Has anyone heard of of a caliber called the "458 America". A friend of mine in Finland told me he had a rifle chambered in this caliber. I don't if this is a "real" caliber or if his English is failing as bad as my Finnish.

The 458 American, it is the 458 win mag shortened to 2". Marlin's 450 is essentially the same cartridge, though they widened the belt so some bone head doesn't chamber and set one off in a 7 mag.

Tombo21, this is also called the "458X2" American" and is nothing but a "HOT" 45-70 in a stronger case for use in modified Mod 98 Mauser actions,and other strong actions. With the belted case feeding better than a flanged round like the 45-70, and developeing much more chamber pressure. It can be loaded down to 45-70 velocities, however, for deer hunting, with less recoil. It will nearly match the 458 Win Mag,in a 24" barrel, but works much better with 400 gr bullets. It was brought out , by Frank Barnes,back in 1962, for use on the large American brown Bears. According to Barnes, "it is adequate for the heaviest of North American game, and it would be quite handy for all but the most dangerous African game in close cover"!

The 405 gr bullet can be pushed to 2110 fps, with 51 grs of IMR4198 powder, for 4005 fpe at muzzle,A "MAX" load. In my opinion, it is just about perfect for lion over bait, in a good scoped bolt rifle, with hot loads, and quality bullets. IMO, it is a little light for the real heavies,however, and I would not be inclined to take on Cape Buffalo, or Elephant, with this round!

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..Mac >>>===(x)===>
DUGABOY DESIGNS
Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art

[This message has been edited by MacD37 (edited 08-26-2001).]