Gents,
Just ordered goodies to begin reloading for my .458 WM. Bought some 300, 350, and 500gr bullets and IMR3031 and H4895 powders. Any suggestions or pet loads to share>
Thanks.

Matt, I use a load of 70grs IMR 3031 with a range of 400 grain bullets. I have not run into a 458 that wouldn't shoot well with this load. Loaded with a premium bullet( I have a large stash of 400gr Kodiak bonded core bullets) I am very confident that the load will kill anything that walks the planet. That load in my rifles shoots equally well with the Kodiaks, cheap Speer 405's and Barnes 400 XFB. I have become convinced that 400 and 450 are the ideal weights for the 458 Win mag. I believe the Lott is the way to go for 500 grain bullets. Each Lott I have loaded for shoots the 500 better than the 458Win, but the Win seems to do better with the 400-450 weight than the Lott. Just my experience, so take it for what its worth.

http://stevespages.com/458_2_400.html

Thanks guys. I'll certainly try the 70gr IMR 3031 load and the link is awesome.

The Rem 405 grainers have a good reputation for a plinking bullet.

LWD

My ruger loves 400gr,speers..Here is another good link..

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

another helpful link..

http://www.beartoothbullets.co...ators/php/recoil.htm

Joe Miller,

I have also found that 70grs of 3031 is very accurate in my .458 with a 405 gr Remington bullet.

However, I don't have a Chronograph and I was wondering what kind of velocity such a load is making. I checked the trajectory pretty closely and it seems like I am pushing 2300fps . . . but that seems very fast. I'm 3" high at 100yds and dead on at 200yds.

Do you know what kind of velocity this load should make in a 24" barrel?

Thanks for any help.

Bob

don't bother with any other powders
rel7
h335

no, i am not kidding

Jeff,

I did some work with RL7 based on your recommendation. These loads performed pretty well, but did not quite equal the accuracy I was getting with 3031.

I appreciate the RL7 recommendation. I will work with it more in the future.

Bob.

I would suggest you not use R7 in the 458WM because of the high pressures it causes.

Bob,
I have had great luck with rl7 and the 45/70, 458 win mag, and 458 lott. George has had good luck with it in the 470 capstick.

I personally don't like 3031, it's too dirty...

Get a chrony, when I did, my eyes opened ALOT..

Start at middle loads, and work up.. that will let you know when you are pushing a limit. If you get a JUMP or a decrease in velocity, rather than growth, you are in a dangerous place.

here's the imr/WIN/hodgdon pdf manual
http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Hod...20Basic%20Manual.pdf

here's some accurate arms
http://www.accuratepowder.com/...eb%20publication.pdf