Went to the Tulsa gun show yesterday, a pre-64 model 70 1948 vintage by the serial number. I've got a 458 barrel blank somewhere, so caliber choice is easy. Now the issue is Win Mag of Lott.

I'm leaning towards Win Mag mainly on the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle, less work to get the Win Mag, and therefore fewer chances for things to go wrong.

Any thoughts, recommendations, potential pitfalls?

Both are fine rounds with today's powders and bullets.

The .458 Lott chamber will allow you to fire a .458 Win/ Mag. round in it occasionally.

I have a .458 AccRel myself.

George

I am having an OM 70 stocked as I type. It is a 450/375 RUM, using the 375 RUM necked up. About the same as the mid-1970's 460 G&A. About a year ago I got a good price on a barrel, reamers, dies, and some brass.

Every bit the MV/ME of the Lott, just a bit different approach.

Rich

You won't be making a mistake getting a WM.
Ammo, brass and dies are easily available and it's a proven round that can handle anything that Africa can throw at it.
Forget all the horror stories you hear about it - that's ancient history. Today it's easy to get 2150fps with 500gr bullets and with the non-cons you can get these days (CEB, NF, GC etc..) boy o boy, then you've got its attention!!!

Long live the WM!

I agree on the 458 Win Mag. With today's components, it's all you need.

And a pre '64 Winchester M70 just screams out .458 Win Mag!

what was the original caliber? you will have to open bolt face/add a wider magazine box/short mag follower/and adjust for feeding. the lott will require further lengthening operations too which could be costly.

lb404,

I would opine that 375 bottom metal and follower would work fairly well. It is how Jack Lott did his about forty or more years ago.

Check the archives, iirc there was a reprint of his articles from G&A.

I would put a .... 458 Ultracat (458 RUM)...see

http://www.municion.org/Ultracat/458Ultracat.htm

been there/done that! you know. still need to open up top and bottom from 3.34 to 375 length? also feed ramp changes. all can be done with Winchester parts for sure but still need to open up front to back!

Originally it was a 30-06, or so the seller said. Bolt face will need opening no matter what, Lott will definitely need more modifications and therefore more chances for things to go,wrong. Pre-64 does seem to scream Win Mag, but Lott does allow for more loading options, also the thought That if I'm having something semi-custom, might as well do something not available from the factory.

Another thought is ...

450 Ackley

http://www.bing.com/images/sea...1A7E&selectedIndex=8

Can you buy an after market magnum bolt?

Just barrel it as a .400 Whelen. No feed work or bolt face work.
400 grain bullets at 2200 fps. Real fun to shoot and easy to load for.

quote:

Originally posted by Snellstrom:
Just barrel it as a .400 Whelen. No feed work or bolt face work.
400 grain bullets at 2200 fps. Real fun to shoot and easy to load for.

Already have a 458 barrel blank, actually had it before the action. Also already have a 375, a 404,, and building a 9.3x62. That's enough mediums for me. Also want something with fairly available ammo and reloading supplies.

Lott loaded ammunition and brass are readily available, since you already have a .458" blank.

A good gunsmith, like Jim Kobe here can take care of all of the alterations necessary and have it feeding flawlessly. He is also very reasonable as regards delivery time and cost.

I have the same issues, actions seem to stick to my grubby little mitts. Speaking of, there is a gun show in the morning.