458 something (win or lott)

13 September 2003, 10:19

After posting on the African Big game hunting forum, I have come to the conclusion that a 458 something (win or lott) is in my future. I plan on having a friend that frequents gun shows keep an eye out for a 458 something bolt action rifle for me. I would prefer to get something very cost effective, but functional.

What makes models should I consider acceptable?
What makes models are just unacceptable?
What should I consider a good price range?

Thanks

BTW, I will probably never make it to Africa unless I will the lottery, so the rifle will be downloaded to kill deer and loaded hot to terrify people at the range. Maybe it will see use killing a Bison in a year or two.

13 September 2003, 11:27

Robgunbuilder

Buy a CZ550 in 458 Win, put a scope on it and learn to shoot it with full power loads. Don't even attempt a Lott unless you can honestly keep 5 shots repeatedly on a paper plate offhand at 50 yrds, then at 100 yrds.-Rob

13 September 2003, 11:32

BFaucett

quote:
BTW, I will probably never make it to Africa unless I will the lottery, so the rifle will be downloaded to kill deer and loaded hot to terrify people at the range. Maybe it will see use killing a Bison in a year or two.

With that criteria, the .458 Win Mag would be a good choice. 458 Win Mag brass is comparatively cheap and plentiful. 45 cal bullets are readily available. Also, the .458 Win Mag can be easliy downloaded with 350 to 400 gr bullets and used as a kind of "Super" .45-70. And you can always rechamber to .458 Lott later (assuming the action is long enough; a CZ, a Model 70, etc.)

A good 400 gr bullet at around 2300 fps is nothing to sneeze at. Check Federal's catalog. They offer a 400gr Trophy Bonded in .458 at an advertised 2380 fps. That bullet weight lacks the over .300 Sectional Density that most people want for the African dangerous game, but it would still make a very serious load for any big stuff in North America.

Here's an article that you may enjoy:
http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/article.cfm?tocid=1043&magid=75

Just my two cents....
-Bob F.

[ 09-13-2003, 02:56: Message edited by: BFaucett ]

13 September 2003, 13:20

FourTails

I would also recommend the CZ 550 American Safari .458 caliber but would wait until after November when the American stocks come out. That is, unless you prefer the humpback English style. Good shooting! [Big Grin]

14 September 2003, 07:38

KLN

I am also interested. What should one expect to pay for a CZ550 in .458?

I saw a used Ruger #1 in .458 at a gun show today. It was in nice condition with the exception of a little light rust on one side of the breech block. The price was $799; after some discussion, the dealer claimed he paid $600 to another dealer for it, and would sell it for $650. Is that a good price, or is he giving me a line?

Thanks.

[ 09-13-2003, 22:46: Message edited by: KLN ]

14 September 2003, 07:53

Big Bore

Too much for a used rusted No. 1 IMO. You can buy a new No. 1 for between $600 and $650. There is a very slightly used .375 on GunsAmerica for $625 adn a "only shot twice" .416 Rigby for $550, and that includes 18 factory loads with it. There are also NIB No. 1's in .375, .416, and .458 for $675.

[ 09-13-2003, 22:55: Message edited by: Big Bore ]

14 September 2003, 08:35

mikethebear

I paid $450.00 for a used but 98% .375 No 1. Sold for same later. Don't know how much it was shot before I got it. Easy to shoot, as it is heavy enough.

14 September 2003, 11:58

HunterJim

Used .458 Win rifles are around; if you go to gunsamerica.com and search on "458 win" you will find a flock, and a wide range of prices. You can comparison shop.

I think Internet prices are higher than what you might be able to do locally, if price is your main criterion.

jim dodd

16 September 2003, 01:45

My idea of a .458 Lott is a cz 550 reamed out to a lott and a couple of extra crossbolts and some devcon added.

Then you will have a 6 shot .458 Lott [Cool]

17 September 2003, 02:25

jeffeosso

quote:
Originally posted by BFaucett:
They offer a 400gr Trophy Bonded in .458 at an advertised 2380 fps. That bullet weight lacks the over .300 Sectional Density that most people want for the African dangerous game, but it would still make a very serious load for any big stuff in North America.

Just my two cents....
-Bob F.

Bob,
great post, but the 400 gr 458 bullet is .272, not over .30. A 416 cal 400 grain is over .30.

It requires 442 grains for a 458 to be over .300.

Which is why the 500 grain is the DGR load, and what it's built to match, the 450 nitro. and , frankly, routinely fails to make 500gr at 2150.

jeffe