Hi everyone,

What kind of velocities can one reasonably expect to achieve with light bullets in the .458 Lott?

Thanks,

analog_peninsula

Depending on barrel length, you can push the 350's about 2700. That said, I see the lighter bullets as the solution to milder recoil, and I tend to keep the velocities in the 2400-2500 range, and RL 7 is a great powder that application.

Thanks for the info, Paul. The reason that I asked the question is this: if I were on a trip and my light rifle went south (lost, broken, etc.), would I be able to use the Lott as an adequate (not great) replacement plains game rifle for shooting out to 250-300 yards?

I figure that 2600 fps gives an adequate trajectory for shooting to 300 yards, although I'm not sure that any of the 300 grain .458 bullets will expand decently at 1900 fps (remaining speed at 300 yards, about 2000 at 250 yds).

My question was whether it was possible to create a (comparatively) light-recoiling load for precision shooting. It looks like it would be possible, if one were careful.

Thanks for the info.

analog_peninsula

I have not owned a 458 Lott but if it is anything like the 458 Win or 450 Ackley then light bullets will shoot much higher on the target than the 500 grain bullets unless reduced loads are used for the lighter bullets.

I find the 350's @ 2500 to be fairly mild recoil wise, on par with a 375 H&H, and it seems the slight increase in bullet weight pretty much balances out with the lott typically being a bit heavier than an H&H.

I wouldn't go any lighter than 350 gr, the 300's simply loose velocity too fast. A 350 @ 2500 zeroed @ 200 yds is hold and squeeze out to 250 yds, and just hold a tad higher at 300.

Good point by the other poster about different POI, but each gun is a law unto itself.

Another good bullet for that application would be the woodleigh 400 gr protected point.

I would look at the NF 450gr SP. They have a wide velocity performance range. They should have the same POA as the NF FP & CP you would use on the big stuff. The KISS principle is the easiest to remember. No resighting or trying to guess elevation/windage holdings.

Hog Killer

I get 2770 FPS out of my Lott with .350 grain Barns bullets (see topic BIG BOAR ACCURACY) It shoots an easy 2.5 inch group at 200 yards off the bench and I would not hesitate to shoot 300 yards with it with the right animal presentation and conditions.

My ballistics program has been very close to real conditions, It shows...With a 50 yard zero
100 Yards +.77 inches, 150yrds +.21, 200yrds -1.80, 250yrds -5.38 and 300 yards -10.68.

At 300 yards you are still generating just over 3600 ft/lbs energy.

These are very manageable drop numbers and with a steady rest I would think, it would be very capable of taking most plains game at out to 300 yards with out issue.

I was able to get over 2900 with 300 grain Barnes X with no pressure signs. I don't have my notes handy, but was using 84 or 85 grains of H4198. The load was very accurate.

I am interested in others experience with light bullets.

Thanks,

Todd

There is a report on the lott for Africa comming out in the African Hunter sometime soon-With South African Powders and boat tailed barnes X Don got 3000fps out of a CZ 550 and 2900 out of his winchester.