Is it possible to convert a SC made winchester in 458 winn mag to 458 lott without much trouble? If it is possible how much would it cost?
Thanks in advance.
Jordon

It is possible, get larger mag box, change extractor and bolt stop and some williams bottom metal. Keep in mind that classic parts are becoming harder to find and FN is not making any more parts for the classic models at this time, of course some of the parts for the new M70 will interchange.

I am thinking of the newly produced Winchester 458 Winn Mag. How hard and how expensive is it to convert it to a lott?

You should check to see if the magazine will hold a Lott they make the same rifle in 375h&h which is the same length as the Lott it may be as simple as reaming out the barrel with a 458 Lott die. I converted a new haven 375 to 458 Lott changing out the barrel with no other modifications.
Chris

Jordan,

I just dropped off a new SC Model 70 in 458WM to be converted to Lott. He was going to do some investigating and measuring and get back to me. Will let you know the details..

Drew

Thanks for getting me up to date on the FN Winchester M70 also being called the SC Winchester since it's made in South Carolina.

Dennis Olson in Plains, Mt. will do pretty cheap, he will lengthen and weld up the box in the rear, shorten the bolt stop and punch it out the required 30 or 35 thousands, may have to open it just a tad in front at the loading ramp, maybe. Its not major task. Lots of African have done it and many folks on the blog have done it also.

In the past all mod. 70s except one are on .375 Length actions with blocks for 30-06 length rounds, I suspect the new ones would have retained that also it not they are losing big bucks on production.

Thank you all for the information.
I will wait to find out the feasibility and the cost before I pull the trigger and purchase the rifle.

With today's bullets and powder...nothing wrong with the .458 Win Mag.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
With today's bullets and powder...nothing wrong with the .458 Win Mag.

+1

With modern powder and premium bullets there is nothing that needs improving, a 450-500grain 458 bullet @ 2050-2150fps has been a balistic combination that has worked flawlessly on all thick skinned dangerous game for over a century as long as the bullet is placed in the right place.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
With today's bullets and powder...nothing wrong with the .458 Win Mag.

458dia.....

Lane is 100% spot on, honestly you are wasting time and $$ converting to a Lott. If you choose proper bullets and powders, then you will never need a lott for anything, believe me, I have a 1/2 dozen Lotts that have been retired permanently in favor of 458 B&M, which is equal to 458 Win Capacity. I just drove a 450 gr BBW#13 Solid through both shoulders of elephant, and exited, and in the 18 inch 458 B&M it was driving at 2200 fps. In a 20 inch gun this goes to 2250 fps + with a 450. Today there are proper bullets for 458 Win, 450s from North Fork and Cutting Edge enhance 458 Win to new levels not before seen. Then add all the other weight bullets from these two companies, and the lott is just not required as it was 20 yrs ago to accomplish the same mission. Powders are now available that can turn the 458 Winchester into anything you want of it......... Don't waste time and energy on the Lott.... Put that effort into bullet tech and use the 458 Winchester as is...............

Michael

In monometallic bullets,the 458WM is best with 450gr solids and 400gr expanding bullets. Pierre vd Walt, in his books on Big Bore Rifles, has a wealth of information that would be useful and would help in making a choice.

The bottom line, however, is that a Lott has more power than a 458Win Mag and if it is more power that you want, going to a Lott with modern bullets ups the ante over a 458WM.