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RRA 458 SOCOM vs 450 Bushmaster

Coyote PeteCoyote Pete Member Posts: 16 ✭✭
edited September 2010 in Ask the Experts
I'm considering purchasing a RRA 458 SOCOM and wondering how this round and rifle compares to the 450 Bushmaster?

Thanks,
Pete

Comments

  • nononsensenononsense Member Posts: 10,928 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Coyote Pete,

    Welcome to the Gunbroker forums!

    We have the same answer given for almost all such questions:

    'It depends on how you decide to use it.'

    The parent case for the .458 SOCOM is the .425 Wesley Richards which has a .473" rim and a .545 head diameter. This is a bottleneck case for this application. Headspaces on the shoulder.

    The parent case for the .450 Bushmaster is the .284 Winchester which uses the same .473 rim but has a .500" head diameter. This is a straight wall case in this application. Headspaces on the case mouth.

    The .458 SOCOM uses standard .458" diameter bullets while the the .450 Bushmaster uses the common .452" pistol diameter bullets.

    RRA is manufacturing uppers for the SOCOM with CorBon and SBR supplying factory ammunition.

    Bushmaster manufactures the uppers for the .450 Bushmaster obviously with Starline making the brass and Hornady doing their proprietary reloading of the ammunition.

    Everything fits on an AR15 lower and both use standard AR15 magazines with replacement followers. The round count is low for both because of the case diameters.

    Velocities and resulting energy are available online but are within nickels and dimes of being the same or at least similar. The statistics offered by the manufacturers are both stilted to favor their cartridge obviously but you can make a list for yourself if this concerns you.

    Both cartridges have been referred to as 'thumpers' since there are built on short cases utilizing large diameter bullets. Both are close range cartridges and systems, they are not target rifles used by snipers or long range hunters. Many hog hunters find either to be suitable for their quarry of choice.

    I think it's a toss up but the bullets (or possibly the manner of headspace) would be the deciding factor depending on your chosen use.

    Best.
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