Rifle · Proprietary
.458 SOCOM
Big-bore AR-15 cartridge developed at request of US Special Operations Command.
- Caliber
- 0.458″ · 11.633 mm
- Introduced
- 2001
- Case
- Rebated
- Parent
- .50 AE
- Primary use
- Military, Hunting, Self Defense
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 2001
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Marty ter Weeme / Tony Rumore
- Manufacturer
- Southern Ballistic Research (SBR) Steinel Ammunition Inc
- Standard
- Proprietary
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Moderate
- Case capacity
- 62 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:14
- Primer
- Large Pistol
- Case type
- Rebated
- Max pressure
- 35,000 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 250 yd
- Max range
- 3950 yd
- Recoil
- 26.8–55.6 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .458 SOCOM. Parent case: .50 AE.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
CIP TDCC · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 11.63 | 0.458 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 12.40 | 0.488 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 13.56 | 0.534 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 25° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 13.83 | 0.544 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 12.01 | 0.473 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.32 | 0.052 | ~ |
| Neck length | 8.98 | 0.354 | ≈ |
| Case length | 40.13 | 1.580 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 57.15 | 2.250 | ✓ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .458 SOCOM is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Suitable powders
5 reloading powders listed for .458 SOCOM, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in .458 SOCOM
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Developed in 2001 at the request of US Special Operations Command who wanted more stopping power than 5.56mm for close quarters battle. Designed to fit AR-15 platform with minimal modifications. Uses standard AR bolt face. Can load 10 rounds in standard 30-round magazine. Popular for hog hunting, dangerous game backup, and home defense. Competes with .50 Beowulf and .450 Bushmaster.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .458 SOCOM use?
- .458 SOCOM typically uses a 1:14 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .458 SOCOM?
- .458 SOCOM uses a 0.458″ (11.633 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .458 SOCOM still in production?
- .458 SOCOM is active; typical availability is moderate.
- What is .458 SOCOM used for?
- .458 SOCOM is primarily used for military, hunting, self defense.
- What is .458 SOCOM based on?
- .458 SOCOM is derived from the .50 AE case.
- What are the best powders for .458 SOCOM?
- Reloading powders commonly listed for .458 SOCOM include Lil'Gun, IMR 4227, CFE BLK, Reloader 7, among 5 suitable options.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 30 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
