I went to the range today to sight in/break in my friends Ruger RSM 458 Lott. That's what friends are for, right?

The rifle is bone stock with a Leupold 1.5-5 scope and factory crap pad. I was shooting Barnes 450X w/ 82 grains 4320-a good load that still is tough from the bench with my #1 458 Lott. I was surprised how much better the RSM "rode the bags" and the felt recoil was less, I would say a good 10-15%. It felt like my RSM 416 Rigby with fairly warm loads. I didn't do much shooting at 100 yards but a 3 shot group at 50 was an less than an inch. With a little trigger work and good pad (for my comfort!) I'm sure this rifle will prove to be quite accurate.

A RSM in 458 Lott is on my must get list now!

John

JKS,

I put a new trigger (Timney) and recoil pad on mine (Limbsaver), as you were mentioning.

I'm having second thoughts on the Limbsaver, though. It has a tendancy to grab clothing as I try to quickly shoulder it. Thinking of switching to a more traditional style Pachmayr.

I have a Leupold 2.5X on it.

The load I've worked up so far for actual huning g is a 500 gn Swift A-Frame over 81.5 gns. of Hodgdon Varget extreme and Federal 215 match primers. I got a 1.02 inch three round group at 100 yds and 2218 fps. avg. velocity. The guy I got the load from suggest that I increasing it a bit more to see if I can get it to a solid 2250 fps. Here's a post with picture of the group.


It's a hoot to shoot. But after an afternoon of bench shooting it, even the BACK of my shoulder is sore.

Take Care,

-Steve

I second Ray on the limbsaver pad, I have them on several guns, seem to work realy good. I like them much better than Pac 990.

Ray,

Thanks for the pointer. I'll order some.

-Steve

Steve,
Those limbsaver pads are great and really suck up that recoil, I have one on my new 404 Jefferys...

May I suggest that you get some of that recoil pad shellack that Brownells sells, that slicks up any pad..that stuff sure does work...Some spray on finishes work good to stop that recoil pad grabbing....

It's a good looking rifle too, I've seen it

Thanks for the replies folks. Does the Limbsaver get really chewed up like some other really soft pads?



Ray, now I know for sure you are an alien imposter! First you are "culling" your hunting and now you like recoil pads!!! I thought you said soft pads only gave the rifle a run to your shoulder?



John



Edited to add: Yes Urodoji it is a nice looking rifle!