Not a bad idea. But I already got a short M70 .458 WM, it's called a .450 Marlin on a M70 acction. Lawdog

Hello, John. Like so many that have followed your progress and development on these rifles, I'm wondering when you'll be able to post some ballistics for the various loads.

Thanks.

Here are some loads:
300 gr Barnes XFN 68.5 gr IMR 4198= 2612 fps
350 gr Hdy FP 62 gr IMR 4198= 2360 fps
400 gr Barnes SSP 73 gr Surplus wc-844 (H-335)= 2100 fps

The rifle used to gain this data was a Win M70 WSM with a 16.25" PAC-NOR 18"T CM barrel. The rifle weighs 6.5 lbs. A longer barrel would certainly give faster speeds. The object was,(in this order), a short, small, light, and powerful rifle. My buddy Joel and I let a bear get away one day and thought up our version of the ultimate close quarters bear/deer rifle. In Southwest Oregon, we are either going up, down or sideways, and rarely see far enough to need a scope. We'll see how well it does this summer. I have some 500 gr bullets to try. We are just having fun with this. We are not trying to reinvent the wheel. From what we have seen, this outperforms the 450 Marlin, and almost equals the 458 Win Mag, but in a short action. The 458 WSM holds one grain less water than a 458 Win Mag. I have not tested them together, nor have I tested a longer barrel. Quick load has proven to be very accurate in load development, so a person could probably come up with some good long barrel comparisions using quickload correctly.

John, thanks. I had seen these #'s earlier as I have been following along with the development(s) and my question/request was far too cryptic.

With those same loads mentioned, have you been able to produce any field/range data that would reflect bullet drop over distance? I know this catdaddy of a round wasn't intended for long range varmit culling but would be most interested to know some general bullet drop #'s when and if you get them.

Lastly, do you have plans for a similar development based on a .375/300 WSM Noveske? I'd like to know how that one would compare to the old .375 H&H.
Thanks.

Dungbeetle,
I have some friends who are doing the 375 WSM. I don't know how the rifles are going, but there are at least three of them. I have seen posts about it either here or at Shortmags.org. It sounds good, and I'd probably do one for myself if I didn't already love my 375 Whelen IMP. The bullet drop on the 458 is a good question. I havent gotten too scientific about it yet. I plan on shooting the rifle a lot this spring to get to know it as best as I can for hunting season. I have been zeroing the sights from standing since there are no benches in the woods. It seems to be flatter than I thought. I will post some info when I have it. Most of my kill shots are withen 50 yds, but I'd like to know where it is out to 300. I'll be back.

I'll be looking forward to seeing it on those .458's.

Please tell your podnahs to share with us what they develop and test with those .375/300 WSMs.
Thanks, John.