Ammunition Depot is your trusted destination when shopping for 458 SOCOM Ammo. View our online selection of Bulk .458 SOCOM Ammo, AR-Style Rifles, and Rifle Magazines from the manufacturers you trust. Learn More

458 SOCOM Ammo

About 458 SOCOM Ammo

Prompted by the overall lack of power offered by 5.56 ammo (the ammunition currently used in the M4 carbine and the M16 rifle), 458 SOCOM ammo was conceived from an informal discussion among members of the special operations command.

Their goal - To provide a more effective and versatile projectile in AR platforms, particularly in close-quarters combat situations.

Developed and created in the early 2000s by Marty ter Weeme of Teppo Jutsu LLC, 458 SOCOM (Special Operations Command) ammo is a relatively new cartridge designed to deliver a large amount of energy and stopping power to the target while still being able to fit in the standard AR-15 magazine.

To achieve their goal of providing a more effective and versatile projectile in AR platforms, particularly in close-quarters combat situations, .458 SOCOM was constructed using a .458-inch bullet that typically weighed between 250 and 600 grains and housed a rebated rim that allowed it to use a modified 7.62x39 bolt and standard AR-15 magazines.

Over the years, 458 SOCOM ammo has continued to gain popularity among hunters and special forces units due to its compatibility with the AR-15 platform and increased stopping power.

458 SOCOM has proven to be a reliable and effective cartridge capable of taking down and stopping threats in its tracks, making it ideal for hunting, self-defense, and tactical applications.

Common Names for 458 SOCOM Ammo

Since its initial development over 20 years ago, 458 SOCOM (Special Operations Command) ammo has had many different name variations.

Some of the most common include:

.458 SOCOM
458 AR
458 Spec Ops
458SOC
.458 Patriot
458 American

Regardless of your preferred terminology, .458 SOCOM ammo has continued gaining popularity over the years and is available from many major manufacturers, including Buffalo Bore, Federal Premium, and SBR Ammo.

458 SOCOM Ammunition Features

INCREASED STOPPING POWER
The larger bullet diameter and higher energy transfer of the 458 SOCOM provide greater stopping power than standard 5.56mm ammunition.

VERSATILITY
458 SOCOM ammo is commonly used for a wide range of applications, including hunting, self-defense, and military/police tactical applications.

COMPATIBILITY
One of 458 SOCOM ammo's most appealing features is that it can be used in AR-15 rifles with a modified upper receiver and magazine, making it an accessible upgrade for many gun owners.

PENETRATION AND EXPANSION
A 458 SOCOM bullet is able to deliver excellent penetration and expansion, making the ammunition effective against large game and in tactical situations.

RELIABILITY
458 SOCOM ammunition has proven to be a reliable and accurate cartridge, with many users reporting high levels of satisfaction with its performance.

AVAILABILITY
While initially a niche cartridge, the increasing popularity of .458 SOCOM ammo has led to more manufacturers producing the ammunition, making it easier to find and purchase in retail stores or online.

Popular Guns that Shoot .458 SOCOM Ammunition

Wilson Combat Tactical Hunter: A high-end AR-platform rifle designed specifically for hunting with the 458 SOCOM cartridge.

Rock River Arms LAR-458: A semi-automatic rifle chambered in 458 SOCOM, featuring a stainless steel barrel and adjustable stock.

CMMG Resolute 400: An AR-15 platform rifle chambered in 458 SOCOM, with a 16-inch barrel and lightweight design.

Tromix Lead Delivery Systems: A manufacturer of custom AR-15 rifles and uppers chambered in 458 SOCOM, known for their high-quality workmanship and performance.

Alexander Arms: A complete upper receiver designed for use with standard AR-15 lower receivers, allowing for easy conversion to 458 SOCOM.

Barrett Firearms: The Barrett REC7 rifle is available in 458 SOCOM, offering a reliable and accurate platform for the cartridge.

Noveske Rifleworks: The Noveske N4 platform is available in 458 SOCOM, featuring a 16-inch barrel and adjustable gas block for optimal performance.

458 SOCOM Ammo FAQ

QUESTION: What is 458 SOCOM ammunition used for?

ANSWER: 458 SOCOM ammunition is primarily used for hunting and tactical applications, due to its large bullet diameter and high energy transfer. It can also be used for self-defense purposes.

QUESTION: How does 458 SOCOM compare to other rifle cartridges?

ANSWER: The 458 SOCOM delivers significantly more stopping power than standard 5.56mm ammunition, making it ideal for larger game and tactical situations.

It also offers better accuracy and penetration than many shotgun rounds.

QUESTION: Can I use 458 SOCOM ammunition in my standard AR-15?

ANSWER: No, the 458 SOCOM requires a modified upper receiver and magazine to accommodate the larger cartridge. However, some manufacturers offer complete uppers or conversion kits to make the necessary modifications.

QUESTION: Is 458 SOCOM ammunition expensive?

ANSWER: Compared to standard rifle ammunition, 458 SOCOM ammunition can be more expensive due to its specialized design and manufacturing process.

However, the increasing popularity of the cartridge has led to more manufacturers producing ammunition, which has helped to lower costs somewhat.

QUESTION: Can I reload 458 SOCOM ammunition?

ANSWER: Yes, 458 SOCOM brass and reloading components are available from several manufacturers, allowing for handloading and customization of the cartridge.

QUESTION: What is the effective range of 458 SOCOM ammo?

ANSWER: The effective range of 458 SOCOM ammunition varies depending on the specific load and the shooter's skill level, but it is generally considered effective out to around 200 yards for hunting and tactical applications.

QUESTION: Is 458 SOCOM legal for hunting in my state?

ANSWER: Regulations regarding the use of specific calibers for hunting vary by state and game species. It is important to consult with your state's hunting regulations to determine if 458 SOCOM is legal for hunting in your area.

QUESTION: What firearms can shoot .458 SOCOM ammo?

ANSWER: The .458 SOCOM cartridge is designed to be used in rifles and pistols that are specifically chambered for it.

Some popular firearms that can shoot .458 SOCOM include the AR-15, the Wilson Combat Recon Tactical, and the CMMG Anvil.

QUESTION: What is the maximum effective range of .458 SOCOM for self-defense?

ANSWER: The maximum effective range of .458 SOCOM for self-defense is typically considered to be around 100 yards, due to the high energy transfer of the large bullet diameter.

QUESTION: Can I use .458 SOCOM for home defense?

ANSWER: While .458 SOCOM is a powerful cartridge that can be effective for self-defense, it is important to consider the potential over-penetration and recoil when using it in a home defense scenario.

QUESTION: Can .458 SOCOM be used for long-range shooting?

ANSWER: While .458 SOCOM is not typically used for long-range shooting due to its heavy recoil and limited effective range, some shooters have successfully used it for long-range target shooting with specialized loads and equipment.