68f100]

I've got and shoot both of those a lot using W296/H110. I've also used H4198, RL-7, A1680 all successfully. My most accurate round has been with the
Barnes 300gr TAC-TX. I do not crimp any of mine. If you decided to do so be very careful not to collapse the shoulder, LFCD is what most recommend if you want to crimp. I find it's not necessary to crimp though. I use only CCI 350 LPM primers. I use the Sheridan Case Gauge to check my round. When I got into the SOCOM they were recommending Redding Dies as the ones that were in spec and 1 other, which I don't recall. At that time every mfg was doing what they want (no spec), some worked some did not.

A lot of hog hunters use the 405gr Cast with great success. I've taken out 2 with one shot at 90 yrds using the 300gr HP's. They hit like a sledge hammer.. I do most of my shooting at night, so a brake that disperse the smoke to the sides are a must.

 

[jmorris]

I have used H110/296, A1680, 2400, HS-7, HS-6, that I can think of off the top of my head.

I shoot heavy bullets mostly, the Remington 405 JSP’s work well and are fairly accurate for the price (even though they have gone up over the years). I have loads that have grouped 5 shots 1.5 inches in my socom with a 2 MOA dot size Aimpoint on it.

 

[jeeptim]

I have loaded a lot of these.
Most important a case gauge.
I got the Lyman ammo checker checks 6 or 8 different calibers love it!!!
Barry's. 458 plated good with right mag.
Cast and powder coated 405gr good again right mag.
Nosler and Hornady better.
Lehigh solid cross tip by far the best 100% feed. 1" or less moa at 100yds.
At first was using 4227 but was getting some unburnt powder.
Lil gun has worked best for me.
Can't member powder charges and the garage is to far.
Way fun to shoot get a recoil pad.
Fun to load.
It's my new favorite. Next looking for a 5o Beowulf.

 

[Kaldor]

I want to put a 458 upper together, so Ive done a bunch of homework in prep. I have a good lower, just need to pick up a barrel and bolt from Tromix.

Powders are mostly in the magnum pistol powder range, with a few exceptions. LilGun, H110,W296, CFE Black, 4198, and those are just Hodgdon powders Ive listed.

Brass life shouldnt be a big issue, as the 458 is pretty low pressure. Pretty sure all brass is made by Starline, even if it has a different headstamp on it.

I want to use mine as a brush hunter for deer, so Im looking mostly at same bullets are are listing. Also some HiTek coated stuff just for shooting.

 

[alfsauve]

I'm new to .458S also and I'm getting a kick out of it.

For what it's worth (not much) I've done 20 rounds. I haven't bought any brass, but have reused the Black Butterfly rounds that I bought.

All my reading seems to indicate that for the 300-325gr bullets, most people tend towards Lil Gun. My measly 20rnds with Hornady 325gr FTX using Lil Gun have all shot very well. I like that it's not compressed and that it has wide margin between starting to max loads. Once I get my scope issues fixed I'll post groups.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Where’s the best place to buy bullets from?

 

[jmorris]

Depends on the bullet.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Depends on the bullet.

About anything in 300 gr.

 

[jmorris]

This one lets you refine your search by brand, caliber and weight, making it easy.

https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/pro...y=457-458&query_type_caliber-range-sort-by=or

There are some cast and coated alternatives here.

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/category/categoryId/938?

Assuming you don’t make them yourself, the #2 Buffalo here might work for you too.

http://missouribullet.com/results.php?pageNum_rsCWResults=22&category=20

 

[alfsauve]

https://ammoseek.com/

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Thanks for the links. I’ll have a look at them..

 

[HamSlamma]

What made you decide to shoot a hog with a hollow point?

 

[GunnyUSMC]

What made you decide to shoot a hog with a hollow point?

I use 90gr TNT rounds in my 277 Wolverine for hogs and it works great. I feel that the 300gr Hornady JHP will work fine on hogs.
I also have issues with my shoulder and recoil is a factor on how much I can shoot at one time. So 300gr will have less recoil then the heavier bullets.
I do have a box of Hornady 325gr FTX bullets to try out.

 

[Blue68f100]

Install a GL-Shock stock on your AR and your shoulder will thank you. Makes shooting the SOCOM feel like a 20 ga shotgun with heavy loads. I have a bad back and it's the only way I can shoot the SOCOM more than a few rounds. 20+ is no problem with this stock installed.