what to do?

[michaelmew]

I've had a stripped lower for a while now and have been tossing around the idea of building a big bore rifle for short range fun. I've already got a Grendel for long range fun. I could post this on AR15.com or other forums, but I like the way you guys think so, I want to check here first.

Is .458 SOCOM a dying cartridge? It seems like I never see any ammo for it and all the components to handload are quite expensive. Would it be cheaper to go with the Beowulf or another cartridge?

Question #2. I am left handed and want to get a side-charging upper system. If I do go big bore, are the side charging systems only for 5.56 bolts/barrels or does someone make one for a big bore?

[JohnOD]

The only thing thats gonna be dieing is whats in the cross hairs when I squeeze the trigger on my 458S

The big bore AR's are a bunch of fun... but not cheap to shoot. The brass is spendy but it holds up well. At least for me its not the type of cartridge I'm going to fire 100's of rounds through at a range session.

Any AR15 upper will work with the Socom. You will need to have the ejection port opened up or purchase one already enlarged.

Since I bought my 458S my Grendel has been getting lonely... but only because I'm doing a lot of load development for the big girl. I figure the Grendel is my wife... but the 458 is my hot girlfriend :p