I'm leaning toward getting a 458 Lott, and just shooting win mag through it -- is there any benefit to getting a 458 win mag gun? (I like the idea of bein able to use two calibers, in the event I have to scrounge ammo.)

If you use Lott brass and download then probably no problem. If you use WinMag ammo be prepared for serious erosion at the throat. Probably not a good idea.

I must be more recoil sensitive than many folks. After 5 or 6 sight-in shots with the 458 win, I'm getting a headache and a tendency to flinch; I would dread a sight-in problem with a Lott. I would suggest trying both on the target range. Although the Lott will shoot the same bullet faster with less chamber pressure, the win will shoot a buffalo from end to end with a good flat point solid. If you plan on many elephants, the Lott would probably be a better choice. There are lots of other posts on this forum regarding these two 458's. The throat erosion mentioned by Wink has also been touched upon on these forums. Lots of guys prefer the Lott's, tho. Good luck and enjoy.

Aglifter:

This has to be one of the most discussed topics since AR came on line. Many, many threads and rehashed dialogue.

Do a search on this forum and "Big Bores" for the topic. You will find plenty of information.

RCG

I don't percieve a lot of difference in recoil between the two. I think the differences in rifles (weight, stock, recoil pad etc.) influence felt recoil more that the rounds. one of our AR members advised me upon announcing I had purchased a RSM in .458 Lott, to never shoot it from the bench. I have followed that wisdom sighting it in from the sticks. On the sticks it aint bad - no headache, no bruised shoulder. You will be surprised at how well you can zero your rifle on sticks. Since I experienced no pain, I didn't have to struggle with breaking a serious flinch.

In the field you will feel no recoil whatsoever. Two weeks ago I fired 9 rounds into two buffs in about 60 seconds. Obviously, I am very comfortable with my Lott. You will be too.

I suggest you buy a Lott in a good, heavy rifle and fit it with a Limbsaver recoil pad. That's what I did and I shoot it at well as any rifle I own.

The Lott gives you more options (dual ammo, broader power choices) and not a lot of increased recoil IMHO.

I think all the suggestions have merit, but the LOTT is what the 458 WM should have been in the first place, so I don't see the conflict with a choice of the LOTT over the 458 WM!Why purposfully go backwards?

I load my LOTT to match the 450NE 3 1/4" only useing 500 gr bullets. This was the idea when the 458 Win Mag, came out, and the LOTT will do that without a problem with less chamber pressure than the 458 WM.

There is absolutely no need to push a .458 bullet past 2150 fps in any cartridge, and this lets you have less recoil, while still getting it done! The fact that the 458 Win Mag ammo can be used in the event ammo is lost, is deffinently a plus!

No more than one shoots a .458 rifle, the errosion from the 458WM cartridges being used occasionally in the LOTT chamber is negligable.

I'd go for the LOTT!

Without constant use, or a career as a culler, it is going to take some time to erode a long throated 458 WM (the 458 Lott!).

There is about a 15% increase in energy of the Lott over the 458 WM with full power loads. If that doesn't bother you, have at it. It bothers me, but apparently not some.

Then you can overkill recoil with rifle weight. A 12 or 13 lb. rifle will hide any effect of the differences bewteen the Lott and the WM.

But my 8 lb. Lott should be done soon. No full power full loads for me, unless hunting.

quote:

I load my LOTT to match the 450NE 3 1/4" only useing 500 gr bullets. This was the idea when the 458 Win Mag, came out, and the LOTT will do that without a problem with less chamber pressure than the 458 WM.

There is absolutely no need to push a .458 bullet past 2150 fps in any cartridge, and this lets you have less recoil, while still getting it done!

You can load a 500 grain bullet in a 458 Winchester to 2150 fps with 48,000 CUP, which is not a high-pressure load, according to Hodgdon if you use their VARGET powder. Further, VARGET is an "extreme" powder and does not produce more prssure if the temperature goes up.

Hunter,

I agree with your assessment of the Lott recoil. I have a 9.5 pound CZ and off the sticks or offhand it's not that bad. Everything I had read about the Lott made me think that it was going to really be terrible but I found it not to be the case. When I put a scope on the rifle, I placed a platform made of an archery target in the back of my Polaris Ranger and put a sandbag on top of it. That way I had a "standing bench rest" and was able to sight in without getting pounded. I used 458WM rounds to get the scope close, and then finished with full power loads. Now that I have had the rifle for about a month and have practiced with it, I shoot it as well as I shoot my CZ 375.

1115,

Keep shooting your Lott with full loads from the sticks and offhand. The full loads and the Winmags cost the same. I think it's best to practice with the loads you will hunt with. Besides the obvious need to know your rifle is zeroed for the hunting rounds; psychologically you don't want anticipation of a more severe recoil when your making the shot in the field.

In every sport, the player needs to practice with equipment identical to that used in competition. Any compensation for differences, intentional or otherwise will impede performance.

The Lott is a handfull but certainly not unmanageable. It's kind of nice to know you have mastered a rifle suitable/capable for the hunting of all God's creatures. I think you use solids on the Dik Diks.