7 Best .458 SOCOM Magazines [2024]

A .458 SOCOM magazine is a specialized magazine designed to accommodate the larger, more powerful .458 SOCOM rounds used in AR-platform rifles.

These magazines are essential for shooters who demand the stopping power and range of the .458 SOCOM, whether for big game hunting, tactical applications, or simply the thrill of shooting one of the most formidable rounds available for civilian firearms.

The .458 SOCOM presents unique challenges due to its size and power, necessitating magazines that are not only capable of holding these larger rounds but also reliable enough to feed them consistently into your firearm under various conditions.

Among the various options available, the Lancer Systems – AR-15 L5AWM Magazine emerges as the top pick. My journey with this magazine has taught me its value—the Lancer may require a bit of customization for optimal performance, such as minor adjustments with a Dremel tool, underscoring the .458 SOCOM’s demanding nature in AR platforms. However, the payoff is immense.

A word of caution: the sheer power of the .458 SOCOM can be surprising, so always maintain a stable stance to manage its recoil, especially if you’re shooting from a kneeling position or moving dynamically.

It’s a round that commands respect, but for those willing to meet its demands, the rewards in terms of firepower and satisfaction are unparalleled.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the details of each recommended magazine, sharing insights on why they’ve earned their place at the top of my list and how they can enhance your .458 SOCOM experience.

Read on to find out more about these top performers and discover the perfect magazine for your shooting adventures.

Image	Product	Price
	Best Overall – Lancer Systems – AR-15 L5AWM Magazine	Check Price
	D&H Tactical .458 SOCOM 4Round	Check Price
	CMMG MKW-15 .458 SOCOM 10-Round	Check Price
	C Product DURAMAG Defense 458 SOCOM – 10-Round	Check Price
	E-Lander .458 SOCOM 10-Round Magazine	Check Price
	Magpul AR-15 PMAG .223/5.56 30-Round Magazine	Check Price
	Hexmag True .458 SOCOM 10-Round	Check Price

Best Overall – Lancer Systems – AR-15 L5AWM Magazine

Here’s the great Lancer AR-15 L5AWM magazine (AWM stands for ‘Advanced Warfighter Magazine’).

You can find this .458 SOCOM magazine in different capacities from 4 rounds, 7 rounds, and up to a 30-round magazine.

It’s made from a solid combination of steel and polymer, and it’s designed to take all kinds of punishments from bad weather, drop damage, etc, and can withstand the test of time for many years. Not only that, but it just feels so lightweight, which makes it perfect for keeping your mobility while hunting.

The material is heat-treated and can withstand high temperatures when firing, it’s corrosion-resistant, and can take a beating.

For smooth feeding and reloading, you have wrap-around magazine steel feed lips that are secured firmly and give you a solid grip.

They’re made of reinforced steel that will hold its place even when you fully load it. This is one of its best features, and it has the most rigid stability in contrast to most of the magazines on this list.

The construction is non-reflective, which doesn’t allow light to scare off game when hunting. It also has aftermarket compatibility with USGI and Mil-Spec pouches.

As one of the sturdiest of builds, the Lancer mag offers unmatched strength and stability if you’re looking for a mid to large-capacity magazine.

D&H Tactical .458 SOCOM 4Round

The D&H Tactical .458 SOCOM magazine is a US-made magazine built from aircraft-grade aluminum, which offers excellent durability and corrosion resistance

D&H is a Wisconsin-based manufacturer well-known for making top-quality rifle parts for more than 30 years. They specialize in USGI-style magazines. The hard-coated, anodized material with a black Teflon finish on the .458 SOCOM mag can attest to this.

It’s constructed from 17-7PH stainless steel, and the mags come with a patented big-bore follower, which offers reliable feeding and minimal reloading issues.

The downside is that it only has 4 rounds, although some may find that the lightweight feels very pleasant when handling.

That being said, if you’re in a state with rigorous laws on magazine capacity, this is actually a big positive. Some gun owners would appreciate the 4-round magazine for hunting.

Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and consistent magazine and you don’t need extra capacity, the D&H Tactical .458 SOCOM may be your best bet.

CMMG MKW-15 .458 SOCOM 10-Round

Here’s the CMMG MKW-15 .458 SOCOM magazine for those of you who have extra cash to spend on a highly durable, corrosion and rust-resistant magazine with a lightweight feel.

CCMG has been active on the magazine and component scene since 2002, and they are concentrated on semi-auto rifles like the AR-15 and the M4.

The CMMG MKW-15 has an impact-resistant and shockproof body, all thanks to the polymer body, silicone materials, and reinforced steel feed lips that ensure secure feeding. It has a very useful, steel magazine catch too, if you’re looking for better handling than the D&H 4-rounder.

This magazine is easy to assemble and easy to handle, as the floor plates feel slick and easy to slide off. The springs and followers are very durable as far as I can tell, because they are also made of corrosion-resistant material. The follower has a non-tilt design that can withstand shock.

It also has a great texture and grip, which feels not too rough and not too smooth, so it’s suitable for wet and humid weather. Still, it depends on whether or not your palms sweat a lot.

With this price point, the CMMG MKW-15 is expensive; there’s no doubt about it.

But, with the characteristics and features this magazine has in contrast to the others on this list, it actually has a balanced value for its price. The attention to detail is unmatched, and you get a magazine made of high-quality material with easy handling and fast reloading.

C Product DURAMAG Defense 458 SOCOM – 10-Round

It’s one of the most valued magazines on this list, and although it’s cheap, it’s definitely worth every feature.

It has a highly durable, stainless steel, rust-resistant build with a classic USGI feel.

C Product Defense are based in Florida and have been at it since 2011, creating excellent features for semi-automatic rifles, and their .458 SOCOM mag is undoubtedly one of their most prized designs. It’s built for durability and reliability.

They already knew that 5.56 magazines don’t work on .458 SOCOM rifles, so they went straight for the construction and the design, addressing the miniature details that greatly impact feeding reliability.

The manufacturer went for a single high-capacity magazine with 10 rounds because it’s enough for both hunting and self-defense, as well as tactical military use.

Moreover, the 10-round capacity means that the state authorities will be off your back.

The stainless steel construction is shockproof and shatterproof, and while the only downside may be that it’s pretty heavy, which will limit your mobility, it’s still a viable option for any hunter.

It’s an inexpensive option that offers high capacity and unmatched strength in construction.

E-Lander .458 SOCOM 10-Round Magazine

E-lander is an Israeli manufacturer that has been in the business for over 60 years, so you can expect top-notch reliability with this .458 SOCOM mag. The Israelis just know their military hardware so well, and they don’t spare their resources and technologies on .458 SOCOM mags either.

There are a lot of special forces and anti-terrorist organizations that use E-lander mags, and this is why.

The E-lander .458 SOCOM 10-round magazine is a heat-treated steel mag with a special KTL coating that offers corrosion resistance that’s able to dish out extended firing periods. With this 10-rounder, you have a well-balanced amount of utility and firepower.

Additionally, it has an innovative, self-leveling, anti-tilt follower for added reliability, just like the Magpul followers. I can say that this might be the highlight of this magazine because the follower can be critical for constant, reliable feeding.

This heavy-duty steel mag is a more crack and dent-proof version than other aluminum magazines you may find, and although it’s heavier, it offers excellent durability and longevity as a viable trade-off.

Since it’s a 10-rounder, it’s also a very acceptable magazine capacity within any state. Just remember to check your laws for this.

In certain jurisdictions, ten rounds is also the permissible maximum mag power.

The E-lander .458 SOCOM 10-round mag is not US-made, but I’m pretty sure it can be a great addition to your utility belt.

Magpul AR-15 PMAG .223/5.56 30-Round Magazine

Here’s a 5.56 mag that can be worth a .458 SOCOM shot.

This is a choice cut from Magpul, and it’s a budget option that has all the important features.

This solid, 30-rounder means business. The Magpul AR-15 PMAG 30-round magazine has a stable architecture with self-lubricating, corrosion-resistant polymer with fiber reinforcement that offers maximum durability and smooth handling when reloading.

The springs and followers are durable enough to last for years and years, and it has no joints or spot welds that could damage the follower or the other internal components.

With a slick, curved design, and an anti-tilt follower to balance the bullet stack, the PMAG makes sure you won’t have any feeding or bolt problems.

It has a very handy ledge on the base plate to make things easier for you when you retrieve it from the pouches. It’s also easy to disassemble.

Built to withstand massive heat when firing, the pressure-treated and tension-relief stainless steel spring ensures it endures those long hours at the ranges. Although it’s a 5.56, you can still use it for .458 SOCOM duty, but it’s not recommended.

The mag is fitted with external ribs for increased handling, and you also have a grab notch instead of regular pits if you don’t like dirt and buildup in your gun.

It’s perfect for hunting as well because it’s lightweight enough not to get in the way of your mobility and operation.

Hexmag True .458 SOCOM 10-Round

Here’s a very interesting magazine that’s inspired by natural patterns.

Hexmag is a Virginia-based manufacturer that got into the magazine business in 2013, and they are focused on innovation and experimental designs that hopefully increase durability, longevity, and offer ease of use.

They pay extreme attention to detail, and they hope to skyrocket in the 5.56, M4, and .458 business with their products. By the looks of things, they are well on their way.

The Hexmag True .458 SOCOM 10-round magazine is a true wonder to behold. The body is carefully built and follows a blueprint of their patented composite material – PolyHex2, which has great durability, weather-proof, and shockproof features that are perfect for hunting grounds.

It follows the ‘Hexture’ (a witty wordplay on ‘texture’) pattern that reminds of honeycombs, and the idea behind this is to make good use of spacing, grips, and to increase handling when reloading.

The “HexID” patented color-coded pattern helps you distinguish the ammo when you’re loading the magazine, and its assembly doesn’t need tools.

The Hexmag design also comes with a special riser mechanism which is located just below the follower. Its duty is to monitor the firepower while maintaining a full-size magazine. It’s heat-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about overfiring the gun.

The riser is made of a composite material with highly durable fabric, and the springs and followers are corrosion-proof and heat-treated stainless steel.

It’s a brilliant and innovative new magazine design that hopefully will impact today’s industry and influence new ideas on how to approach modern mag construction.

Apparently, we can learn a thing or two from bees.

The .458 SOCOM magazine is the end result of careful firearm component developments that effortlessly convert an AR-15 rifle into a high-caliber powerhouse without much modification. It’s a large round specifically modeled to increase the stopping power of an AR-15 over the standard 5.56x45mm NATO round.

Marty ter Weeme and Tony Rumore of Tromix designed the first .458 SOCOM cartridge in 2000 to be used in the M4 carbine and the M16 rifle.

The Special Task Force Rangers in Mogadishu needed more firepower to neutralize Somali insurgents that were hopped up on the drug Khat which increased their pain tolerance.

Why Go for .458 SOCOM Magazines?

It can be loaded from a .223/5.56 AR magazine and has been perfected throughout the years to the point where reliability and feeding issues are lowered to a near-absolute minimum. We’ll talk more about compatibility and mag cycling below.

.458 SOCOM upper receivers are compatible with traditional 5.56 AR lower receivers, which means that you can easily swap to a .458 SOCOM model from a 5.56 AR-15 without having to buy a brand-new rifle.

Building a proper .458 SOCOM rifle requires reliable parts, but sometimes they can be difficult to find. Of all the popular AR-15 magazines, the .458 SOCOM is often overlooked for whatever reason.

That’s why we’ll discuss the .458 SOCOM in its entirety and help you narrow down your choices for the most suitable magazine.

Here are some things to consider before buying a .458 SOCOM magazine.

Keep in mind that these rounds are twice as big as the .223/5.56 rounds and still would fit your regular AR-15 magazines, but it’s advisable to go for the standard .458 SOCOM compatibility to avoid any feeding problems.

Look out for these characteristics and questions when going for this type of magazine.

Polymer or Metal Magazines

If you’re a seasoned semi-automatic rifle enthusiast, chances are, you like to have a strong steel or aluminum mag at your disposal.

Some of you might like the lightweight and durable polymer magazines with fine grips.

It’s important to note that stainless steel and aircraft-grade aluminum mags are the toughest, most durable magazines you can find on the market, but they are heavier than polymer or other lightweight materials and finishes.

Magazines with metal lips offer increased handling and smoother feeding, and some may have specially designed cuts for a more reliable and snag-free operation. A polymer magazine can be more shockproof than an aluminum one.

Lancer and Magpul make excellent polymer magazines with a lightweight feel, but whether they’re a good fit for you depends entirely on whether or not you like your mags durable or lightweight.

If you’re a hunter, I suggest you go for polymer if you don’t want the mags to limit your mobility.

Why Would You Need a .458 Socom Anyway?

Simply put, .458 mags were designed for better feeding and compatibility with other rifles like the 5.56.

You can find these mags in many different round capacities, from 4-rounders to 30-rounders. This is because some states won’t allow more than 10 or 15 rounds per mag.

That’s why some people will find these mags greatly beneficial because they offer peace of mind.

What About Capacity?

You have the D&H 4-round magazine which is awesome for hunting, and then you have the CMMG MKW-15 with a 10-round capacity which is good for self-defense.

You can find good deals on aftermarket magazines, and I suggest you go for 10-round magazines as a well-balanced and accepted capacity.

Make sure your magazine’s capacity is legally allowed in your state. The .458 SOCOM is accepted in all states, but it depends on how much it holds.

Strength of Springs and Followers

This is a crucial factor when deciding which magazine you’re going to buy.

Almost every .458 SOCOM mag follower has an anti-tilt design with stainless steel springs that offer precise and safe feeding. Durability depends on the material which they’re made from.

They should always be steel-made and have certain design patterns that avoid wearing, and this usually means rust and corrosion-resistant alloys that don’t give up that easily.

Always look for steel springs and followers when going for magazines.

Affordability

Truth be told, the reason why .458 mags are expensive is because they are still not popular enough to be commonly manufactured, as there’s still not much demand for them. Not only that, but they are difficult to find.

Remember that you can purchase a couple of 5.56 magazines instead of buying a single .458 SOCOM mag. That’s why you hear people recommending you go for 5.56.

It’s alright. Not everyone requires them, but they offer solid reliability, and if you’re going for a .458 SOCOM rifle, purchasing a compatible round is a no-brainer.

The price point for these types of mags is 20 to 30 dollars per magazine, so you should decide what to go for.

What About the Grip Texture?

This is very important too.

The grip textures on a magazine depend on your preference and it really isn’t an issue until you feel it on the palm of your hand.

Ribs and stippling are always a good choice, but some like it smoother.

You’ll need a grippy surface, especially during rainy weather, so try to look for magazines that have a well-balanced texture that you can securely hold while reloading.

There are not many aftermarket mag grips available, but you wouldn’t really need them anyway.

In our search for the best .458 SOCOM magazines, we tested several brands, including D&H Tactical, CMMG, Lancer Systems, and others.

Not all made the cut due to various factors like capacity and compatibility issues. However, it’s the Lancer Systems – AR-15 L5AWM Magazine that stands out for its durability, lightweight design, and reliability with the .458 SOCOM caliber.

While some products like E-Lander and Hexmag offer innovative features, they may not meet everyone’s needs due to weight or availability.

Conversely, the Lancer magazine’s blend of practicality and value makes it our top recommendation. It addresses the .458 SOCOM’s unique requirements effectively, making it a wise investment for shooters.

To conclude, the Lancer Systems – AR-15 L5AWM Magazine is the best choice for .458 SOCOM shooters seeking reliability and performance.

This magazine enhances your firearm’s functionality, ensuring a superior shooting experience. Choosing the right magazine is crucial for optimizing your rifle’s performance, and with Lancer, you’re investing in quality and reliability.