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2/1/2016 2:17:32 PM EDT
I am thinking about buying a complete upper in this caliber.  It seems pretty straightforward, but some questions I wanted oto ask first are:

Any issues with cast bullets?  I would think it will work, but with  little more fouling depending on lube.

Are powder coated bullets better/needed?

WHere is the best source of load data, especially for cast bullets?

How low-pressure can one generally get and still work the action?  Say a 500 grain bullet.
2/1/2016 7:00:45 PM EDT
[#1]
Probably want to join the SOCOM forum.  If you've got an application in the hopper, IM me, and I'll go over there & try to shake somebody loose to look @ it.
2/1/2016 9:20:50 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
I am thinking about buying a complete upper in this caliber.  It seems pretty straightforward, but some questions I wanted oto ask first are:

Any issues with cast bullets?  I would think it will work, but with  little more fouling depending on lube.
View Quote

No problems but it is best to use gas checks.

Are powder coated bullets better/needed?
View Quote

No, not really.  Some like to use them but I have never had a problem using standard lubed and gas checked bullets.

WHere is the best source of load data, especially for cast bullets?

How low-pressure can one generally get and still work the action?  Say a 500 grain bullet.
View Quote

Best source, 458 SOCOM Forums.  Google it.
What do you mean by "low pressure?"  Who has the means to actually measure the pressure of most loads?  If you mean velocity, then you can make 500 gr. bullets completely functional from 900-1300 fps, maybe lower but I have used 500s, both cast and jacketed that were fully functional in the velocity range I listed.
2/2/2016 2:00:41 PM EDT
[#3]
I don’t want to start a cartridge war, but in your specific situation (living in Ohio) you may want to consider the 450 Bushmaster.  The two cartridges have identical ballistics but the Bushmaster is a strait walled cartridge. (Ohio is a strait wall cartridge only state for hunting)  Thus, if you plan on trying your hand at hunting, you can drop your upper on a “pistol” lower and hunt white tails this year.  It is also likely the 450 Bushmaster will be added to the “Pistol caliber carbine” list in the future so you won’t need the pistol lower.

Even if you don’t hunt, if you later decide the cartridge isn’t for you, it will be easier to sell locally in Ohio due to the hunting market.  You will also find that ammo and brass are cheaper and somewhat easier to find.  Don’t get me wrong, I think the SOCOM is an awesome cartridge, its usefulness is just more limited in Ohio.

Good luck
JW
2/2/2016 2:20:35 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:  I don’t want to start a cartridge war, but in your specific situation (living in Ohio) you may want to consider the 450 Bushmaster.  The two cartridges have identical ballistics but the Bushmaster is a strait walled cartridge. (Ohio is a strait wall cartridge only state for hunting)  Thus, if you plan on trying your hand at hunting, you can drop your upper on a “pistol” lower and hunt white tails this year.  It is also likely the 450 Bushmaster will be added to the “Pistol caliber carbine” list in the future so you won’t need the pistol lower.

Even if you don’t hunt, if you later decide the cartridge isn’t for you, it will be easier to sell locally in Ohio due to the hunting market.  You will also find that ammo and brass are cheaper and somewhat easier to find.  Don’t get me wrong, I think the SOCOM is an awesome cartridge, its usefulness is just more limited in Ohio.

Good luck
JW
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Good point.
2/2/2016 2:38:57 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
You will also find that ammo and brass are cheaper and somewhat easier to find.  
JW
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Brass is not cheaper for the .450 Bushmaster.  I wish you guys would stop repeating that mis-information.

Tony

2/2/2016 4:32:45 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:


Brass is not cheaper for the .450 Bushmaster.  I wish you guys would stop repeating that mis-information.

Tony

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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
You will also find that ammo and brass are cheaper and somewhat easier to find.  
JW


Brass is not cheaper for the .450 Bushmaster.  I wish you guys would stop repeating that mis-information.

Tony


Plus, if you trim BM brass a bit short it is trash.  If you trim the SOCOM a bit short, no biggie, it headspaces off the shoulder, not the mouth like the BM.  And you use .458 rifle bullets, not .451 pistol bullets.
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