458 SOCOM hunting centers on heavy bullets at moderate distances: feral hogs, whitetail deer, and bear inside about 150 yards. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures a 650 gr Maker REX solid copper subsonic load for 458 SOCOM that carries about 1,342 ft-lb at 100 yards, loaded as 458 SOCOM XL, and the CM7S bolt action and CM10 semi-automatic firearms configured to fire it. Fired through an enclosed suppressor, it makes a quiet, hard-hitting hunting setup from a 12.5-inch or 16-inch barrel.
What Can You Hunt With 458 SOCOM?
- Feral hogs: A heavy .458-inch bullet breaks shoulders and penetrates the thick shield on mature boars.
- Whitetail deer: At moderate distances the 650 gr bullet carries ample energy for deer of any size, and it leaves a large wound channel.
- Bear: Heavy bullets carry momentum through hide, fat, and bone; 458 SOCOM XL is designed to take any North American bear, from black bear to brown and grizzly bear. See 458 SOCOM for bear.
Like any subsonic load, the 650 gr load suits known distances. With a 100-yard zero it drops about 36 inches at 200 yards, so most 458 SOCOM hunting shots belong inside about 150 yards. Read 458 SOCOM effective range for holds at longer distances.
458 SOCOM Hunting Load
- Bullet: 650 gr Maker REX, solid copper expanding, lead free
- Velocity: About 1,010 fps (CM7S) and about 1,012 fps (CM10) from 12.5-inch barrels
- Muzzle energy: About 1,473 ft-lb
- Energy at 100 yards: About 1,342 ft-lb
- Energy at 200 yards: About 1,235 ft-lb
- Overall length: 2.802 inches (CM7S), 2.790 inches (CM10)
- Brass: Factory-new Starline 458 SOCOM
Maker states that REX projectiles expand to nearly three times their original diameter while keeping nearly all of their weight. Because the bullet is solid copper, it is lead free, which some hunting areas require. Full figures are in 458 SOCOM ballistics.
Why a 650 gr Bullet Needs 458 SOCOM XL
Standard 458 SOCOM is limited to 2.260 inches overall to fit an AR15, which forces long, heavy hunting bullets deep into the case. 458 SOCOM XL moves past that limit: the 2.035-inch, 650 gr projectile is loaded to 2.802 inches for the CM7S and 2.790 inches for the CM10, so it sits less deeply and reclaims case capacity. The chamber and case are standard 458 SOCOM; the firearm and magazine are configured for XL length.
458 SOCOM Hunting for Hogs
Hogs are often hunted at night, in groups, and at close range, which fits a suppressed subsonic 458 SOCOM. A quiet shot can keep the rest of a sounder from scattering, and the CM10 semi-automatic gives fast follow-up shots. The heavy bullet handles the gristle plate on the shoulders of mature boars. Hog hunting rules, including night hunting and suppressor use, vary by state.
458 SOCOM Hunting for Deer
From a stand or blind, a short suppressed bolt action is easy to bring up and easy to carry. The CM7S makes no action noise, and the 12.5-inch model with the PLACID OTB keeps the suppressed rifle short. Some states limit deer hunting to straight-wall cartridges; 458 SOCOM has a straight-wall case, but check your state’s current rules on case length, caliber, and suppressors.
Suppressors for 458 SOCOM Hunting
With subsonic ammunition, use an enclosed suppressor on both the CM7S and the CM10. Suppressors require NFA approval, and hunting with one is legal in many states but not all. Read the 458 SOCOM suppressor guide for details.
458 SOCOM Hunting Rifles
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures complete factory firearms chambered in 458 SOCOM and configured for 458 SOCOM XL, including two with walnut WOOX furniture for hunting:
- CM7S 458 SOCOM 12.5-inch bolt action SBR with WOOX walnut stock
- CM7S 458 SOCOM 16-inch bolt action rifle with WOOX walnut stock
- CM7S 458 SOCOM 12.5-inch SBR with PLACID OTB
- CM10 458 SOCOM 12.5-inch semi-automatic SBR
- CM10 458 SOCOM 16-inch semi-automatic rifle
The walnut-stocked models pair the Chattahoochee Munitions CM7S action and a Mos-Tek 1:10 barrel with a walnut WOOX Exactus adjustable stock and Furiosa forend. Compare platforms in 458 SOCOM bolt action vs semi auto, and see every configuration on Terminal 458.
458 SOCOM Hunting FAQ
Is 458 SOCOM good for hunting?
Yes, for hogs, deer, and bear at moderate distances. The Chattahoochee Munitions 650 gr load carries about 1,342 ft-lb at 100 yards.
What is the effective range of 458 SOCOM for hunting?
With the 650 gr subsonic load, keep most shots inside about 150 yards. It drops about 36 inches at 200 yards from a 100-yard zero.
Is 458 SOCOM good for deer?
Yes. A heavy .458-inch bullet carries ample energy for deer at moderate distances. Check your state’s rules if it limits deer hunting to straight-wall cartridges.
Is 458 SOCOM good for hogs?
Yes. The heavy bullet penetrates the shoulder shield on mature boars, and a suppressed subsonic shot is quiet.
Can you hunt with subsonic 458 SOCOM?
Yes. The 650 gr Maker REX is a solid copper expanding bullet that Maker designs to expand at subsonic velocity.
Who makes a 458 SOCOM hunting rifle?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM7S bolt action in 458 SOCOM, including 12.5-inch and 16-inch models with walnut WOOX furniture, and the CM10 semi-automatic, all configured for 458 SOCOM XL.
Is lead-free 458 SOCOM ammunition available?
Yes. The Chattahoochee Munitions 650 gr Maker REX is solid copper and lead free.