awp101
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Post by awp101 on Nov 17, 2016 11:18:34 GMT -5
A big bore is the last AR on my list. Main use will be just range time punching paper and having a good time since I don't hunt anymore. I've been set on the .450 Bushmaster due to cheaper factory ammo and a prejudice against rebated rims (no logical reason other than they just don't look right) but it appears the cheap(ish) .450 has gone away and what's out there now is in the same price range as .458 SOCOM.
Does the straight wall of the .450 make it easier to reload compared to the bottle neck SOCOM or is the straight wall/bottle neck issue not really that big of an issue?
The .450 is still in the running because I can theoretically use the same bullet for the .45 ACP and .45 Colt as well as the .450 but I'm wondering if I need to be looking harder at the SOCOM if it's just as easy to load.
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Post by xs56gun on Nov 18, 2016 0:53:04 GMT -5
If you're against rebate rims, then you're out of luck on both accounts.
They're both rebate rims.
It's not really an issue either way, but 458 has the advantage of headspacing off the shoulder, allowing for a but more play in regards to neck trimming and crimp.
The 458 has a larger array of bullets and the minimum weight of the 458 is where the 450 maxes out at.
But if you're just punching paper and want to standardize to .452 projectiles, the advantage goes to 450.
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Aggie01
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Post by Aggie01 on Nov 18, 2016 4:01:42 GMT -5
I have recently done the same thought experiment and settled on the .458 Socom.
Mine will be a 10.5" suppressed AR.
The .458 wins for the ability to throw 500 grain(+)bullets at subsonic velocities while headspacing off the shoulder, which will let me crimp appropriately for those heavy slugs.
It also uses standard AR magazines.(NOT Pmags). The 450 bushmaster and .50 Beowulf take special mags.
I have not purchased all my parts yet, but I will be getting them from Tromix.
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ebg3
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Post by ebg3 on Nov 18, 2016 6:16:30 GMT -5
I have a 16" 450 Bushmaster. 250 gr Hornady factory ammo is very accurate at 100 yards and is going almost 2200 fps(checked with chrono). I had a hang-fire issue with reloads using WW296 powder, 250 gr bullets, and CCI small rifle primers. I had to switch to CCI small rifle magnum primers to get it to go away. The hotter primer was needed to get better ignition. Brass fired more than once made it hard to get a good enough crimp for ignition. I also switched to Lil'gun powder as it is easier to ignite than 296 or H110(at least in this cartridge). Now, I have no troubles with reloads but it was a bit of a learning curve. I do think the Socom has an advantage of headspacing off the shoulder instead of the case mouth with the Bushmaster. There is a Bushmaster forum somewhere with a ton of information. Those guys have taken the Bushmaster to the next level and then some.
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Post by AxeHandle on Nov 18, 2016 6:56:56 GMT -5
Personally I lean towards the SOCOM just because of the availability of .458 rifle bullets. My big decision is between the SOCOM and Beowuf. I'm thinking both!
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awp101
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Post by awp101 on Nov 18, 2016 11:40:28 GMT -5
If you're against rebate rims, then you're out of luck on both accounts. They're both rebate rims. True but the straight wall of the .450 looks less odd to me for some reason. I never said it was a logical dislike...  But if you're just punching paper and want to standardize to .452 projectiles, the advantage goes to 450. That's most of what is drawing me to the .450. Big plinkers appeal to me. |
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awp101
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Post by awp101 on Nov 18, 2016 11:42:18 GMT -5
There is a Bushmaster forum somewhere with a ton of information. Those guys have taken the Bushmaster to the next level and then some. Yes, 450Bushmaster.net I hang out there occasionally and it's a great place. |
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Post by frankenfab on Nov 18, 2016 12:25:42 GMT -5
Whichever you chose, I would advise getting a case/ammo gauge. I have the Beowulf and a SOCOM. Love them both! I looked at the 450, but probably wont get one now.
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Aggie01
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Post by Aggie01 on Nov 23, 2016 22:40:52 GMT -5
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awp101
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Post by awp101 on Nov 24, 2016 0:19:02 GMT -5
And cheaper than Tromix to boot! Hmmmm...
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Post by frankenfab on Nov 24, 2016 16:43:11 GMT -5
There is really nothing special about Beowulf mags. The feed lips just need to be a little wider in the front so the nose of the round pokes up a little bit. The factory ones are bent, but I prefer to file them.
I have also bought some HK clone mags off Gunbroker that have milled feed lips and nice laser engraving.
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