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AR-15Bolt face: 5.56/.223

.458 SOCOM Ballistics

Proprietary big-bore cartridge developed by Marty ter Weeme. Uses a rebated rim to fit the standard AR-15 bolt face. Subsonic and supersonic loads available. Popular for hunting and suppressed use.

Cartridge Specifications

SAAMI Max Pressure
35,000 psi
Bullet Diameter
0.458 in
Case Length
1.575 in
Overall Length
2.26 in
Parent Case
.50 AE rebated
Bolt Face
5.56/.223
Min Barrel
10.5 in
Platform
AR-15

Common Bullet Weights and Types

SBR 300 gr Barnes TTSX500 gr subsonic

Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length

Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length

Bullet Drop Table

Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.

LoadZero100 yd200 yd300 yd400 yd500 yd
250 gr TTSX200 yd4.50-19.5-58-
300 gr JHP200 yd50-21.5-63-
500 gr Subsonic100 yd0-17-56--

Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind

Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.

Load100 yd200 yd300 yd400 yd500 yd
250 gr TTSX10.821.632.443.254
300 gr JHP11.422.834.145.556.9
500 gr Subsonic16.833.550.367.183.8

Effective Range by Application

Hunting large game0 to 200 yd
Self-defense0 to 150 yd
Suppressed subsonic0 to 100 yd

Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations

250 to 300 gr1:14
300 to 600 gr1:14 or 1:18

Published Load Data

WeightTypeBarrelMV (fps)ME (ft-lb)BC (G1)Source
250 grTTSX16 in1,9502,1100.23SBR .458 SOCOM 250gr Barnes TTSX published specs
250 grTTSX18 in2,0002,2200.23SBR .458 SOCOM 250gr Barnes TTSX published specs
300 grJHP16 in1,8502,2790.23SBR .458 SOCOM 300gr JHP published specs
300 grJHP18 in1,9002,4040.23SBR .458 SOCOM 300gr JHP published specs
500 grSubsonic16 in1,0501,2240.3SBR .458 SOCOM 500gr subsonic published specs
500 grSubsonic18 in1,0801,2950.3SBR .458 SOCOM 500gr subsonic published specs

Data Disclaimer

Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from SBR .458 SOCOM 250gr Barnes TTSX published specs; SBR .458 SOCOM 300gr JHP published specs; SBR .458 SOCOM 500gr subsonic published specs. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.

Pick the right barrel

Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in .458 SOCOM.