I'm tossing around the idea of putting a 458 win together. I've got a spare M77 MkII not doing anything, and no desire for a magnum under .40 cal. I want a short gun in the 20" range. Lower end 45-70 range loads. No I do not want a 45-70, don't care fir levers and this action is just gathering dust
**99% sure this will never go to Africa or Alaska**

For those with shorter 458s, what barrel profile did you go with? Would you prefer lighter or heavier? I want compact, but not necessarily super light. 8-9lbs range.

WhT about a 458 B&M super short?

Ruger M77 might be a smidgen long for the B&M Super Short

I have a post 64 Win. M70 with the factory 22" barrel. I have had two others and they are one of the handiest, best balanced (for me at least) .458's I have ever shot out of the 20 or so different ones I have used or owned. Mine is also very accurate.

as light as possible .. 20" is fine, h335 is your friend

Krieger and Douglas use a very nice contour for their 458 barrels.Both are very similar but I like the Douglas one a little more.It has the perfect wall thickness and shape,IMO.As for the length you can have your smith cut it at whatever length you choose.I like mine at 24 inches.I believe this is the Krieger 458 barrel diagram.
[URL= ]Krieger 458[/URL]