Comparison Between .458 Socom And 5.56 Ammo

Although it's not a very ideal comparison to make because one was developed because of the certain shortcoming of the other. So it is not fair two compare the two. But having seen that people often get confused between the two and they can't decide which one to use, this comparison was almost necessary. .458SOCOM was designed by Teppo Jutsu to solve the problem or rather problems that 5.56 had. 5.56 was not suited to certain operations because it did not have enough power which was required in those operations. So to solve this problem a bigger and more powerful cartridge was developed which was named .458SOCOM.

 

Well, the very strength of 458 Socom Ammo  that is more powerful than 5.56 is also its weakness as it sometimes is accused of overkill. .458SOCOM has its own two competitors one is the same cartridge from which it is derived which is .50AE and the other is .50beowulf. 

First of all, as far as the range of two cartridges is concerned .458SOCOM’s range is less than 5.56. .458SOCOM has a range of 140 to 150 yards whereas 5.56 has a range of 220 to 270 yards. This means .458SOCOM is more suited for close range. 

 

Talking of .458SOCOM its biggest strength is the power which it has whereas its weakness is the speed, also it not effective in a large range which makes it less versatile on the battlefield. But its strength which is power can be extremely useful in close range combat also in hunting big games from close range. There is quite a variety available in .458SOCOM in weights as well as in shape and size. It gives you options so that you can choose as per your need. For example, if you want to use it in the big game then you can use a heavier variant. 

 

As far as 5.56 is concerned it is without a doubt the most used cartridge rifles, machine guns etc. it has almost all the qualities that a cartridge is supposed to have. it has speed, an effective range and enough power to take the target down in one or two rounds but yes not in one shot. that is the only shortcoming it has that it can not take down the target in one shot .with an effective range of 220 to 270 yards and speed from 2700 to3100 ft/s it is quite a good option as a long-range cartridge on a battlefield. it is a successful cartridge and like .458SOCM there are limitless options available in 5.56 as well. It is a cartridge that is fast, versatile, cheap and accurate. 

 

As we have seen that .458SOCOM and 5.56 both have their advantages and shortcomings. now when it comes to choosing between the two then it depends entirely on your use. if you need a cartridge that Is so powerful that it can take down the target In one shot then .458SOCOM is the choice but if you need a versatile and fast cartridge then 5.56 I the choice to go with.