AR's that Kick- 450 Bush Master, 458 SoCom and 50 Beowulf

hermosabeach

hermosabeach

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Feb 13, 2012
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#1
#2
Well, the .458 SOCOM has been around for a while. I own one, but don't shoot it much because ammo is very expensive. But then I don't hunt, so I'm either shooting steel or paper. And for that it's cheaper and more pleasant to shoot one of several AR's I own (or my Tavor).

For hunting I think the .458 is a good choice if most of your shooting will be under 150-200 yards. I know there are a lot of people who have used this round very successfully on wild pigs/boars. And you do have a wide choice of bullets and if you reload (which I don't) it becomes a lot less expensive to shoot.

Also, I can tell you mine has been 100% reliable and is pretty accurate. What I can't tell you how it stacks up to the other two choices, as I have no experience with them.
 
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#3
I have a 10.5" socom as well. Built it for pig hunting when I lived in Texas, I have some feeding issues due to suppressor and short barrel, I need to install an adjustable gas block. I chose the socom based on brass, and bullet availability and cost. I have never shot the other ones but the bit I have played with this one, it's a fun round. Never did get to hunt with it though.
 
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#6
I have a 12" Beowulf, it is a thumper, 25 rounds and you had enough. I reload, I picked Beowulf because it is a straight wall, less case prep. I use Alexander mags, Zero issues, the upper is also Alexander, a bit $
 
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#7
I have had a 450 Bushmaster for the past ten years. It WILL flatten a hog! Once i hit a sow a little far back and my brother and I were tracking her through the woods. She went about 50 yards, but after a few steps he found a little piglet running around then after a few more steps a dead one, then another. Turns out I'd done a (rather sloppy) c-section by AR. As long as you hit one in the front half of the body they pretty much die right there though. I don't use it very often now cause I don't want to beat up my night vision/thermal, don't have a suppressor for it, and it lacks in firepower. A thirty round mag only holds 7 iirc.
 
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#8
TROMIX AND WILSON COMBAT have teamed up for the 375 SOCOM.

My first two 458S complete uppers are from 2002 by Marty, owner of Teppo Jutsu.

In the last two years I have purchased a 458S and 375S barrel/bolt combo with gages by TROMIX. He's very easy
to talk to over the phone.

Reloading is the answer and help is only a site away: http://458socomforums.com/index.php?topic=3985.0

Never a problem from uppers or main components from T or TJ. Good folks and gear.
 
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#9
I got a 16" 450 Bushmaster upper when Indiana first allowed that round for hunting. It has been reliable and accurate and easy to reload. 458 SOCOM probably has more bullet options if you are into playing around with reloads, but the standard 250 grain Hornady load just works. I let my friend borrow it for a Texas hog hunt and it worked as advertised. I split a muskrat in half with it once. I think the Bushmaster is the "easiest" of the big bore cartridges, but I think they are pretty similar in performance overall.
 
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#10
Likewise, when michigan allowed us shotgun zone hunters to use straight walled cartridges for deer hunting I built both a bolt and AR bushmaster. My AR wears a 16" brownells barrel and is plenty accurate to take deer down inside 300 yards provided the wind isn't blowing. 200 if it is.

Ive taken the bolt out to 500 and at its velocity it is still faster and has more energy than a 45acp shooting 230's at the muzzle. Though it can be tough to connect if the wind isnt cooperating.

Attached is my AR.
 

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#11
I have a 16" 50 Beo upper that I dont even use anymore. Its like shooting a lightweight crackbarrel 12 gauge. One thing I didnt think about when I built the upper is the ejection port has to be modified. Wasnt an issue cause I opened it up myself but it certainly was an oversight when the casing didnt eject on the first shot lolol.
 
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#12
FWIW (probably not much)

I had a RRA .458 SOCOM for a while. Took it out 12+ trips, had about 200rds through it.

I was plagued by FTE, cases jammed in the chamber. I went through different loads, bullets, a couple manufacturers, the problem never identified with specific circumstances. It just wasn’t reliable. I’m sure I could’ve had it rectified by sending back to RRA but I decided I’d had my fun, learned a couple things, and just moved on.
 
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#14
I’ve had a 16” 450 BM bushy upper that I bought as soon as Mi went legal to hunt with them. It hammered with factory Hornady and handloads. I’ve since sold it for a Christensen Arms Mesa in 450 that also shoots lights out with factory ammo. It’s been a touch more finicky to get a handloads down for it but I’m getting there. Load development is on hold until it cools down a bit.

Also check out the BG defense 450 Bushmaster if that round interest you.
 
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#16
jda2631 said:
No love for the large frame big bore cartridges?? I'm currently building a 45 raptor. Factory ammo is limited and expensive, but available through underwood and buffalo bore. I'll be reloading everything.

http://www.45raptor.com/45RAPTOR/performance/
Click to expand...
I'd love to have one, but I am already invested in 458 socom. At some point I'll probably end up with a 375 raptor though.
 
#17
Rebuilt the 458 by installing the Tromix 16” barrel and bolt. Took it out yesterday. Runs beautifully. Works better with Aluminum GI mags, than with custom Lancer mags from Wilson. Best part of the day was when it blew one of the range steels off the stand. The CRSO looked over at me and said, “Want me to get some bowling pins too?” Game on. Really made shooting in the 90*+ heat worth it.

My load recipe: 300gr CTX Frangible
31gr IMR 4198
CCI 350
2.220
1450 fps


325gr FTX
32gr IMR 4198
CCI 350
2.140

Have 250gr Quadra-shock bullets on the way.
 
Last edited:
#22
I think i have settled on the 458 socom... I have now been outbid on 3 uppers....

It looks like it will be about $1K for the upper, some brass and new dies...

It looks like there are a few home builders selling on gun broker.... I am not sure I want to risk less money and buy a parts upper than a complete upper from one manufacturer...
 
#23
hermosabeach said:
I think i have settled on the 458 socom... I have now been outbid on 3 uppers....

It looks like it will be about $1K for the upper, some brass and new dies...

It looks like there are a few home builders selling on gun broker.... I am not sure I want to risk less money and buy a parts upper than a complete upper from one manufacturer...
Click to expand...
Put it together yourself. Parts are dirt cheap right now. Especially if you are in no hurry and watch the sales. My 458 is my cheapest ar build by a long shot.
 
#24
Earnhardt said:
x2...Ive got a 45 Raptor barrel coming as well.
Going to be interesting reloading for it...
Click to expand...

Yea, did you get your barrel from Satern? I ordered mine from them and got it in like a week, pretty pleased with the process but haven't shot it yet. Only lack a handguard, gas system, magazines, and reloading equipment for it. Just FYI brass straight from starline is the most expensive, can get bags of 50 from midway for $33.
 
#25
jda2631 said:
Yea, did you get your barrel from Satern? I ordered mine from them and got it in like a week, pretty pleased with the process but haven't shot it yet. Only lack a handguard, gas system, magazines, and reloading equipment for it. Just FYI brass straight from starline is the most expensive, can get bags of 50 from midway for $33.
Click to expand...
I ordered mine from X-Caliber. 12 to 14 week wait
I bought the Starline brass from Midway as well.
 
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#26
I have built, own and hunt with both 450 Bushmaster and 50 Beowulf. Loved the 450 even though I’m not a fan of the FTX bullets I loaded. I’m trying to find data for Barnes 275 XPB for the 50 Beowulf. I’ve used Alexander Arms 350 HP XTP’s successfully last deer season. One shot bang flop!
09588D51-DE6A-49AD-B070-3DF17B066518.jpeg
 
#27
If you notice the muzzle brake and LimbSaver recoil pad, this makes the 50 Beowulf a pleasure to shoot! My 450 Bushmaster has a custom brake on it also. I would let my grandchildren shoot either one!
 
#28
I have both 458 socom and, 50 Beowulf..they have both their pro's and con's ..I love them both. I like the 45 Raptor more than the Bushmaster. I hand load so I have a wild cat cailber problem lol
 
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