.458 SOCOM Magazines – Honest, Tell All Review 2021
Josh Lewis | Last Updated: December 25, 2021
The 458 Socom was an effective development that allowed a standard AR-15 rifle to be converted into a heavy-pounding high caliber rifle without finding a lot of extra parts.
The standardization was achieved to the point that 458 Socom rounds can be loaded from a .223/5.56 AR magazine. But then, the absolute peace of mind called for the need to eliminate reliability issues. This discussion will revolve around the best 458 Socom magazines available on the market today and why we consider them the best.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 458 Socom Magazines
OUR TOP PICK: D&H Tactical .458 SOCOM 4 Round
RUNNER-UP: CMMG MKW-15 .458 SOCOM 10 Round
BEST BUDGET OPTION: Magpul - AR-15 30rd Pmag Gen M2 Moe Magazine 223/5.56
Comparison of the Best .458 SOCOM Magazines
D&H Tactical .458 SOCOM 4 Round
Four Rounds is a Great, Lightweight Capacity for Hunting
The Aluminum Magazine Body Resembles Classic USGI Models
The Proprietary Big-Bore Follower Ensures Reliable Feeding With .458
CMMG MKW-15 .458 SOCOM 10 Round
Non-Tilt Follower and Constant Curve Geometry for Reliable Feeding
Ten Rounds Give You the Maximum Legal Capacity in Many Jurisdictions
Lightweight Polymer Body and Hardened Steel Feed Lips for Great Reliability
Magpul - AR-15 30rd Pmag Gen M2 Moe Magazine 223/5.56
Corrosion-proof and self-lubricating
Available in packs of 1, 10, or 100
Floorplates remove for easy cleaning
Hexmag True 10 Round
The Mag Body is Made of an Advanced "PolyHex2" Composite
The "HexID" Color Coding System Lets You Easily Identify Ammunition
Unique "Hexture" Honeycomb Pattern Gives You Great Ergonomics and Durability
C Products Defense 458 SOCOM - 10 Round
Stainless Steel Magazine Spring is Completely Resistant to Corrosion
Ten Rounds Give You a Great Balance Between Firepower and Weight
Stainless Steel Magazine Body is the Best for Robust, Durable Performance
E-lander Magazine .458 Socom 10 Round
Steel Body Gives You the Best in Durability and Reliability
Advanced Follower is Designed to Be Anti-Tilt and Self-Leveling
Thoroughly Tested By Both Special Forces and Anti-Terrorism Units
Lancer Magazine – 7 Round
Custom machined to accept a wide variety of .375/.458 ammo
Functions with up to 20 rounds .223/5.56
Non-reflective matte black finish
Factors to Consider Before Buying 458 Socom Magazines
458 Socom rounds are almost twice as thick as the standard .223/5.56 round. Even with this difference in size, these larger rounds fit in normal AR-15 mags. However, a mag dedicated to 458 Socom will always work better. Here are a few considerations you must keep an eye out for when buying one.
This Section Written By:
Ankit Kumar
Expert Author
Ankit Kumar is an engineer turned writer who specializes in topics related to firearms, gun safety and weapon tech. His passion towards enrolling in the Army drifted his interest towards light and heavy firearms. He's a qualified competitive air rifle shooter and an avid nature lover. His other areas of expertise include survival, prepping and firearms/ammo storage. When he's not writing, he's either learning a new skill, trekking or enjoying a long drive.
Polymer or Metal
Some old school shooters always want their mags to be made of steel or aluminum. Whereas others trust the lightweight and tough polymer magazines. Metal mags definitely last longer and are more resilient to damage against cracking or pressure. However at the slight cost of weight.
Polymer or metal can be your individual choice. But mags with metal lips should be more preferred for better feeding of rounds. Some mags also feature a relief cut on the front for more reliable performance.
Check the Legal Capacity
Make sure that the capacity of the magazine you buy conforms with the legally allowed capacity in your state. 458 Socom is a viable and legal hunting caliber in all states. But the capacity restrictions are something that can create problems.
Photo credit: snipercountry.com
Solid and Reliable Innards
A corrosion-resistant spring with a strong and preferably anti-tilt follower is a must for 458 Socom mags. Polymer or metal follower doesn't make too much of a difference. But for mags with a capacity of more than 10 rounds, an anti-tilt follower eliminates the chances of a misfeed.
Availability and Quantity
458 Socom is a respected caliber, but not that famous. Hence finding the ammo or spare magazines can be a tough task. Especially when you are hopping from store to store physically. A good option is to purchase multiple mags so you have an extra mag when you need it.
Why Use Dedicated Mags?
These rounds will feed on an AR-15 .223/5.56 magazine. Even though in a third of the capacity. But it will still work. However, having dedicated magazines for your rifle helps you differentiate between the calibers when picking up mags in a jiffy. Plus, a dedicated 458 Socom magazine allows you to carry more rounds at once.
Review of the Best .458 SOCOM Magazines
Now that you know what to look for in the ideal .458 SOCOM magazine, let's take a look at the best products on the market. While all are excellent choices, stick to your needs and watch each for features that appeal to you.
Hard-Coated and Teflon Finished for Protection
The Four-Round Capacity is a Great, Low Weight Option for Hunting
The Aluminum Magazine Body is Styled Similarly to Classic USGI Mags
D&H's Proprietary Big-Bore Follower Guarantees Reliable Feeding With .458
Not the Cheapest Option
D&H has been producing firearms components for over thirty years in Wisconsin. D&H's mags are all made in the U.S.A. and have been battle tested by our troops and allies in conflicts around the world. This is a good company to support to contribute to its active defense of the Second Amendment.
These are classically-styled USGI style aluminum mags. The aircraft-grade aluminum alloy has been heat-treated and hard coat anodized with a black Teflon finish. The magazine spring is made of 17-7PH stainless steel for complete protection against corrosion. These mags come with D&H's proprietary big-bore follower, which is perfect for ensuring reliable feeding with the .458 SOCOM.
If you want a classically-styled AR mag in .458 SOCOM, this is a hard option to beat. Four rounds are a great amount for hunting because you have enough shots without any excess weight. This can also be useful in states with restrictive laws on magazine capacity.
These are great magazines made right here in the U.S.A. If you intend to use these for hunting or in a state with restrictive laws these are an excellent choice for a low-capacity mag. The top features of these mags are the proprietary follower and the corrosion proof stainless steel spring. The classic USGI styling in a lightweight aluminum mag is nice too.
Ten Rounds Give You the Maximum Capacity Allowed in Many States
The Constant Curve Geometry and Non-Tilt Follower Give You Very Reliable Feeding
Light Polymer Magazine Body With Hardened Steel Feed Lips for the Best in Reliability
Not the Most Affordable Option
CMMG has been in business in Missouri since 2002. They specialize in producing high-quality, yet affordable, modern sporting rifles and their components. Their careful attention to detail comes through in the design of this mag.
What CMMG has done is to take a top-quality Lancer L5 Advanced Warfighter 30-round mag in 5.56 and adapt and perfect it for use with the .458 SOCOM. Although it is ideal for the .458, this mag will still operate with 5.56x45 ammo. It features an impact-resistant polymer body and feed lips made of hardened steel. The magazine catch is also made of steel to prevent wear and ensure reliability.
The floorplate slides on and off, giving you quick and easy disassembly. Inside you will find a completely corrosion-proof spring and a non-tilt follower. The magazine body has a slim profile and a constant curve internal geometry for reliable and smooth feeding. It is heavily textured for an extra positive grip. This mag has been designed, tooled, manufactured, and assembled entirely in the U.S.A.
Ten rounds is a good, solid compromise between weight and firepower for most civilian tasks, especially with the large .458 SOCOM rounds. These are some of the best quality mags on the market today. The best features are the top quality materials, the hardened steel feed lips, and superior reliability.
Superior Grip Surface
Self-Lubricating and Corrosion-Proof
Smooth, Curved Design Stabilizes the Stack
Withstands Intense Heat for Prolonged Periods
Incredibly Rugged Construction From a Single-Piece Polymer
Not an Extended Magazine
Our top budget pick for a spare magazine is hands-down this offering from Magpul. This is in no small part due to the rugged design which you can comfortably leave fully loaded without fear of performance concerns. It is self-lubricating, corrosion-proof, and made of one single piece of molded polymer with fiber reinforcement. Owing to this design, it has no joints or spot welds that may adversely affect the follower.
Additionally, the design is a slick curve for smooth movement while an anti-tilt follower helps to stabilize the stack and prevent any nose-diving or bolt-over-head type of failures.
It's designed to last, too. Heat-treated and built with a stainless-steel spring with stress relief, it can fully withstand prolonged exposure to intense heat. When dealing with the .458 SOCOM, this is a dire necessity to last a long time.
Additionally, the magazine is equipped with exterior ribs for superior grip and a catch notch instead of the typical hole ensures that debris and dirt stay away.
You'll easily grasp the ledge on the floorplate when you extract the magazine from pouches or holsters, and it removes from the magazine easily for a quick clean.
Finally, it is available in black as well, for those who want to keep themselves completely stealthy or simply match their rifle's finish.
An incredible magazine from Magpul all around, this unit is affordable and beautifully designed to ensure consistent top-notch performance.
4. Hexmag True 10 Round
The Magazine Body is Made of an Innovative"PolyHex2" Advanced Composite for Durability
The Proprietary "Hexture" Honeycomb Pattern Provides You With the Best Grip and Durability
The "HexID" Color Coding System Lets You Quickly and Easily Identify Which Ammunition is Loaded in the Mag
May Require Adjustment of Your Mag Release Button if You Live in California
Hexmag, a subsidiary of Virginia company Sentry, was founded in 2013 and focus on high-end mags. This is another company that really pays attention to each and every little detail of the magazines that they produce.
The product's body is made of their proprietary PolyHex2 advanced composite, which provides outstanding shock resistance and reliability. Built into the mag body is Hexmag's signature "Hexture" pattern which resembles a honeycomb. This provides two functions. It increases the strength and durability of the mag and gives you an extremely positive grip.
Hexmag offers these magazines with a unique riser system. The risers fit in the mag below the follower and regulate the capacity while retaining the look of a full-sized tactical mag. The riser is made of an extra durable fiber reinforced composite. The spring is made of heat-treated, corrosion-proof stainless steel.
A proprietary "HexID" color-coding system gives you quick identification of which ammo is loaded in a given mag. The magazine can be disassembled without the use of any tools. They are available in four colors, Black, Gray, Green, or FDE.
These are great mags that tick all the right boxes. Hexmag clearly has a dedication to innovation. The best features of these mags are the proprietary features that increase durability, the Hexture design and the PolyHex2 composite.
5. C Products Defense 458 SOCOM - 10 Round
The Stainless Steel Magazine Spring is Entirely Resistant to Rust and Corrosion
The Stainless Steel Magazine Body Gives You the Best in Reliability and Durability
The Ten-Round Capacity Gives You a Great Balance Between Firepower and Weight Saving
Steel Body Mags Are on the Heavier Side
C Products Defense started out in 2011 and is based in Florida. They have recently renamed their line of magazines to Duramag. This is a great ten-round stainless steel magazine. They claim that the magazine is designed specifically to address the reliability problems that mid-to-high capacity dropout box mags face with larger calibers.
The ten round capacity gives you a good amount of firepower without going over the maximum allowed mag capacity in many states. With many more rounds, these mags would become excessively heavy and cumbersome.
Although it is only ten rounds, thanks to the large size of the .458 SOCOM, these mags have a similar size and style to 30-round 5.56 mags. The styling is close to that of the classic military-issue USGI steel mags of yesteryear.
Despite all the benefits of polymer or aluminum, some shooters like to keep it old school and stick to steel mags. They are definitely more shatterproof than polymer and more dent-resistant than aluminum, but the tradeoff is the greater weight.
The top features of these mags are the practical ten-round capacity and the corrosion-proof materials. Plus, many shooters will appreciate the classic, mid-20th-century USGI styling. If you want a mag that will definitely last a lifetime, you can't go wrong with this one.
6. E-lander Magazine .458 Socom 10 Round
The steel construction offers the utmost in durability and reliability
Carefully tested by Israeli special military forces and anti-terrorist units
The innovative follower is designed to be both anti-tilt and self-leveling for reliable feeding
Not Made in the U.S.A.
Relatively Heavy for a Ten-Round Mag
E-lander has been producing magazines in Israel for the Israeli and other militaries for over six decades. Israel is a country that does not mess around when it comes to military hardware. You can be sure that their suppliers provide the ultimate in function and dependability. All of E-lander's new designs are tested by special military forces and anti-terrorist units.
E-lander mags feature a steel body coated in an advanced KTL coating. The coating's corrosion-resistant properties have been tested to stand up to over 96 hours of constant salt spray.
E-lander has also designed an advanced, state-of-the-art follower. It is designed to be both anti-tilt and self-leveling. The floorplate also features an improved, reinforced design. As they are steel, these mags are a bit heavy but make up for it in the durability of their construction. Steel is more crack-proof than polymer and more dent-proof than aluminum.
Besides, the ten-round capacity gives you a reasonable amount of firepower without too much weight or protrusion. Ten rounds is also a legal maximum mag capacity in many jurisdictions.
If you're not shy of buying magazines not made in the U.S.A. but in one of our closest allies, you won't find better quality than E-lander. These mags have proven themselves in some of the toughest conflicts in the world. Their top features are their corrosion-proof steel and reliable follower.
Best .458 Socom 7-Round Magazine:
Reflection-Resistant Matte Black Finish
Resistant to Drops, Corrosion, and Heat
Modified for a Range of Ammo By Tromix.
Improved Grip Texture for Any Conditions
Smooth Function With Minimal Feeding Concerns
Might be Unnecessary for Some Users Who Just Want a Basic Magazine
Tromix has taken Lancer 5.56 magazines and re-machined them for optimum versatility and performance. As such, you'll enjoy all the great features of Lancer magazines, which include corrosion resistance, protection from drops of up to five feet onto hard surfaces like concrete, and a reflection-free black matte finish.
As with any Lancer magazine, the combination of polymer and steel provides minimal heft but smooth operation and consistent function. An improved grip texture from ribs and stippling ensures a constant hold in any conditions, with gloved or bare hands.
What Tromix has done is allow for even your most flat or blunt-nosed .375/.458 bullets to properly feed. This magazine is capable of handling 30 rounds of 5.56/.223 ammunition or 11 rounds of 458/375 SOCOM ammo. You should note before getting carried away, however, that these magazines are not built for handling .450 Bushmaster ammo with full capacity.
The only thing that we would caution is to not try to get experimental and stick to what Tromix recommends. While you may find that they accommodate rounds that are not specified, we would encourage you to respect the longevity of your rifle.
This versatility is truly remarkable, but then again, that's why we always love Tromix. Not only have they taken an already-great, durable magazine and added a lot of extra life to it, but they're asking a shockingly low price, too.
Those looking for something particularly unique will love what Tromix has done in adapting Lancer's already great magazines to a more versatile option.
Best .458 Socom Drum Magazine:
AR-15 - .458 Socom Drum
30-Round Capacity
A Rare Opportunity
Excellent and Smooth Feeding
Enhanced Maneuverability Versus a Solid Magazine
A Design Trusted by Law Enforcement and Military When Performance and Maneuverability Are a Must
Likely Not Available for Long
Sometimes, the best extended magazine is actually a drum, as in the case of this 30-round capacity drum for the AR-15. While it's a unique option that many gun owners actually never try out, if they even have access to them, it's definitely worth it for both the experience and the enhanced reliability.
There is a reason that drums are used by the highest levels of law enforcement and military when a high round count and perfect performance are a must. It begins with the fact that feeding is exceptionally smooth and virtually error-free thanks to the tight but low-pressure storage. Additionally, the unique shape of the magazine ensures that a magazine of this size does not add difficult-to-control height to your weapon.
The result is a combination of a 30-round capacity and consistent shooting with increased maneuverability. This, on top of the improved performance, makes drums a real work-horse for anyone who wants lots of shots but retain the ability to stay mobile and not weighed down.
While the drum itself does add weight—and necessarily, the rounds do, too—it is certainly easier to stay nimble with a drum than a long stick.
Opportunities to use a drum are exceedingly rare as the demand among most gun owners is quite low, which is unfortunate. That said, this item will probably not last long due to its novelty as well as its demand from the few who are in the know, so we strongly urge you to not delay!
Using a drum magazine is a unique experience that everyone should try at least once, if they can. In addition to improvements in performance and nimble operation, it's a novel feature few will take advantage of.
Best .458 Socom 11-Round Magazine:
Lancer Magazine – 11 Round
Resistant to Corrosion, Heat, and Drops
11-Round Capacity When Holding .458 Caliber
Repurposed for a Variety of Ammo to Provide Versatility
Excellent for Standardizing Your Magazines for Multiple Builds
Might Be Unnecessary for Those Looking for a Simple .458 Magazine
Once again, we look to Tromix, who has repurposed an excellent Lancer product. As with all Lancer magazines, this item starts life as a combination of steel and polymer for rugged durability that is at once corrosion-resistant, safe from drops of up to five feet high onto hard surfaces like concrete, and withstands intense temperatures for long durations of time, even when on full-auto.
It is given a black matte finish for resistance to reflections to keep you stealthy anywhere, while the surface has been enhanced with stippling and ribs to ensure you have a solid grip.
What Tromix has done here is once again re-machine the magazine so that you can use any of your flat or blunt-nosed .375 or .458 rounds, and they will feed properly without any errors or jams.
These magazines are fully functional when equipped with 30 rounds of 5.56 or .223 ammunition in addition to 11 rounds of your .458 or .375 ammunition. As with their other entrant on the list which is a repurposed Lancer, this provides excellent versatility for those who have a variety of builds for different occasions or want to hunt in groups where either ammo type can be used.
That said, don't get too carried away by the versatility and stick to Tromix's guidelines. They recommend it not be used with .450 Bushmaster ammo at full capacity. Additionally, they do not ship with Tromix brand feed followers or base plates.
Tromix repurposed this Lancer magazine, meaning you can have great versatility in what you choose to use it for, in addition to the durability of the base Lancer mag.
Best Lancer .458 Socom Magazine:
Lancer Systems - AR-15 L5awm Magazine 30-rd
Fits Standard Mil-Spec Pouches
Corrosion, Heat, and Drop-Resistant
Excellent Construction From a Combination of Polymer and Steel
30-Round Capacity May Be Excessive for Some
Those looking for an extended magazine will enjoy the 30-round capacity of this rugged magazine from Lancer. Importantly, the design is not only durable but designed to be lightweight, as it is made from a combination of molded polymer and steel. A 30-round magazine can easily add some serious heft to your build, but here, you'll have minimal additional weight.
Meanwhile, it's ready for extreme conditions, as it is heat-treated to withstand the high temperatures of full-auto fire. Additional corrosion resistance ensures long-lasting performance.
Wrap-around lips are permanently attached and made from a single piece of hardened steel to promote firm but smooth ammo movement and won't deform even when the magazine is kept stored with a full load. Additionally, it has been tested to survive drops from five feet high onto solid concrete with no impairments.
The exterior is both non-reflective and composed of an enhanced texture to promote a solid grip, but won't impede a free drop from any mil-spec magwell.
Despite its 30-round capacity, there are plenty of aftermarket pouches, as it is a standard US-GI spec.
For those looking for a large capacity magazine, the rugged construction of Lancer's mag provides the strength you need to keep your rounds safe and functioning properly.
Why Spare Magazines Are A Must
If you're still on the fence about stocking up on extra mags, you should bear in mind the following advantages that you simply can't have any other way:
If you encounter a problem with an existing magazine, you'll either need to address the problem right then and there or feed a new magazine. If you don't have a spare, you don't have the latter option, simple as that.
Extended Capacity
If you want to carry more rounds without having to reload as often, you'll want another magazine. Having a variety ensures that you'll be equipped for as many rounds as the occasion calls for.
More Shots
With or without an extended capacity, simply feeding a new magazine means not needing to deal with the hassle of a manual reload.
This time-consuming process can mean the difference between catching your target or letting it get away.
If you're using a stock magazine, you should be aware that the improved grip you'll get with additional mags will greatly enhance your feeding experience.
Spare magazines are always a great idea. With the .458 SOCOM, having a durable magazine that complements your shooting needs is critical, so use our guide to understand what to look for and pick from our reviews to ensure you get only the best.
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Josh Lewis
Josh Lewis the managing editor at Gun Mann and when he isn't writing about guns he is more than likely tinkering with them. He also enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors. As a lifelong gun owner he knows his stuff!