texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,413
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,764
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics536,988
Posts9,719,174
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
458 Socom for hogs? #5695126 04/11/15 07:51 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
Beaubien Offline OP
Bird Dog
OP Offline
Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
Anyone have any experience with it? Pros and cons? I'm not worried about cost of ammo, I will be hand loading.

I'm just not happy with my 300 BLK.



Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695214 04/11/15 09:11 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,217
Double Naught Spy Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,217
Ballistics are very similar to .45/70 as are recoil considerations, impacts on optics, and how quickly you can get back on target. .45/70 is a great hog round, so by extrapolation, so is .458 socom.


Hogdalorian - Si vis pacem cum sus, para bellum.
My Videos https://www.youtube.com/user/HornHillRange
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695224 04/11/15 09:18 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,197
C
Chris42 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
C
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,197
Saw a guy who had a m16 with the so com. It was awesome.

.458 SOCOM isn't white a 45-70 but it will kill deer/pigs fine. Not the flattest shooting cartridge either, but it's a big one.

Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695251 04/11/15 09:44 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
Beaubien Offline OP
Bird Dog
OP Offline
Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
I did calculate recoil as I have an x sight. It appears to be right at what. 308 is. Hopefully I did it right. I'll probably add a Whitt brake if I pull the trigger. Pun intended.



Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695267 04/11/15 09:52 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 639
DrifterAT Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 639
Inquisitive minds ask if you might share why the 300BO isn't working for you confused

Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695337 04/11/15 10:56 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
Beaubien Offline OP
Bird Dog
OP Offline
Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
I would stop short of saying it isn't working. I have had a few run off and not get recovered. The Palo Duro is literally on the edge of the lease and I don't want to go down into it to get a hog.

I want something that is more forgiving of a shot that is not optimal. I hunt at night, the target is often moving and I don't always hit where I want too.

My thought process is more energy is more likely to put them down long enough for a second shot if needed. My favorite hog gun is my 450 Marlin but when I started using NV scopes it wasn't an option. I would still be using it if I could.

No plans to get rid of the 300, just want something else for hogs on the lease. No offense meant to any 300 blk owners.

Last edited by Beaubien; 04/11/15 11:24 PM.


Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695372 04/11/15 11:29 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,972
HuntTXhogs Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,972
Even with an effective muzzle device the scope may shutoff.

The initial recoil impulse is very hard to mitigate its been my experience that muzzle devices are effective on felt recoil at the stock I.e once the bullet and powder eacape the muzzle and the forces are converted to recoil management.

In my opinion you'll be testing the upper limits of the Xsights ability to function.

Sounds like a fun project!

Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695396 04/11/15 11:45 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,453
dfwroadkill Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,453
I would agree. You'll be pushing it with most nv optics.

Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695413 04/11/15 11:59 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,217
Double Naught Spy Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,217
Well, the good news is the Xsights are cheap, so if you blow it with recoil, you can just get another anytime, which is good.


Hogdalorian - Si vis pacem cum sus, para bellum.
My Videos https://www.youtube.com/user/HornHillRange
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695425 04/12/15 12:09 AM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
V
Vern1 Online Content
Veteran Tracker
Online Content
Veteran Tracker
V
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
My experience with the 300 Blackout also as quite a few pigs just ran off.

But, we are talking about the 458 Socom so....
I'm on my second one.
The first one had a copy-cat barrel and finally worked right after lots of work.
For my second one, I did my research and bought a barrel and matched bolt from Tromix, the guys that originated the 458.
I machined the ejection ports on the receivers on my Bridgeport using the Tromix specs.
I slapped it together and it worked right out of the box.
I primarily shoot 250gr and 325gr Hornady tipped handloads for hogs.
I shot 6 of my 74 pigs with it last season but none got very far.
I have carry handle/iron sights on it now and use it as carry gun on my 4wheeler.
They are known as optic killers and am pretty sure an XSight will not live long on one.
Make sure you use a solid stock, quite a few adjustable carbine stocks will collapse when fired and get one you can put a 1/2" soft butt pad on.
The Ace Skeleton works well for me - see pic at bottom.

Since my volume of pigs has gone up considerably this season, I'm back on my 6.8s.
I have three with ARP barrels setup for hog hunting and use them more than the 458.
One is setup for day and two for night with a Photon and a N750.
It's fun to take friends and family on their first night hunt!


Last edited by Vern1; 04/12/15 12:19 AM.

Cheers,
Vern1
Texans since The Old 300 in 1824
NRA Lifetime Member
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695464 04/12/15 12:34 AM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
Beaubien Offline OP
Bird Dog
OP Offline
Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
HTXH and DF thanks for the feedback. From the recoil calculators it looked like it would be similar to the 308 but I may be going down the wrong road. Sure don't want to shake my scope apart if I don't have to.

Vern, looks like the 6.8 has about 1680 ft/lbs of energy. Have any pigs run off after a less than perfect shot with it. Sounds like you are happy with it. Nice looking weapon.


Last edited by Beaubien; 04/12/15 12:39 AM.


Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695467 04/12/15 12:40 AM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,453
dfwroadkill Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,453
The 6.8 is excellent. We all have them run off, regardless caliber and shot placement.

Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695552 04/12/15 01:45 AM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,217
Double Naught Spy Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,217
Quote:
Have any pigs run off after a less than perfect shot with it.


Of course. You can't get away from that. The questions are, how far do they run and do you find them?

If the shot doesn't do significant CNS damage, then there is a real possibility the hog will run.


Hogdalorian - Si vis pacem cum sus, para bellum.
My Videos https://www.youtube.com/user/HornHillRange
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695586 04/12/15 02:20 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,487
syncerus Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,487
From what I understand, most guys using the socom at night are using the pvs 7 / laser combo.


NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695663 04/12/15 03:17 AM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
V
Vern1 Online Content
Veteran Tracker
Online Content
Veteran Tracker
V
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
If you haven't had a pig run off, you aren't hunting pigs.
Or maybe you are just lucky.
I can say without a doubt that the ratio of pigs running off with a 300 Blackout WAS considerably more than any other caliber I have tried.

I was an early adaptor of the "Silvers Bullet" and had more than my share.
I only hunt pigs and the 300 performed poorly for me so I changed tools.
I gave it every chance, spent lots of time working up loads and it didn't work well for me.
If you are OK with it, go for it but I like my pigs dead.


Cheers,
Vern1
Texans since The Old 300 in 1824
NRA Lifetime Member
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695689 04/12/15 03:41 AM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,972
HuntTXhogs Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,972
Vern did you get around to testing Barnes 110 gr black tips?

That's gong to be what I load for Pops 300 BO

I've yearned for 458 Socom or 450 bushmaster for awhile but cost per round keeps me from pulling the trigger .

Digital NV should be able to take the punishment in the next few revision cycles of the designs

Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: HuntTXhogs] #5695744 04/12/15 05:11 AM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,112
F
flintknapper Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
F
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,112
Just about every hog I have killed in the last 5-6 yrs. has been with the SOCOM (various loads).

If you want to know more about the cartridge, here is the forum site:
http://458socomforums.com/

Contained below…is some general hog hunting information and a few hogs I have shot over the years with the SOCOM (its long…so get some popcorn).
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=449721

For the most part….the SOCOM will replicate ‘medium’ loads of the 45-70.

I purpose built my SOCOM with hogs in mind.

Got tired of having to pick my shots using a 7mm-08…and bow-hunting them (Archery is my first love)…wasn’t keeping them thinned out quick enough. I needed something that would give me good penetration from any angle.



As long as you restrict your shots to 150 yards (and under), the SOCOM provides adequate energy and trajectory to kill hogs with authority. Of course, as with any cartridge you can’t ‘shoot them around the edges’ and expect them to topple over dead.

Recoil (depending upon rifle weight) is not bad (with most loads). Most 300-350 grain loads result in felt recoil about like a .308. Heavier loads (405 to 600 grains) are more like a 12 ga. Shotgun.

IF you reload (and I recommend you do), you can tailor your loads to suit the circumstance.

At present, I use about 10 different loads….ranging from a 100 grain (yes I said 100) bullet at 3,000 fps up to a 540 gr. ‘pile-driver’ at sub to trans-sonic. Most of my hog hunting is done with either a 300 gr. bullet or a 405gr. bullet.









IF most of your hog hunting is done in open fields/pastures/croplands and shots are most often 150+ plus yards, then I do NOT recommend the SOCOM. Trajectory (beyond 125-150 yds.) begins to resemble a marble dropping off a table.

If most of your shots are inside of 150 yards and you want to see what ‘big bore’ hunting is all about, it might be a good pick for you.

Flint.

Last edited by flintknapper; 04/12/15 05:17 AM.

Spartans ask not...how many, but where!
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695748 04/12/15 05:24 AM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,972
HuntTXhogs Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,972
Flint

Excellent post

Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695753 04/12/15 05:35 AM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
Beaubien Offline OP
Bird Dog
OP Offline
Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
I don't recall losing a hog when using my 450 or 300 wm. Granted shots are typically short and by short I mean under 75 and usually under 50.

I don't think the distances will change in the near future. We have one open field on the lease but I seldom use it.

I'll mull it over a bit. Maybes I'll go with the socom and test with one of my gen 1 scopes.

Flint, thanks for the info. That is one nice rifle and one big pig. Light bullets in the socom may be the trick to not damaging my scope.

Did you have any trouble getting cast to cycle? That's all I use in my big bores.



Last edited by Beaubien; 04/12/15 05:40 AM.


Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: HuntTXhogs] #5695816 04/12/15 12:10 PM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
V
Vern1 Online Content
Veteran Tracker
Online Content
Veteran Tracker
V
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,031
Originally Posted By: HuntTXhogs
Vern did you get around to testing Barnes 110 gr black tips?


It was a couple of years back when I played with the 300.
I shot a few boxes of the TTSX which is similar and I don't think the newer black tips were available at the time and the older TacTX was almost the same as the TTSX but had black tip.
The newer version of the black tip looks considerably better and says it's for 300/Whisper so it is probably optimized for their speed.
One interesting thing about the 300 was shooting VMax bullets.
The BO was slow enough that I had a few VMaxes tunnel straight thru 50-60 pound pigs with very little expansion.
I liked quite a few things about it and kept going back but it never lived up to the hype.

Flint - good straight up info and nice pig.

Beaubien - I really don't think a Gen1 stands a chance on a 458. And the XSight is a train wreck of scrambled eggs already.

I shot this little fellow in the eye at 105 yards with a 6.8 at night using a N750.


Cheers,
Vern1
Texans since The Old 300 in 1824
NRA Lifetime Member
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5695828 04/12/15 12:27 PM
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 293
Theblakester Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 293
I don't have experience with either round. Brian is right about them running and damaging the spine or cns. However you will have more room for error with shot placement. That said, why not get a .308? It works very well on hogs. That that said, I'm with Vern on the 6.8. The 6.8 is my go to hog round. It was the best compromise for me when it came to effectiveness, weight, price of ammo, and the ability to be used in an ar platform


Fast paced gregarious society forgets the healing power of solitude. It's worked thousands of years. Casting a line/gazing into a campfire/sitting in a blind after a long week is medicine for the soul. The serenity and peacefulness of it all is majestic.
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Theblakester] #5695900 04/12/15 01:30 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,112
F
flintknapper Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
F
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,112
Beaubien wrote:

Quote:
Did you have any trouble getting cast to cycle? That's all I use in my big bores.


No, but my experience with 'cast' is limited to the 'Beartooth Pile-Driver' which is a hard-cast bullet with a gas-check.



I have an adjustable 'gas block' on the rifle now and the gas system is 'carbine length'. Though it isn't sensitive to cycling, I can adjust the gas impingement as necessary.











The only round that does not 'reliably' cycle in my rifle is the Lehigh Aluminum 100 grain bullet. There just isn't enough backthrust on the bolt carrier. It could be made to work... with some tinkering...but I don't shoot that bullet a lot.




Everything else is pretty much 100%.


Flint.


Spartans ask not...how many, but where!
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: flintknapper] #5695991 04/12/15 02:30 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
coolpics

And good information!


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Beaubien] #5696017 04/12/15 02:49 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,217
Double Naught Spy Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,217
Quote:
I don't recall losing a hog when using my 450 or 300 wm.


LOL, yes, we all like to forget those events where things don't work out.


Hogdalorian - Si vis pacem cum sus, para bellum.
My Videos https://www.youtube.com/user/HornHillRange
Re: 458 Socom for hogs? [Re: Theblakester] #5696067 04/12/15 03:29 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
Beaubien Offline OP
Bird Dog
OP Offline
Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 473
Originally Posted By: Theblakester
I don't have experience with either round. Brian is right about them running and damaging the spine or cns. However you will have more room for error with shot placement. That said, why not get a .308? It works very well on hogs. That that said, I'm with Vern on the 6.8. The 6.8 is my go to hog round. It was the best compromise for me when it came to effectiveness, weight, price of ammo, and the ability to be used in an ar platform


I was looking at 308's last night and it is a viable option. I may have made this a lot harder than it needed to be. I just find the socom round intriguing. Already have a bolt action 308 so I have all the dies and projectiles.

Last edited by Beaubien; 04/12/15 03:31 PM.


Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3