I shot my new 458 Win Mag at the range today trying the new 500gr DGX and DGS Hornady Dangeroues Game ammo. Primarly use was to get the scope sighted in and to check accuracy.

It was very accurate with the softs and solids all in one "big" hole at 50yds.

The only problem was the ammo didn't meet Hornady's advertised velocity in my H&H with a 24in barrel.

Hornady is says 2,260fps.

The best I got was 2,092fps for one round.

My 10 shot avarage was 2,083fps.

That's over 170fps average less than what Hornaday says.

I read on another thread that others have had similar results. Anybody else??

I'm waiting for the 480gr Woodleighs with the 458 Win Mag cannelure to arrive to start working up some loads over 2,200fps. I would feel more comfortable with the 480gr at something over 2,200fps instead of 500gr at 2,083fps.

quote:

Hornady is says 2,260fps.
The best I got was 2,092fps for one round.
My 10 shot avarage was 2,083fps.

Oh, no..not again.

IMHO rechamber for the Lott, and get an honest 2300fps from a 500 gr. bullet in a 24 inch barrel.

Sorry - I didn't see that you had an original H&H rifle. I wouldn't even want to guess the replacement value of that.

quote:

Originally posted by gwhjack:
It was very accurate with the softs and solids all in one "big" hole at 50yds.

enough said.. if that is a super accurate factory load, and its within pressure, and you can shoot it, well

spec is 2150 for the winmag (don't care what the box says) and you are within 5% of that..

sounds like a winner

I chronographed some Hornady .458 win mag ammo and out of my 25-inch barrelled CZ, they averaged 2,150 fps. Good enough.

I would not modify your rifle to Lott if it is a H&H. I am a fan of this mod but not in a good rifle such as yours it may have an unpleasant impact on resale value. I think you will be ok with Hornaday. Have you tried other brands of ammo? You can hand load to get a little more velocity. 500gr bullets at 2100-2150 should get the job done.
Bill

Hi Bill:

You're absolutely right.

I wouldn't think of modifying my H&H. It would kill the vaule of the rifle and take away it's past history (H*H camp rifle in Tnazania). I wanted a 458 Win Mag from the start.

I'm going to handload anyway so I can work up my own loads. It's nice to know what the factory stuff can do in case you are seperated from your ammo. I pack my ammo "baggage" in halfs when going to Africa. Half in my bag, half in my wife's so the chances are less the ammo will get lost.

I would use the Hornady stuff in a pinch if needed. It was very accurate.


I'm looking to use the 458 Win mainly for buffalo so around 2,200+fps with some 480gr Woodleighs are my goal.


I don't need anymore than that as I have a 500 Jeffery on order with H&H, have a 505 Gibbs and really don't need a 458 Lott. At least until I think I need another rifle! You know how it is??

gwhjack,

Why not consider the North Fork Technologies’ 450gr CPS or SS bullets for your .458 WinMag? Both can be handloaded at 2200+ fps while maintaining safe pressure levels and are proven performers on cape buffalo. Also the NF 450 gr FPS is a well proven performer on elephant.

North Fork Technologies is alive and well, under new ownership and recently relocated to Philomath, Oregon. Here is a recent forum thread that discusses the virtues of .458 solids, 450 grain vs. 500 grain, for use in an elephant hunt:
http://forums.accuratereloadin...=609104509#609104509

Jim

Based on early reports it looks like the Hornady DGS is an excellent solid. It will sell relatively inexpensively and can be loaded to over 2,100 fps in handloads. I would consider that option and may do just that on my ele hunt this year.

465H&H

quote:

Originally posted by gwhjack:
I'm looking to use the 458 Win mainly for buffalo so around 2,200+fps with some 480gr Woodleighs are my goal.

I have the 458 Lott and have shot 1 500gr bullet by Hornady thru 6" of oak from 50yds

gwhjack, you may just have a "slow" rifle. A 24 inch barrel ought to be about optimum for getting the most from the .458 Win. Mag. I would be interested to know what velocity you obtain from other loads you try.

I only got 2,055 fps from the 24" barrel of my Browning Safari Grade 458 with the 500 grain DGS. The new Winchester 500 grain with Nosler solid gives 2,050 fps.

465H&H