458 socom ammo at ammosstore

The 458 SOCOM has gained popularity in recent years and is a large round that was built to be shot from a modified AR-15 upper but a standard AR-15 lower.

The 458 SOCOM is a chunky round and the first time you lay your eyes on one in person you’ll be impressed.

The 458 SOCOM round is one of the newer rounds that we have written on. So let is jump into the overview.

Purpose

The general purpose of developing the 458 SOCOM was to create a round that was completely compatible with the M4 Carbine but have more stopping power than the 5.56 NATO.

The 458 SOCOM in its final form is a lengthened .50 AE case. Even the original prototypes bore the .50 AE headstamp which caused confusion initially because the case is longer and has a narrower rim.

This cartridge is a great brush gun as well as a low-velocity home defense cartridge.

Most of the bullet weights range from 300 to 500 grain with several major manufacturers making factory ammo this is definitely a good contender for many situations.

Overview of 458 SOCOM

The 458 SOCOM cartridge was developed largely due to the lack of powder charge in the 5.56 NATO round.

After talks between special forces troops after Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu, they determined they needed a cartridge with more power because the Somalis they were fighting would chew Khet all day, which curbs appetite and increases pain tolerance making it seem like the 5.56 NATO round was more ineffective than it truly was.