I'm going to update the take-down magazine rifle I use for large game (Ele, Buff) in Africa, and can't decide between the 458 Lott and 500 Jeffery. The 2nd barrel will be the 375 H&H. The Lott provides better ammo selection and availability, but the 500J allows for larger frontal area and bullet weights up to 600 grains. Hmmmm.

For me---I'd go 458. The gun weight increase of a 500 over what a 458 will run doesn't justify it in my mind. If I'm going to carry around an 11+ lb rifle, it's going to start with a barrel ID of .585 & up. Easy to get a 7-9 lb 458 & carry more bullets in the belly as well. If the Lott isn't enough---push up to the fast 45's.

Seriously Jon? We all know the answer to the question for you is... both!

LOL! Actually, I have a 460 Wby, and a 500 NE DR and a 505 Gibbs Mauser being built, so I've already got duplication, as usual :-) But this one will be a take-down.

You didn't mention the brand/model of take-down magazine rifle that you'll be using.

Unless it comes with multiple bolts the fact that you've determined you'll be using the .375 H&H you've also determined that your larger caliber will also have a bolt face for a .532" rim diameter which means either the .458 Lott or .470 Capstick - unless you decide to use Michael458's 500 MDM (.532" rim diameter) - 'cause the 500 Jeffery has a much larger rim diameter...

If you're using a take-down with bolt to match barrel chambering - then go with the 500 Jeffery.

Why not build a take down B&M 375,416,458 and a 500!

Jim, it would be a Blaser R8 synthetic Safari, with separate boltheads. Sam, not a bad idea...SSK, I guess?

Biebs

If you went with the AI stock then all you need is a torque screw driver.

My 416 B&M is 28 inches both stock and barreled action. Michael and I have been talking about the fact that the AI bedding system might be a take down because it is so repeatable. I have taken it out of the stock and replaced several times shooting groups. We need to set up a serious test program but it sure looks like it works.

Hmmmm. I'll have to talk with Michael when he gets back.

Jon:

The .458 Lott is a great cartridge but it is just so boring. I have a 500 Jeffery and I can tell you it is a much heavier hitter. I would go with the Jeffery in a heart beat and as you know, Blaser builds a specific magazine for each cartridge so it will feed great right out of the box. If you want a 500 to shoot to see what it's like, I can send you mine to play with. I've got to get it out to Wayne. I think it has a broken ejector.

500 accrel!!!

458 lott otherwise

Go with the Lott; you can get 600 grain bullets in .458 too. They are made to accept .458 winnie shells in a pinch.

quote:

you can get 600 grain bullets in .458 too.

Yes, I have 2 boxes of 600gr .458 bullets here that I use in my 460 Wby. Plenty of case capacity to drive them at an adequate velocity.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
500 accrel!!!

458 lott otherwise

+1

My 500 Acc Rel weighs 8 ibs and shoots a 570 - 600 grs bullet at 2350 fps... awesome power and light enough to carry all day ... Its my new favorite elephantgun... :-)

Ulrik

I'd go with the 500 jeff since there are literally dozens of very practical reasons why the 458 Lott cartridge and its abundant variety of components makes more sense!

JCS, yes, exactly! I've never been strong on practical....or common sense either, for that matter :-)

All the reasoning in the world is of little value between the two as both work, but if I were inclined to make a choice I'd go with the 500 Jeffery's..If I have to endure all that recoil, may as well go with "bigger is better"
and I know the 500s get the job done..Besides the 500 Jefferys is nostalgic, its perfomance is indesputable, and both work thru a std modified 98 action..othewise I would just as soon own a 404 Jefferys, but thats just me and my bursitas talking!

Ray, I've got the 404 covered....just looking for a take-down at the top end of the horsepower range.

Come on Biebs. The 500 Jeff. of course. I have a real light weight one that shoots great.

500 Jeffery!!!! Come on Jon! The lott is so pedestrian.

Ed

Biebs,

Looks like you have the .50's covered. I'd go for the .458 Lott. Works well with the .375, especially the bolt face. Your pretty much covered for just about everything.

I had the same decision to make 6months ago. Have an r8 in 375 and wanted bigger, I ended up going to the steel receiver model with selous barrels in 416 and 500. The 500 definitely kicks harder than my VC 500 double , but it is still manageable with open sights. I don't think I would want to shoot it with a scope though ie eye relief . I plan on installing a doctor optic red dot to see how it performs.

Cheers

Nick

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Bush:
Jon:

The .458 Lott is a great cartridge but it is just so boring. I have a 500 Jeffery and I can tell you it is a much heavier hitter. I would go with the Jeffery in a heart beat and as you know, Blaser builds a specific magazine for each cartridge so it will feed great right out of the box. If you want a 500 to shoot to see what it's like, I can send you mine to play with. I've got to get it out to Wayne. I think it has a broken ejector.

+1

quote:

Originally posted by nickh:
I had the same decision to make 6months ago. Have an r8 in 375 and wanted bigger, I ended up going to the steel receiver model with selous barrels in 416 and 500. The 500 definitely kicks harder than my VC 500 double , but it is still manageable with open sights. I don't think I would want to shoot it with a scope though ie eye relief . I plan on installing a doctor optic red dot to see how it performs.

Cheers

Nick

Get the Nikon Slughunter or Inline model scope in 1.6-5 or 3-9. Both are in FIVE-inch eye-relief throughout the magnification range.

Nikon is exceptionally rugged, and great glass for the money. It will handle more than any recoil that you can, and you will see the target clearly.

Nick, the R8 Safari is where I'm headed as well.

A great piece of gear! You won't regret it, I went synthetic stock BTW
Cheers

Nick

Nick, yes, I like the Savanna brown one, with the dark grip inserts. I already have an Attache' for regular hunting