When I receive my Ruger 458 Lott, what work needs to be done to make it reliable for DG hunting? How much, if any, work needs to be done to the action? And exactly what needs to be done with regards to bedding and preventing any possible problems with the stock splitting?

I have read that some people have absolutely zero problems with their Ruger Magnums. Others, however, report feeding problems (specifically with the 458 Lott) and stocks developing cracks or worse. I just want to avoid any possible problems from the get go.

Thank you in advance for your advice.

Landrum

Hello Landrum,
You are going to get mixed reviews on the Ruger 458 Lott for some have reported just as you mentioned, split stocks, cracked, etc. while others have no problems. Book/owners manual says do not mess with it, leave it alone or suffer losss of warranty, mfg's back up, etc. , others say ignore the book and have 'smith do a bedding job to help insure against stock problems and the 'smith who does the work will stand behind his work????
I have a 375 Ruger, not a problem and offers one of the best values out there for the buck and also have a 458 Lott waiting to be shipped with a phone call from me today, but may well switch to the 416 Rigby. Any of the four calibers available could produce problems regarding recoil and faulty stock issues, but I have spoken with the factory a few times and they claim that problems are not being reported to them if they exist. They are quite adamant about doing any work on the rifle by anyone other than their own people and you would expect that response.
If I have problems down the road, will send it back to the factory, they designed it, produced it, marketed it, and they will need to take care of any faults that show up with their product. Will they take care of such problems??? Who knows for sure, but Ruger is a large, largest I believe, gun group out there these days and until proven otherwise, will go with them for any needed solutions.

Hey Driver,

Have you forgotten that we're all waiting to hear who your friends hunted with in Zim???


In case it's slipped your mind:
Zimbabwe has great people.

Landrum,

Welcome to the board, you'll learn ALOT from this group if you sign in daily and keep up with the threads. The Search function will help you find many of your answers that have already been discussed probably many times most likely.

I've put several hundred rounds thru my .375 RSM and had no troubles at all. I did polish the feed ramp and smooth the feed rails/lips with some very fine emory paper to aid feeding. I also changed the front sight to a white bead and it's a major improvement over the tiny brass bead from the factory.

My RSM's sights are dead-on at all ranges (50, 100 and 200 yards) with the express leaves with 300gr SN ammo at 2500 fps and at 25 and 50 yards the 300gr solids and softs almost touch.

I've been very impressed with the RSM in every way. Now in the Lott chambering you've got alot more recoil to deal with so stock splitting is going to be more likely than with a .375 (though still probably a rare occurence in reality). Many here swear by bedding a rifle before you even fire it, others say do it only if you think you need to due to accuracy issues, etc. That's your choice, so read and make that decision yourself.

One thing I will stress is - SHOOT the rifle and train with it thoroughly before your trip. Learn the rifle and load intimately and if any bugs come up along the way you can address those before you go. I'd put at least a couple hundred rounds through it if you're able to do so. Practice in various field positions and carry it as much as possible... plink at rabbits, rocks, etc on day-hikes before your trip. Once you've got a load worked-up and your sights set, GET OFF THE BENCH and train in field conditions, not sterile range conditions.

Feeding, extraction and ejection issues will show themselves if your rifle has any. Learn about these problems at the RANGE and not on your hunt!

I purchased a RSM 458 Lott this spring. I love it!! It shoots great and hits hard. I am bedding my rifle this week to help it out alittle. My brother took his RSM .416 Rigby to RSA 2 years ago. His shoots amazingly good after a bed job! I have a number of ruger fire-arms. They have all killed alot of game and never falied me yet.
I absolutly concure with 458RugerNo1 shoot the rifle as much as you can. If you reload you will find the Lott a fun and forgiving cartridge to work with.

May I suggest dropping about $400 on an Accurate Innovations stock? I have put 20 or so rounds thru my 458 Lott and so far zero problems with the stock- they were recommended by Montana Rifleman.

I think the price is 400 or less depending on the grade of wood, and of course more if you want some thing nicer.

Photo of my 458 Lott is in this forum under I Love.....TWINS!