.458 socom

[w squared]

Does anyone here hunt using a .458 SOCOM bolt gun? One could be built fairly easily on a .223 sized bolt action, especially one that feeds from AR type magazines.

Yes, I know - the .458 SOCOM doesn't do anything that a modern .45-70 won't do....and it definitely won't keep up with what can be done with .45-70 "nuclear" loads....but a guy could probably build a .458 bolt gun that comes in around 7 pounds and change with a low magnification scope...and it'd be a solid little option for thick brush. And yes, before you ask, I am familiar with the "sporty" reality of a heavy cartridge in a light rifle. I own a .376 Steyr that launches 270 grain pills at 2600 FPS out of a 7 3/4 pound rifle. I figure that a 300 grain TTSX at 1800 FPS out of a 7 pound bolt gun should be somewhat easier to manage.

 

[cody c]

I think savage and mossberg make .458 socom bolt actions. A couple people have talked about owning them on here, but I believe they are more popular with pig farmers in the southwest theaan in Canada.

 

[Hitzy]

Ruger makes the American in 450 Bushmaster...5.9lb gun.

 

[jjohnwm]

I'm watching this thread like a hawk...a lightweight bolt gun in .458Socom is an idea that has been gnawing at me for awhile now...and for no possible reason that I can articulate.

I'd rename it the .458 Winchester Minimum.

 

[cody c]

Sorry, looks like it was a .450 bushmaster, in a ruger american ranch rifle, though there is some savage prefits out there to adapt a .223:

https://www.americanrifleman.org/ar...he-450-bushmaster-ruger-american-rifle-ranch/

 

[Brian46]

Sorry, looks like it was a .450 bushmaster, in a ruger american ranch rifle

https://www.americanrifleman.org/ar...he-450-bushmaster-ruger-american-rifle-ranch/

It is a nice rifle, only thing I do not like is the magazine. Likely will be putting it in a MDT LSS chassis so I can use AICS mags. also remove the brake for hunting

 

[cody c]

.50 Beowulf pistol mags would be sweet for it. I've often thought about howa bottom metal and 10 round mags to convert other rifles in .223 or similar

 

[mbogo3]

There was a guy on here ,I think that shot a moose with his? Harold

 

[brybenn]

I've been debating a socom or 458-2" for a while. Haven't had the time yet as I have to much on the go right now
Be perfect for black bears over bait and deer close range. I was going to build one for the sole purpose of the 300 gr hollow points I have. My double rifle hates them and I use 400 ppsn in my 458 wm
So either would fit in nicely and I wouldn't have to worry about mixing loads in 45/70
The 458 offers better selection of bullets than the the 452 diameter

 

[mbogo3]

The .458x2" American is quite similar to the .450 Marlin except for the belt for safety reasons.....Harold

 

[brybenn]

Correct. However you wouldn't be stuck with just one maker of brass

 

[Brutus]

^plus one can modify any readily available h&h brass too.

Free pickings from range discard bucket.

 

[Brian46]

.50 Beowulf pistol mags would be sweet for it. I've often thought about howa bottom metal and 10 round mags to convert other rifles in .223 or similar

there is no pistol mags for the 50 beowulf and the RCMP have effectively neutered any stanag pattern mag for the 50 to 2 round capacity unless you feel like taking part in a long drawn out and costly legal battle that may not end up in your favor