wondering... big bore ar build....

[steif]

I was thinking of building a big bore ar.. If you were going to build one, what caliber would you go with? 450 bushmaster or 458 socom? I load and cast both diameter bullets, so loading is not an issue. I'm sorta leaning to the socom, but was wondering if anyone likes one over the other?
Thanks!

 

[dak109]

I went with Socom due to taking rifle bullets rather than handgun bullets. It is expensive to shoot even reloading for it. The 450 has went mainstream, giving more factory options for both guns and ammo.
If I did it ove I might change my mind. However, I am very happy with 458, mine is a tack driving sledgehammer.

 

[Leadeye]

How does a rig like that compare to a large bore lever gun? I've heard of people hunting with them and the brass being expensive, but wondered how they stacked up for accuracy and cost.

 

[Ggreen]

50beowulf is my favorite big boy 15

 

[dak109]

How does a rig like that compare to a large bore lever gun? I've heard of people hunting with them and the brass being expensive, but wondered how they stacked up for accuracy and cost.

Depends on preference. I also hunt with a Marlin 1894 44 mag. which is lighter and easier handling. But since I got bit by the AR bug I wanted to start hunting with one. With my guns I can squeeze out an additional 50 yards with the 458. I am sure this is due to limitations, not the guns. Although, I did almost throw away the Marlin when I first got it. It shot a pattern not a group. Found going to a .430 diameter XTP tightened things way up. The 458 was a custom job. Wasn't overly impressed with factory loads. Loaded up some FTX's over H110 and got one hole groups with my starting load. Didn't even try anything else.
i have taken 2 deer with the 458. If shot placement is off, plan on losing meat. Of course I have lost meat with 44 too. If you shoot through a shoulder with either there will be waste.

Cost: Ammo is way more for the 458. As is the cost of brass. 1894 was purchased 7-10 years ago for $500 no optics. The 458 upper was purchases 2 1/2 years ago for $650 for just the upper.

I am am currently playing with a 6.8 SPC in hopes of having one gun for deer and coyotes. If I get it worked out the 458 may find its way into the classifieds. I will pass the Marlin down to my son eventually.

 

[Vigilant]

Me being the ******* that I am, would first ask, can you build a functional rifle in the caliber it was designed for first?

 

[steif]

Yee... I have built several normal rifles, 2 16 inch and a 20 inch, a 16 in 300 bo, and 2 pistols. So far, no problems out of any of those.

I think I will try a 458, just for kicks. I can't seem to get out to hunt, so it will be just a plinking rifle.
I'll end up with both calibers anyway, but i'll get a 458 first.

I already load with 458 bullets, 452 bullets and 500 bullets, so i'll end up with a 50 also I suspect.. just rebuild the funds between each one.

 

[mcapo]

I went with Socom due to taking rifle bullets rather than handgun bullets. It is expensive to shoot even reloading for it. The 450 has went mainstream, giving more factory options for both guns and ammo.
If I did it ove I might change my mind. However, I am very happy with 458, mine is a tack driving sledgehammer.

Ditto.

 

[Tonybnw]

Go big or go home, my next ar is going to be a 50 Beowulf and I do foresee a 458 sitcom in my future after that