The 375 SOCOM and 458 SOCOM are two popular calibers for big game hunting and tactical operations. Both rounds are designed to deliver maximum stopping power and accuracy for a variety of applications.
The 375 SOCOM is a relatively new cartridge, while the 458 SOCOM has been around for a few years. Both rounds offer great performance, but there are some differences between them.
This article will compare the two rounds to help you decide which one is best for your needs. We will look at the ballistics, terminal performance, and recoil of each round, as well as the availability of ammo, guns, and accessories for each.
By the end of this article, you should have a good understanding of the differences between the two and be able to make an informed decision.
375 Socom
The .375 SOCOM (Special Operations Command) is a powerful and versatile cartridge designed for rifles and carbines.
It was developed to provide greater stopping power and terminal performance compared to traditional intermediate cartridges, making it suitable for various applications including hunting, tactical use, and long-range shooting.
The .375 SOCOM is essentially a necked-up version of the .458 SOCOM cartridge, which itself was derived from the .50 AE (Action Express) handgun cartridge.
By necking up the .458 SOCOM case to accept a .375 caliber bullet, the cartridge achieves a balance between bullet weight, velocity, and energy. This results in a round that can effectively take down medium to large game, and also has potential in military and law enforcement scenarios.
One of the main advantages of the .375 SOCOM is its compatibility with the AR-15 platform. This allows users to build or modify AR-15 rifles to chamber and fire the cartridge with relatively few modifications.
This adaptability makes it an attractive option for shooters who want the increased power of a larger caliber without transitioning to a completely different firearm platform.
The cartridge’s ballistic performance offers a good compromise between recoil and terminal ballistics.
It can fire heavy bullets with high sectional density at moderate velocities, resulting in deep penetration and significant energy transfer upon impact. This makes it suitable for hunting a variety of game, from deer to larger animals like bears and boars.
458 Socom
The .458 SOCOM, or Special Operations Command, is a powerful and versatile cartridge designed for AR-15-style rifles.
It was developed in the early 2000s by Marty ter Weeme, founder of Teppo Jutsu LLC, to offer greater stopping power and terminal ballistics compared to the standard 5.56x45mm NATO round commonly used in these rifles.
The .458 SOCOM cartridge is essentially a rebated rim cartridge, meaning it has a larger base diameter and a smaller rim diameter, allowing it to fit into a standard AR-15 magazine.
It typically fires a .458 caliber bullet weighing between 250 to 600 grains. This heavy bullet, along with the larger case capacity of the cartridge, results in significantly increased stopping power and energy transfer compared to the smaller 5.56mm round.
The primary application of the .458 SOCOM is for close-quarters combat and hunting, particularly for medium to large game where the increased power of the round is beneficial.
It’s also employed by some law enforcement agencies and military units for specialized purposes, offering more one-shot stopping power and barrier penetration capabilities.
Converting an AR-15 to chamber and fire .458 SOCOM generally requires a new barrel, modified bolt, and appropriate magazines.
This flexibility to adapt existing AR-15 platforms is one of the cartridge’s advantages, as shooters can easily switch between different chamberings without needing to invest in an entirely new firearm.
375 Socom Vs 458 Socom – Key Differences
Case Capacity
The 375 SOCOM has a larger case capacity than the 458 SOCOM. This means that it can be loaded with more powder, which results in a higher muzzle velocity and energy.
For example, a 200-grain bullet loaded with 25 grains of powder in a 375 SOCOM will have a muzzle velocity of 2,400 feet per second (fps). The same bullet loaded with the same amount of powder in a 458 SOCOM will have a muzzle velocity of 2,200 fps.
Bullet diameter
The 458 SOCOM has a larger bullet diameter than the 375 SOCOM. This means that it creates a larger wound cavity, which can be beneficial for hunting large game animals.
For example, a 200-grain bullet fired from a 458 SOCOM will create a wound cavity that is about 1.5 inches in diameter. The same bullet fired from a 375 SOCOM will create a wound cavity that is about 1.2 inches in diameter.
Cartridge Design
The 375 SOCOM is a relatively new cartridge that was designed by J.D. Jones of SSK Industries in 2004.
It has a .375” diameter bullet and a 2.260” case length. The 375 SOCOM is capable of firing a wide variety of .375” diameter bullets, including FMJ, JHP, and soft-point varieties.
It is capable of producing muzzle velocities of up to 2,600 feet per second and muzzle energies of up to 2,000 foot-pounds. This makes it an excellent choice for hunting medium-sized game, such as deer and wild boar.
The 458 SOCOM was designed by Marty ter Weeme of Teppo Jutsu LLC in 2001. It has a .458” diameter bullet and a 2.260” case length. The 458 SOCOM is capable of firing a wide variety of .458” diameter bullets, including FMJ, JHP, and soft-point varieties.
It is capable of producing muzzle velocities of up to 2,400 feet per second and muzzle energies of up to 3,000 foot-pounds. This makes it an excellent choice for hunting large game, such as elk and moose.
Both cartridges offer excellent performance and are suitable for a wide variety of applications. However, the 458 SOCOM is generally considered to be the more powerful of the two and is better suited for larger games.
Recoil
The 375 SOCOM is a .375 caliber cartridge with a case length of 1.6 inches and is capable of firing a range of bullet weights from 150 grains up to 300 grains. It has a muzzle velocity of up to 2,400 feet per second and is capable of producing up to 4,000 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.
The 458 SOCOM is a .458 caliber cartridge with a case length of 1.5 inches and is capable of firing a range of bullet weights from 250 grains up to 600 grains. It has a muzzle velocity of up to 2,200 feet per second and is capable of producing up to 6,000 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.
The 375 SOCOM is a great choice for hunting medium-sized game such as deer and hogs, while the 458 SOCOM is better suited for larger game such as bear and elk.
The 375 SOCOM is also more economical than the 458 SOCOM due to the availability of factory loaded ammunition and components. However, the 458 SOCOM has the advantage of being able to fire heavier bullets with greater energy at the target.
Ballistics
The 375 SOCOM round is a relatively new round that was developed in 2004 by SSK Industries. It is a relatively large round, measuring .375 inches in diameter, and is based on the .300 Blackout round.
It is designed to be used in AR-15 rifles and is capable of firing a variety of different bullet weights, ranging from 110 to 300 grains.
The 375 SOCOM has a muzzle velocity of up to 2,500 feet per second and can generate up to 3,500 foot-pounds of energy. It is capable of taking down large game and is suitable for hunting.
The 458 SOCOM round is a larger round than the 375 SOCOM and was developed in 2000 by Teppo Jutsu.
It measures .458 inches in diameter and is designed to be used in AR-15 rifles. It is capable of firing a variety of different bullet weights, ranging from 250 to 600 grains.
The 458 SOCOM has a muzzle velocity of up to 2,000 feet per second and can generate up to 5,000 foot-pounds of energy. It is capable of taking down large game and is suitable for hunting, as well as for military and law enforcement applications.
Ammunition Availability
Ammunition availability for the 375 SOCOM and 458 SOCOM is widely available, with both calibers having an abundance of factory-loaded and reloading components.
The 375 SOCOM is a relatively new cartridge, having been introduced in 2003, and has a wide variety of factory-loaded ammo available from Hornady, Remington, and Barnes.
Reloaders have access to a wide range of components from companies such as Hornady, RCBS, and Lee.The 458 SOCOM has been around since 2001 and has a wide variety of factory-loaded ammo available from Hornady, Remington, and Barnes.
Reloaders have access to components from companies such as Hornady, RCBS, and Lee.Overall, both the 375 SOCOM and 458 SOCOM have a wide variety of factory-loaded and reloading components available, making them both great choices for hunters and shooters.
Accuracy
The 458 Socom is a larger caliber with a longer case length, which allows for greater powder capacity and higher velocities.
This, in turn, provides the 458 Socom with superior accuracy and energy at longer distances. The 375 Socom is still a very accurate cartridge, but it does not offer the same level of performance as the 458 Socom.
Hunting Performance
The .375 SOCOM is a lighter, faster round that is ideal for medium game such as deer and hogs, while the .458 SOCOM is a heavier, slower round that is better suited for larger game such as elk and bear.
Both cartridges produce excellent accuracy and terminal performance, and both are capable of taking down any game animal in North America. The .458 SOCOM is generally considered to be the better choice for large games, while the .375 SOCOM is the better choice for medium games.
Ultimately, the choice between the two cartridges will depend on the type of game being hunted and the shooter’s preference.
Military Applications
Both cartridges offer excellent ballistics and have been proven to be effective in close-quarters combat.
The 375 SOCOM is the preferred cartridge for US Special Operations Forces due to its superior accuracy and terminal performance. The 458 SOCOM is the preferred cartridge for ground troops due to its increased stopping power and larger bullet diameter.
Both cartridges offer excellent penetration and expansion, making them suitable for both close-quarters and long-range engagements.
Reloading Considerations
When reloading for either the 375 Socom or 458 Socom, there are several considerations to take into account.
For both cartridges, the appropriate reloading dies, shell holders and primers should be selected. Additionally, the correct powder and bullet weight should be chosen.
When selecting powder for the 375 Socom, the reloader should be aware that the cartridge operates at a higher pressure than the 458 Socom.
As such, slower-burning powders are typically recommended for the 375 Socom to ensure proper pressure levels. For the 458 Socom, the reloader should be aware that the cartridge operates at a lower pressure than the 375 Socom.
As such, faster-burning powders are typically recommended for the 458 Socom to ensure proper pressure levels.
When selecting bullets for either cartridge, the reloader should take into consideration the type of game they are hunting and the desired bullet performance. For the 375 Socom, heavier bullets are typically recommended for larger games, while lighter bullets are recommended for smaller games.
For the 458 Socom, heavier bullets are typically recommended for larger games, while lighter bullets are recommended for smaller games.
Finally, the reloader should ensure that they are following all safety protocols when reloading, as both the 375 Socom and 458 Socom are high-powered cartridges.
Popularity
The 375 Socom is a relatively new cartridge, having been introduced in 2004, while the 458 Socom has been around since 2001.The 375 Socom is a rimless cartridge based on the 300 AAC Blackout cartridge.
It is designed to be used in AR-15 rifles and is capable of taking down large game animals. It is a very powerful round and is capable of producing muzzle velocities of up to 2,700 feet per second. The 458 Socom is a rimmed cartridge based on the 45-70 Government cartridge.
It is designed to be used in bolt-action rifles and is capable of taking down large game animals. It is a very powerful round and is capable of producing muzzle velocities of up to 2,400 feet per second. Both cartridges offer excellent performance and are great choices for hunters looking for a powerful round.
The 375 Socom offers more velocity and is better suited for long-range shooting, while the 458 Socom offers more stopping power and is better suited for short-range shooting. Ultimately, the choice between the two cartridges comes down to personal preference and the type of hunting you plan on doing.
375 Socom Vs 458 Socom – Similarities
The .458 SOCOM and the .375 Raptor or .375 Reaper are both designed to offer increased stopping power and terminal ballistics compared to standard AR-15 cartridges. Here are some potential similarities between the .458 SOCOM and the .375 Raptor/Reaper:
AR-15 Platform Adaptability: Like the .458 SOCOM, the .375 Raptor and .375 Reaper are designed to be used with the AR-15 platform. They are designed to fit into a standard AR-15 lower receiver and typically require modifications such as a new barrel, bolt, and magazines.
Increased Stopping Power: Both the .458 SOCOM and the .375 Raptor/Reaper are designed to provide significantly more stopping power and energy transfer compared to standard AR-15 cartridges like the 5.56mm NATO. This makes them suitable for hunting larger game or for situations requiring greater terminal ballistics.
Short to Medium Range: These cartridges are optimized for short to medium ranges, making them effective for hunting and tactical applications within those distances.
Bullet Variety: Both cartridges offer a range of bullet weights and types, allowing shooters to tailor their ammunition choice to their specific needs, whether that’s hunting, self-defense, or other uses.
Barrel and Bolt Modifications: Converting an AR-15 to chamber and fire either the .458 SOCOM or the .375 Raptor/Reaper typically requires modifications to the barrel, bolt, and sometimes the magazine. This allows shooters to utilize their existing AR-15 lowers while upgrading the upper components.
What Type Of Firearms Are Best Suited For Each Round?
The 375 SOCOM round is best suited for AR-15-style rifles. This round is designed to fit into a standard AR-15 magazine, so it is a great choice for those looking to build a rifle around the 375 SOCOM cartridge.
It is also suitable for bolt-action rifles, but the magazine capacity is limited.
The 458 SOCOM round is best suited for AR-15-style rifles. It is designed to fit into a standard AR-15 magazine, so it is a great choice for those looking to build a rifle around the 458 SOCOM cartridge.
It is also suitable for bolt-action rifles, but the magazine capacity is limited. Additionally, the 458 SOCOM round is well-suited for use in AR-10-style rifles, as it can be used with a standard AR-10 magazine.
Closing Thoughts
The 375 SOCOM and 458 SOCOM cartridges are both powerful and effective rounds for hunting and self-defense. The 375 SOCOM is a great choice for those who want a round that is powerful and accurate, yet still manageable in size and weight.
The 458 SOCOM is a great choice for those who want a round that is more powerful and has more stopping power than the 375 SOCOM. Ultimately, the choice between the two rounds will come down to personal preference and the intended use.
