We Americans are always trying to build the “better mousetrap.” Thankfully, this inventiveness and inspiration is still a part of our national psyche. One American to whom this description applies is Marty ter Weeme, who, after discussions with members of the Special Operations community, began developing the .458 SOCOM in 2000. His idea was to produce a cartridge that could be fired from a carbine-sized weapon but would deliver much greater energy on target than the standard 5.56mm NATO round.

Cartridge Details
As for the cartridge specifics, the term SOCOM is an acronym for Special Operation Command. SOCOM includes the Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and elite members of the Marine Corps and Air Force. SOCOM operators are front line and even behind enemy line, “high speed, low drag” personnel.