.458 socom loading

[Bahick71]

So I am in the process of putting a .458 socom together.
Is anybody loading for one, tips, tricks, or pitfalls
I am putting my list together for supplies, I will need brass, dies, and bullets.
I have several powders on hand, and local gun shop has some others that I have seen people running.
I have plenty of large pistol primers on hand as well.
I built one for a friend a few years back, shot it with some factory ammo and enjoyed it.
It will eventually get a can and some sub sonic ammo down the road as well
Thanks for all input

 

[redleg10]

Get a Lee factory crimp die.

 

[KurtM]

I've never crimped any of my SOCOM reloads. I settled on around 29 grains of WW296 powder and a 325-350 grain bullet. Some of the brass you get may or may not be brittle and will need to be annealed.....at least the last batch I got was. They cracked after the second loading. After I annealed the rest of the batch I have gotten 5-6 loading cycles. Stay away from lil gun, it is a bit too fast and the recoil is sharp.

 

[Snattlerake]

I've never crimped any of my SOCOM reloads. I settled on around 29 grains of WW296 powder and a 325-350 grain bullet. Some of the brass you get may or may not be brittle and will need to be annealed.....at least the last batch I got was. They cracked after the second loading. After I annealed the rest of the batch I have gotten 5-6 loading cycles. Stay away from lil gun, it is a bit too fast and the recoil is sharp.

Are you running them through an AR platform? I absolutely love mine as compared to my 5.56.

 

[amcardon]

My biggest recommendation is the same as @KurtM - anneal and size brass (lube them up pretty good, I prefer lanolin/alcohol) before you ever load. Lots of options for loading depending on what you're trying to accomplish...

 

[KurtM]

Yes, through an AR platform. Also, keep track of your rim diameter. I got a batch of brass that had a bit too big of a rim and would drag in the bolt face, caused quite a few jams by not ejecting. Once I figured it out, I chucked up the brass and turned it down a bit and back to functioning well! All I've ever used is USGI aluminum 30s for mags.

 

[ShaneP]

Stay away from lil gun, it is a bit too fast and the recoil is sharp.

Now you tell me!

 

[Okie4570]

I dont do anything different than i do loading any other necked cartridge. I don't crimp either. 325gr flex tip bullets are awesome. 5744, 4227 and Lil Gun is what I use, 250gr-500gr bullets but just the 325gr 99% of the time now, devastating on deer.

 

[Bahick71]

Thanks guys, appreciate the info
From what I had found, was going to anneal for sure
I have some 5744, lil gun, enforcer, and some 4227, to try out
I am going to be running it in an ar platform, should have my upper this week.
I am refreshing an older lower that was not being used

 

[Catswithguns]

I have a Cmmg Banshee chambered for it. Having a few issues with ejection but it’s getting there. Wicked little thumper of a. Weapon.