.458 SOCOM is probably one of the best innovations in firearms that have happened recently and this innovation has helped millions of AR-15 type rifle users and allowed them to switch to a higher CALIBER too by substituting just two of the scores of parts. Those who use AR-15 rifles in wild have found a viable option in the form of .458 SOCOM and they are most probably going to keep this option for the next few years. 458 Socom Ammo was invented to give US troops a boost in firearms and that objective is very much achieved, despite being nearly twice as .223/5.56 it is still capable of firing from the AR-15 lower receiver. It is a short-range round which is meant to hit hard in his range.
Development
Invented by Marty Ter WEEME of TEPPU JUTSU, LLC. It is reported that during an informal meeting with a member of the US special operations community performance of the M855 round for the M4 carbine and M16 Rifle was discussed during some recent interventions in Somalia that led to this invention. .458 was developed in 2000 as an upgrade for assault rifles and carbines. Since the only difference in rifle or carbine in .458 SOCOM and .223/5.56 rifle is in the barrel and bolt so as a gun owner you can buy or build a rifle in the CALIBER or simply buy or build an upper receiver in .458 and can use a more powerful 458 SOCOM ammo. So a shooter can use two different CALIBERS while owning just one single rifle. US military has thus replaced 5.56\.233 with .458 SOCOM and their M16s have become more lethal. Forces around the globe keep changing their ammunition as per the need one of the famous examples is that of the FBI changing from 10mm ammo which they used for quite a long time to .40 S&W. the reason was that 10mm Ammo was more than acceptable recoil.
Ideal Barrel Length
A barrel length of sixteen inches or less is recommended as a .458 SOCOM barrel uses a one-in fourteen-inch twist rate to stabilize the bullet. Longer barrel lengths won't do anything to increase the velocity as well as range, although longer barrels usually allow the pressure created due to the burning of gunpowder to give ab extra push to the bullet in .458 SOCOM complete powder burn is achieved in 9.5-inch barrel with a 300-grain cartridge.
Comparison
It is compared to 45-70 rounds which were once used by the US army and buffalo hunters. 458 SOCOM ammo is available in various loads ranging from 250 to 600-grain and is at least three times heavier than the M855 round. Just to give an idea 300 -a grain bullet travels at a speed of around 1800 to 2000 feet per second and a 600-grain bullet travels at 1000 feet per second.
Use In Hunting
Invented as a short-range man stopper can change a rifle from a target or self-defence to a big bore, big game rifle. Just to give you an idea a Hornady Interlock 300 grain round will hit the target with a force of 2300 foot-pounds at the muzzle and the same grain M855 5.56 round would hit the target with 1293 foot-pounds. As said already it is meant to hit hard at short range and it loses energy rapidly and loses about 500 foot-pounds at 500 yards but even then it will hit harder than a .45ACP +P round from a 1911 -style pistol, this shows the sheer power which it has. It is extensively used in hunting and there is no point in guessing that it is preferred because of the sheer amount of energy that it has. It is very much effective in North American game animals.