I've read a few posts and articles about the 458 Lott getting 2350 fps with a 500 grain bullet, which has got me very interested in the ruger magnum rifle in this caliber as i see this would give better performance then the 458 winchester magnum.However i cant find any reloading data to show these velocitys. As a matter a fact the Hornady reloading manual i have shoes a max velocity for the 458 winchester mag. at 2200 and they show the 458Lott at 2250. The only bullets i have found getting these actual velocitys in the 2300 and 2350 range are the 450 grain bullets. So my question is what rifles , barrel lengths, and loads are actually getting these velocitys. Thanks Tanoose

I just obtained the Hornady load information this week. The only other published data I have from a manufactuer is from Barnes. Of note is the differing barrell lengths ie 24" (Hornady) vs 26" (Barnes) which could account for say 25 to 50 fps difference. There may be other variables related to chamber, etc which could account for some variation as well as testing methods, processes, etc.

The Barnes data shows top loads reaching the 2350 fps level I believe with IMR 4320 using the 500 grain "X" bullet. Also, the Barnes data/loads have larger amounts of the same powder where noted by both manufacturers.

I have a CZ 550 in 458 Lott (25" barrell) and have been using the 500 grain Barnes TSX. The only powder I have tested in H4895. The Barnes manual list the top load in that powder, using the standard 500 grain "x", at approx. 2320 fps. With the top load of H4895 I was obtaining a nominal 2270 fps. Given the difference in barrel length I thought I should be close to 2300 fps. I also understand from Barnes that the TSX may be loaded more aggresively (up to 2 grains more than standard "x" and working up in half grain increments) due to the TSX "rings" reducing pressure. I did confirm this process with Barnes again via telephone call this week.

I have load up a few more rounds to test using the method outlined above which should take me to 2300+ fps with the 500 grain TSX.

Tanose;
If you e-mail Barnes they will be happy to send you load information. You may also want to talk to Ty in the Barnes tech shop. He has some interesting informaton on barrel length using the Barnes bullets.

Thanks guys , the ruger has a 23" barrel i'm not to sure if i like that.However it realy might not make that much of a difference . How are those CZ550 American Safari rifles i've seen them mentioned alot . there web site shows it comes with a 25" barrel like jjs said i also see the msrp is $1000.00 less then the ruger.

Take stick powders and worm the dogs with it-
Use W-760 and H-414 DB ball powder and you will get 2300 plus easy.....Ed.

Here is a post from Ray back in July 2004 that I am trying to get confirmed/clarified that may be germane to the subject of getting a full 2350fps from a 458 Lott. I am particularly interested in the details as my gunsmith has not yet converted my CZ 550 from 458WinMag to 458Lott.

Points of major interest in bold

quote:

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posted 25 July 2004 07:29
Re: 458 Lott Pressure

ASS CLOWN,
Somewhere in your pressure figuring there is a difference of opinnion with mine, and it pops up now and then...

This 79 gr. or IMR-4320 load could not possibly be above 50,000 PSI and more likly below 49,000 PSI....I had the pressure data at one time from Whites Lab. and it was in the high 40's somewhere, I don't recall the exact numbers....

Now I will stipulate that all of my guns had .600 inch free bore as I have found that necessary with any 458 Lott to get enhanced velocity or to reach the goal of 500 grs. at 2350 FPS with 84 grs. of IMR-4320, a max load in most of the 458 Lotts that I have played with except two that would handle even more, but then recoil became a deciding factor, at least with me......

I would assume that any good smith would know the advantage or .600 in the 458 Lott and use that criteria in chambering.

For more information on the 458 Lott and its history and loading, I suggest one Read "THE 458 LOTT" by G. Sitton, Rifle No. 136, May-June 1991....Very informative. I read it in 1991 and that was my introduction to the Lott and the reason I built my first rifle, and 2nd and 3rd and even a 4th..sold them all eventually....

Lots of recoil was my only complaint with them...and in certain field positions they hammered me a couple of times a little too much...I settled on the 416 and 404 for that reason..a personal choice.

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Perhaps a fundamental issue.

EKM

85-86gns of Varget is better in my Lott than using the faster powders.

Tanoose,

I purchased my first CZ 550 American stock version back in August in 458 Lott. Depending on which model (standard or fancy grade wood price will vary) you should be able to purchase a standard wood CZ Lott for much less than $1000, however, I would suggest (at a minimum) that you have the stock bed and cross bolted if you go the CZ route. You should be able to do a search here and gather opinions of the CZ..

I like the CZ and have since acquired a 375 H&H and a 416 Rigby...I am thinking about one of the new calibers 505, 450, 404...I hear they may be available in Feb or March...Good luck with your choice...

I would think that with a long barrel, long freebore, and the right powder, the Lott should be able to achieve 2350 fps with 500's. That said, if all I could get was 2250 fps, I wouldn't think I didn't have enough gun.

My previous lott with 21 1/2" barrel the was backbored 1 1/2" with 10 1/4" holes for a brake would achieve 2270-2280 with 500 gr hornady softs over 87 gr RL-15. I'd figure a 24-25" barrel with no brake should be capable of 2350. I'd also mention that barrel had a long throat.

I haven't had a chance to work up loads on my latest lott, with a 22" unbraked tube, and a tighter chamber.