458 SOCOM Ammo

Why Choose Steinel .458 SOCOM Rounds

• Big energy from an AR platform: Heavy bullets optimized for short to medium ranges.

• Range, hunting and defensive options: From budget friendly 300 gr JHPs for target practice to subsonic 576 gr RNFP and monolithic solids for deep penetration.

• Objective terminal testing: Every recipe is developed with both our pressure barrel and 16” upperandupper and chronographedchronographer to ensure repeatable velocities and terminal performance.

• Tight manufacturing tolerances: In process checks include primerinclude primer seating depth, OAL, powder charge, crimp, concentricity, and of course a case gauge.- all to ensure consistent performance.

• Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind every round.

Featured Steinel .458 SOCOM Loads

• 576gr RNFP – Subsonic, Deep Penetration: – Hard hitting and quiet through a suppressor for hunting or specialized tactical use.

• 500gr SCHP – Solid Copper Hollow Point: – Heavy subsonic monolithic for deep, uniform penetration and unprecedented expansion

• 350 gr RNFP – Versatile Hunting/Range Load: – Balanced for field performance and target session affordability.

• 300gr JHP (High Power): – Our economical range and hunting option; also available in bulk (160 and 200 round cans).

• 250gr Maker SCHP – Lightweight High Velocity Defensive Option: – Good for flatter trajectories and the exceptional expansion offered by SCHP bullets

• 325gr Brass Monolithic RNFP:- Perfect for deep penetration and unparalleled consistency and accuracy

Ballistics & Performance

During initial load development and before every single batch, Steinel documents average muzzle velocity, energy and statistical measures (standard deviation, extreme spread) for each SKU. Typical roles and expectations:

• Subsonic loads (heavy bullets, e.g., 500–576 gr): Optimized for suppressed use, lower velocity, high momentum, deep penetration.

• Supersonic hunting loads (250–350 gr): Higher velocity and energy for ethical terminal performance on big game at practical hunting ranges.

• Range / bulk offerings (300 gr JHP): Cost effective options for training and practice without compromising reliability.

Terminal Testing & QA

We do not rely on informal media such as water jugs, melons, ketchup packets, urinal cakes, etc. Steinel conducts objective, standardized terminal testing using Type A ordnance gelatin calibrated to FBI density. Every batch is chronographedchronographer and every load evaluated for penetration and expansion. During production, frequent QC checks (sometimes as often as every 20 rounds depending on caliber) verify primer seating depth, overall cartridge length, powder charge, crimp diameter, concentricity, and include a case gauge The result: repeatable performance. you can rely on when it matters.

Use Cases – Which 458 SOCOM Round Is Right For You?

• Big game hunting: Choose expanding bullets in the 300–350 gr range for reliable expansion and energy transfer at typical hunting distances.

• Suppressed/low noise operations: Heavy subsonic 500–576 gr loads deliver deep penetration and quiet operation behind a suppressor.

• Target & range practice: The 350gr RNFP and 300gr JHP ammo is priced for training sessions while still matching the function of your hunting or defensive loads.

• Defensive / hard stop: Monolithic solids and solid copper designs provide deep penetration against barriers and heavy tissue targets.

Compatibility & Platform

• Platform: .458 SOCOM is built to run in AR 15 style rifles with the correct .308 bolt, enlarged ejection part, and barrel conversion. It uses standard AR magazines but with reduced capacity (exact rounds vary by magazine design). We also recommend a modified magazine follower.

• Barrel length: Shorter barrels (under ~18″) suit compact/tactical builds and favor subsonic, suppressed roles. Longer barrels increase supersonic velocity and are preferred for hunting and maximum downrange energy.

• Rifling: Choose the barrel twist rate your barrel manufacturer recommends to properly stabilize heavy .458 bullets. Always verify barrel specs and twist before buying to ensure reliable accuracy and bullet performance.

458 SOCOM vs Other Cartridges

• .458 SOCOM vs .45 70:

Similar terminal energy with mild-moderate.45 70 loads without the heavy recoil; .458 SOCOM adapts large bore performance into AR platforms.

• .458 SOCOM vs .308:

.308 is a much flatter shooting, higher-pressure rifle round ideal for precision and longer ranges; .458 SOCOM sacrifices long range capabilities for short range stopping power and dramatically heavier projectiles.

• .458 SOCOM vs 5.56:

Vastly different roles – 5.56 for high velocity small projectiles and high magazine capacity; .458 SOCOM for significantly wider wound channels and terminal momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the effective range of .458 SOCOM?

A: The .458 SOCOM is built as a big bore, short to medium range cartridge for AR 15 style platforms. It was developed to deliver heavy projectiles and large terminal energy at practical hunting and tactical distances rather than long range precision; its performance is often compared to a light .45 70 in similar engagement envelopes. 150 yards flirts with the upper limit of this cartridge.

Q: Is .458 SOCOM suitable for hunting big game?

A: Yes. The cartridge was designed to push heavy .458 caliber bullets (commonly 250–600 gr) with muzzle energy levels comparable to light .45 70 loads, making it appropriate for hunting large game when paired with the right bullet type and within recommended ranges.

Q: Why choose subsonic .458 SOCOM ammo?

A: Subsonic performance is possible and commonly used in .458 SOCOM , the cartridge offers heavy, very low velocity loads (for example, our 576gr bullets at 1,060ft/s) that fall below the supersonic threshold and are optimized for suppressed, low noise applications.

Q: Will .458 SOCOM fit my AR 15?

A: It can, but not without conversion. The .458 SOCOM was specifically designed to function in AR 15/M4 lowers when you install a dedicated .458/308bolt and .SOCOM barrel. Magazines will hold far fewer rounds than typical 5.56 (e.g., a standard 30 round 5.56 mag holds roughly nine rounds of .458 SOCOM).

Q: What is the .458 SOCOM bullet diameter?

A: The .458 SOCOM uses a .458 inch (11.63 mm) bullet diameter- not to be confused with 45 Caliber pistol bullets (.452”).

Shop Steinel .458 SOCOM Ammo, explore in-stock hunting, subsonic and range loads. For bulk orders or dealer pricing, get in touch with Andy Steinel and his team today.