loads for 458 win mag on deer

12 February 2002, 12:14

<Dr. John>

I will be using my 458 win mag on deer this year and was wondering about loads. If you are a 458 win mag type of person what type of loads do you use and what were the results? I know some will write to say this is overkill....no such thing. under-kill yes.
I will be loading a 440 gr Cast performance hard cast bullet to about 1900ft/sec. will see about accuracy.
I love my 458 and I intend on using this big bad boy.

12 February 2002, 13:01

Brian M

Dr.John, (isn't he the blues pianist?)

I'll possibly be hunting with my Browning 458 for deer this year (though my 45/120 and 45/70 may be used instead,depending on my mood).I shoot the standard "elephant" load-a 500 grain Hornady RNSP at 2100 FPS.Shouldn't ruin much meat at all.I am only using this load because the 500 grain Hornady is the only bullet that will reliably feed through my gun.If I pick up another 458 I'll probibly use Hornady's 350 grain RN at around 2500 FPS.

Your load ought to work just fine for anything on the continent,as it duplicates a heavy 45/70 load.I plan on also packing my 45/120 with 580 grain casts at around 1300 FPS and my Browning High Wall 45/70 loaded with 500 grain casts to around 1700 FPS.

A large bullet going at moderate to low speeds (1000-2300 FPS),will absolutley hammer deer or black bear (and elk too)without ruining much eating meat.I am a died in wool timber hunter,so I don't need flat trajectorys since my shots are mostly under 150 yards.I want something that will put down a deer quickly and cleanly without ruining much meat,and that's what the 45/70 and the like do perfectly.

------------------
I'm out to wrong rights,depress the opressed,and generaly make an ass of myself!

12 February 2002, 16:13

Atkinson

Dr. John,
I think that would work fine. a good big cast bullet should be deadly and leave a good blood trail...

I know the Horn. RN 350 gr. at 1800 to 2000 will work great on deer and elk in the timber.

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

12 February 2002, 16:48

Major Caliber

My .458 shoots all bullets great, I like the 350 Hornady, I can get it to 2600fps easy.

13 February 2002, 11:04

<Dr. John>

my 458 rifle is built on a 1917 action, glass bedded, . 26" barrel. topped with a leupold 2-7 var II. love it. I have tried the 300 gr sierra HP and 300 gr Barnes X. both had about 2-3" groups. not great. I am hoping a heavier/longer bullet will be improved in the accuracy.

13 February 2002, 11:20

Paul H

I loaded the 350 speer to 2400 fps and 350 hornady rn to 2525 out of my 458 lott using RL7, and they were relatively accurate on paper, 2" at 100 yds w/ irons. I would not hesitate to use either bullet on any NA game, would be a fine deer round indeed!

14 February 2002, 05:48

tsturm

quote:
Originally posted by Dr. John:
my 458 rifle is built on a 1917 action, glass bedded, . 26" barrel. topped with a leupold 2-7 var II. love it. I have tried the 300 gr sierra HP and 300 gr Barnes X. both had about 2-3" groups. not great. I am hoping a heavier/longer bullet will be improved in the accuracy.

500g Hornady rn @2135fps W-64g H4198 very accurate in my 22in shilen bbl.VZ-24
Good luck