Voting SOCOM just because I’ve been wanting one, I could live vicariously through you

 

That’s something nobody wants.

 

I've found that the cost of buying something is usually a small percentage of ownership. In this case, the cost and availability of ammunition should be considered based on how often and how much you plan shooting. Also a 12 gauge is far more versatile in application. The only reason I bring this up is based on your question, cost is a factor.

 

I have 2 cases of slug and four buck, true ball and eight pellet 00 buck federal premium truball and flight control. That represents a chunk of change.

 

I think I'd rather have a .50 Beowulf rather than a SOCOM. Both would give greater range than a dedicated shotgun. Although, the shotgun would be more versatile.

 

Have you considered the 45 raptor in an AR 10 platform

 

No,

not really an option at this point.

 

.458
Only for the barrier penetration at 100+ yards presented in the OP.

Andin the spirit of helping you spend your money - an AR10 in .308 would do a lot of things better than either of those...

 

Rifle vs Smoothbore? Rifle is best. More range better accuracy. But no one should have either/or. You need BOTH and you can have both since 12 gauge shotguns are not very expensive.

And a 458 SOCOM can duplicate the ballistics of the 45/70 and if I could have only one rifle it would be a 45/70. A 45/70 can be accurate at very long ranges once you've learned your rifle's trajectory. So can a 458 SOCOM. Not so much a 12 gauge.

 

...And a 458 SOCOM can duplicate the ballistics of the 45/70 and if I could have only one rifle it would be a 45/70. A 45/70 can be accurate at very long ranges once you've learned your rifle's rainbow trajectory. So can a 458 SOCOM. Not so much a 12 gauge.

Below is some interesting reading for you BW, that may have you reexamining your doubts in regards to 12 gauge 100 yard "accuracy":

https://www.fieldandstream.com/arti...s/shooting-tips/2009/11/accuracy-methods-and-gear-tips-competition-slug-shooter

 

Voted .458 SOCOM because I have one. The Underwood 300gr Extreme Penetrator and 300 gr Controlled Fracturing HP loads are mean and nasty. And accurate to boot.

 

458 socom.

I love ARs, I have almost no interest in shotguns.

I have a weatherby semi auto 12 guage that I got on a trade over a year ago and I've never shot it.

 

If I had only one gun, it would be a 12 gauge shotgun with a nice selection of barrels and ammunition.

Since the choice is .458 Socom or 12 gauge, my choice would be the .458 Socom. Beyond 50 yards, the 12 gauge slug loses accuracy. While the 458 Socom has an arched trajectory (just like the 45-70), accuracy is very good at longer distances.

I have two 458 Socom rifles and reload for the round. I use the 300 grain #4500 Hornady designed for the 45-70 and reload cost runs about 50 cents per round by staying away from those expensive 458 Socom projectiles.

The custom .458 projectiles scare a lot of shooters away as the cost can approach $2.00 per cartridge and custom bullets run about $2 each. Nuts to that! use the 45-70 bullets and keep costs under control.

Good load data is found in the Lyman #50 manual.

Working with the local gun shop, we experimented with 458 Socom in rifle and SBR lengths and suppressed. We really found no weak points. Everything worked great! The guys also dropped piggies with the .458 Socom. It was all good!

.458 Socom.......my choice!

Flash

 

12ga shotgun with both a rifled slug barrel and a smooth bore with screw in chock tubes . For stopping a car a DDuplek 32 moonlit is one mean solid STEEL slug that will penetrate aluminum heads and block . Also has a better chance to punch thru mild steel even at an angle . Bad news ammo .

Sabot slugs can also be more than accurate enough to take deer at 200 225 yards with heart lung shots and offer velocity and energy of a Hot 45-70 loads .

Both smooth bores and rifled barrels shotgun barrels can be like a 22lrs for accuracy . If you want the best groups you have to find what your barrel likes so bring friends and towles to fold up to put between the stock and your shoulder !!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoSZQ2N0eEg

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_tBRXat780

 

I have both, 12 ga. semi-auto, with rifled barrel, and a 458 SOCOM. I voted 458 SOCOM. I hunted for several decades with 12 ga. shotguns, shooting deer in WI. They changed the law, so I could shoot center fire rifles, and I never looked back. Sabots are accurate enough out to 150 yards, and hit with authority, but the 458 goes beyond that, with proper ballistic compensation, and it hits harder when it get there. It is a hoot to shoot! And if I ever needed to shoot through vehicles, it will do that, too. :50cal:

It is expensive to shoot, if one doesn't hand load, but I do, both for shotgun and rifles, so that isn't a concern for me.

I would recommend the 458 SOCOM. The 12 ga. will always be an option, the 458 SOCOM is enjoying some popularity, so now would be a good time to try it, and stock up on brass, if it is a keeper.

Squeeze

 

I can reload 405gr for $.37 a round. Brass is the pricey part, but due to low pressures, last a long time. I have brass that has been loaded 20+ times and never had to be trimmed. Only one split case in 3 years.

 

Squeeze keep telling your self that . I have been shooting a federal 385 gr slug for some years that average 1896fps and carrys well out to 225 on game . That should match or top the hottest 458socom hand loads with near the same weight bullet bullet . And I can shoot 1 1/8oz slugs or those bad steel slug and if you even need to stop a vehicle .

 

If you go riflle go 450 Marlin, if you go shotgun go Keltec KSG holds 25 mini shells & slugs are 1250fps with a 1 oz slug. check this out. You can make your own mini shells new for 18 cents ea

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlWdV7NHrTo

 

.458 SOCOM because big bore ARs are a hoot

 

Again, .458 Socom ammunition cost comes up..... snicker. Store bought cartridges are expensive, but rolling your own using the 300 grain Hornady (#4500) or an identical bullet from Sierra keeps ammo cost down to about 50 cents per shot. That's very reasonable for a shoulder cannon!

The Hornady and Sierra bullets are designed for the 45-70 but they are the perfect diameter (.458") and weight (300 grain) for the .458. True, that deprives us of the versatility of the .458 Socom from subsonic heavy bullets to high velocity light weight slugs. I'm retired and need to keep the cost down!

A suggestion......
The .458 cartridge is a moose and it requires some "grunt" to size in the resizing die. Please be careful about what reloading press that you use. Some of the lightweight presses on the market won't stand up under resizing the .458 and they will wear YOU out!

I can vouch for the Dillon RL 550B and the RCBS Rock Chucker. The Dillon is a heavy frame aluminum press with steel handle. The Rock Chucker is a cast iron press with steel handle. Both presses are up to the task!

Lee die sets for the .458 Socom are very good! There are more expensive dies for that cartridge, but the Lee Dies work perfectly and good load data is found in the Lyman #50 manual!

I added the Lee Factory Crimp Die on 458 Socom for the last stage in the reloading process and in position #4 of the Dillon. It does a fine job and costs less than $20.

Flash

 

If you shoot it in the same gun you don't have to do a full resize after the 1st time. I used to use the little pocket size Lee Loaders & load anywhere with just a mallet. Made fine ammo.

 

You mentioned suppressors. If that is the case the.458 socI'm gets my vote.

 

Want a bullet that can be loaded subsonic so very quiet with a can? I have some Ranger Rick's Tyrannosaurus Thumpers 750gr Hard Cast for 45/70 or 450 Marlin.

 

If you go riflle go 450 Marlin, if you go shotgun go Keltec KSG holds 25 mini shells & slugs are 1250fps with a 1 oz slug. check this out. You can make your own mini shells new for 18 cents ea

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlWdV7NHrTo

I like the KSG that’s why I own one! Lever guns most bolt guns revolvers etc. aren’t my bag. I’m black plastic and aluminum kinda guy.

 

Again, .458 Socom ammunition cost comes up..... snicker. Store bought cartridges are expensive, but rolling your own using the 300 grain Hornady (#4500) or an identical bullet from Sierra keeps ammo cost down to about 50 cents per shot. That's very reasonable for a shoulder cannon!

The Hornady and Sierra bullets are designed for the 45-70 but they are the perfect diameter (.458") and weight (300 grain) for the .458. True, that deprives us of the versatility of the .458 Socom from subsonic heavy bullets to high velocity light weight slugs. I'm retired and need to keep the cost down!

A suggestion......
The .458 cartridge is a moose and it requires some "grunt" to size in the resizing die. Please be careful about what reloading press that you use. Some of the lightweight presses on the market won't stand up under resizing the .458 and they will wear YOU out!

I can vouch for the Dillon RL 550B and the RCBS Rock Chucker. The Dillon is a heavy frame aluminum press with steel handle. The Rock Chucker is a cast iron press with steel handle. Both presses are up to the task!

Lee die sets for the .458 Socom are very good! There are more expensive dies for that cartridge, but the Lee Dies work perfectly and good load data is found in the Lyman #50 manual!

I added the Lee Factory Crimp Die on 458 Socom for the last stage in the reloading process and in position #4 of the Dillon. It does a fine job and costs less than $20.

Flash

You get my vote for most helpful post.

 

Shaquanda, I have a bunch of 12g, even a KSG. All are fun to shoot & hunt with. I happen to have "several" ARs & I am very familiar & proficient w/ that platform. My vote is for the SOCOM .458. It is way too much fun to shoot!!!!:cheers:

 

Talking ranges of 100 yds. and against vehicles, IMO you'd be better off, much better, with a .300 Win. Mag..

 

Or

.338 Lapua or .50 BMG or .700 T-Rex however none of the above where options. The .308 becomes a viable option in a mini gun. But I’m afraid I can’t pick up one of them at the LGS.

 

Not a fan of the 12 ga, even though I've got a good pump gun. So I'd vote SOCOM.

 

"IF" you could afford it, then you'd probably be able to supply its huge appetite of 50 rounds per sec. & up. Only did once Fun but I wasn't buying the ammo either. The taxpayers so I guess I paid my part of it.

That just put another this VS that question in my mind. A night with mini-gun or model let’s say she (or he whatever floats your goat) is a 10? I’m leaning toward the mini-gun.