by Bmt85 » Thu Oct 26, 2017 8:45 pm
These guys touched on a lot of the good points.
I was originally going to go 458 Socom, but got back into hunting, just after Southern Michigan opened certain straight wall cartridges. At that point had to go 450B, and I am so glad it worked out that way. The 450B is my favorite AR cartridge. I really only see the 458 Socom as having a couple advantages over the 450B, but to me the 450B is still the better round. Never considered the 50 Beowulf as an option. But that's just me.
Main reason I really like the 450B, is bullet selection. I can load pretty inexpensive plinkers, and get decent to great accuracy. Then I can load hunting ammo with bullets that don't weigh 300+ grains and get more speed. You don't need a 300+ grainer for most game, so take the speed advantage. If you feel the need to run 300+ grain bullets, pick up a couple of sizing dies. Now you can run most bullets the 458 Socom can. Chances are you won't need the .458's, there are quite a few good bullet choices already in .451-.452.
Another reason I like the 450B, is there seems to be something new coming out for it all the time. Lately, there has been quite a bit, so it's still progressing. It really opens your options if you reload for it!