All you guys thoughts on this I like the classic idea of the 404 Jeffery and I would love to get one build one day. I want to use it for big game as well as back up for big game.

Now, I'm wondering should I rather get a 458 Lott which is cheaper to make and maintain or will the 404 do for what it is intented too ?

This is not a poject that I will start soon but while reading the post on big bores I got dreaming again.

oh no... here's another 375-416-404-458 question..

get which you think you'll be happy with... and you can start with a cz in 458 win, rechamber to lott (just out the price of the chamber, brass, dies) shoot it, rebarrel to 404, and post your findings?

that way, you have a winnie, lott, and 404 to compare it too.

speakign of which, Nick, Rob, Myself, and the other 50 lobbers might need to get together for some "comparison shooting" and turn it in for publication?

jeff

Jeffe,

I have a 375 so it's only a 458 lott or 404 question. Maybe that makes it easier or maybe I answered myself or is the 404 a bigger jump than I think it is compared to the 458 lott.

Although there is nostalgia value in the 404, the 458 lott is better in several respects:

1. cheaper, better quality brass

2. cheaper, more available bullets

3. 500 grain bullets instead of 400 grains

4. more knockdown power

5. easier to borrow ammo if you need to

The only advantage I can see to a 404 jeff is if you want a light gun and the recoil would be too much if it were a 458 lott.

Safari-Hunt,

500grains' comments reflect my view as well. I like the idea of being able to use .458 Winchester ammunition in a rifle chambered in .458 Lott because of its global availability.

B

/

S-H - If you are loooking for a pure backup rifle, then the Lott is the way to go. Since you have a .375, the .458 is a good choice. However, if you are looking for a little more versatility, then the .404 or .416 Rigby is the answer.

In any event, as a PH, you are not going to drop the hammer more than a few times each hunting season (hopefully) so ammo availability is not so much an issue. For plainsgame backup the .375 is more than enough gun. However, for shit and tickles if you just want to carry a big stick, then consider the .404 it�s a great cartridge and a proven performer.

You say you want to build a Classic .404 one day so build it NOW, use it and see how it shapes up afield. You can always build a Lott, should you decide you actually need the extra pop.

Thanx Alf,

Thanks for the great tip I suppose I will have to settle for the Lott and later build the 404. But I suppose if we never dreamt we wouldn't get anywhere

Hey ZERO - Meet you at the swings after class.

....But whatever you do, don't listen to Nick (even though he IS correct this time). He's not right in the head.

Hey Nick - nice shoes...

Thanks! An early XMAS present. Brown & White oxfords with red lacings. Love 'em.

After all these years I am still wondering what a "back up" rifle is? Is it the one you stuff full of solids and shoot the oncomming animal in the brain with, at least that is how I use mine and one is about as good as the other.

I think the 458 Lott may be a better non back up rifle as it shoots bigger bullets with a bigger cross section, and probably kills faster by a few seconds with broadside shots if one can handle the recoil from field positions, I just havn't been able to see a lot of difference one way or the other and I have used both in the field on Buffalo...

I believe many get a false security from shooting the big big bores, when shot placement is the only key to success...but if one can shoot a 577 then more power to him, they certainly work.

Try shooting someone elses 458 Lott before buying. They kick lots. I can shoot a 375 without any trouble but the Lott hurts.

Ah- Shot Placement!- I witnessed a client of Mark Sullivan's who Shot a Buffalo 10 times with a .600 NE. Only one round ultimately killed the Buff. I suppose there is still hope while there is Lead in the air! You should of seen the flinch that guy had. I think he would have rather been run over by the Buff than shoot That Marcel-Tys double-Rob