Does anyone use IMR 4064 when loading .458 Lott loads ? I used 74.0 grains of IMR 4064 & 500 gr. Hornadys in my Ruger .458 Lott, and got "one ragged hole" groups at 50 yards today. The amazing thing was the soft point AND solids shot to the same POI, and interchangably they would shoot the ragged one-hole groups. Just curious if anyone else uses this powder ?

What was the velocity...

gumboot458: Today at the range it was very cloudy, and consequently (even though I tried) my chronograph would not work properly; we couldn't get a velocity reading. I'm real interested in learning that myself, because I'm planning to use these loads for water buffalo in Australia in May. I do know that the cases were full, though not compacted to any great degree.

Frank,

You planning to need solids for El at some point? I can't imagine needing them for water buffalo. If you think you need them ... try some Barnes TSXs and forget the solids.

Mike: I'll take a few solids to Australia, but I agree, I don't think I'll need them. Was planning to take a Searcy 450/400 (scoped) to Australia, but haven't received it yet (the gun permit must be mailed this week, so the Searcy is out). The reason I'm not taking the Chapuis .470 (unscoped) is because I was told that shots might be as far as 100 yards, and my confidence level with a SXS big bore isn't up to 100-yard shots without a scope.

Frank,

Shucks! (On the Searcy)

I recovered one 350 gr .416 caliber Barnes X from my Cape. It was a finishing shot on the ground. Entered the right rear rump (I could not see well as I am not that tall), went through the right femur shattering it, and proceeded through the gut, heart and lungs. Was found against the front wall of the chest. Total penetration was about 5 feet.

Muzzle velocity was about 2700 fps. Bullet retained 78% of its original mass after shattering what is darned near the largest single bone in the beast. Amazing performance.

The PH was carrying a Lott with 450 grain TSXs.

Frank,

In my 23" Lott, 79grains of 4064 under a 500 grain Hornady FMJ gave 2120fps, 81-2200, and 83-2250.

Barnes lists 73-2128 to 78-2274 in their #3 loading manual for their 500gr RN Monos.

A-Square lists 80-2290, 83-2354, and 84-2387 under their 465gr Triad.

As always, caveat emptor with this data.

I'm definitely going to try some Barnes after learning a few of your results. Thanks.