I have just read Pierre van der Walt's book, "Big Bore Cartridge Load Data Information" and found his wildcat, the 458 African Express, an interesting development. Has anyone on AR chambered a rifle for this cartridge or ever seen a rifle chambered for this?

I know any sense of practicality is no crterium in the BIG BORES forum, but the 458 Express seems to be just a headache.

The case/bullet is too long to get in a CZ magazine box.

It seems to be only a SA problem in that their powders can't goose a bullet to the rest of the world Lott velocities.

I could never find a source of cases, though there were promises of sources!

If 2300 fps from a Lott isn't enough, you are in the right forum, but of what practical use it might be I question.

Bill, we must not be talking about the same cartridge, or I misunderstand the description in the book. It is shorter than a 458 Lott, based on a 404 case (no belt), and fits in a standard length action like a 458 WinMag. But it gives Lott velocities. Which seems like the whole point, Lott velocities in a standard length action, or the best of both worlds. That's why I inquire as it seems like it would merit more attention.

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
Bill, we must not be talking about the same cartridge, or I misunderstand the description in the book. It is shorter than a 458 Lott, based on a 404 case (no belt), and fits in a standard length action like a 458 WinMag. But it gives Lott velocities. Which seems like the whole point, Lott velocities in a standard length action, or the best of both worlds. That's why I inquire as it seems like it would merit more attention.

That sounds like jeffe's 458AR.

Hog Killer

It's very close to the 460 G&A as well, just a little shorter and less taper.

Maybe this is an answer that you are not even looking for but with Hornady's Heavy Magnum 458 Win it gives you with in 40 fps of the Lott. has anyone tried theses?

Velocities of these loads I tested in 3 different 458s ran consistenrly at around 2,150. That's 110 fps less than advertised.

465H&H

Keith,
yep, it certainly does sound like the 458 AR...

you have to have case capacity BEFORE bottlenecks come into play...

but the 458 AR, with it's bottleneck and greater than lott capacity will give you faster than lott from the same length barrel AT teh same pressure...


aint much of a hair, but it's not as fine as frog hair
jeffe

So, I guess nobody has seen this book or knows anything about the 458 African Express (Rimless). It was designed in 1996, first rifle made for it in 2000, in South Africa. For those interested in the book (first information was given last month in the books thread by another AR member) from Zimbi Press www.zimbibooks.com and e-mail at zimbi@mweb.co.za I like the way South African's take a very practical view towards rifles and hunting, no specific rifle manufacturer bias or country of origin nationalism for the caliber choices clouding their opinions.

Will,
The 458 Express is a 3" case and developed by a Prof Badenhorst, also a South African. It is a straight walled belted case. There was some dispute over who originated the design and it is also known as the 458 3" Belted Express. The 458 African Express designed by Pierre van der Walt is indeed as described by Wink.

Considering the quality and quantity of available ammunition, my response is, why?
I am not fond of wildcat cartridges, unless one is shooting close to home. Guns arrive, bags do not. Where will you buy the xxx-xyz ammo?

"based on a 404 case (no belt), and fits in a standard length action like a 458 WinMag. But it gives Lott velocities. "

you are describing the 458 howell...a damn fine wildcat.

howell never made one but i came up with this one by myself unbeknownst...(see my past posts on this)here is a diagram of the 416 howell



the 458 a.r. is a tad better...

my design was a simple neck up and trim no other mods, able to fit in a 458 win mag action and no rebarrel. E A S Y as pie! but like i said...458 a.r. better

Gerard, do you have a cartridge diagram you can post? It might help the people who think they can answer my question even though they don't know what the .459 African Express (Rimless) is.

The 458 African Express solves a number of problems for us. The cartridge dimensions are such that it cleans out a 458 WM chamber without having to set back the barrel. It is of medium length, and raises the performance level for us in SA to a very useful level. No doubt it will do even better with the wider range of powders available to you in Europe and the USA. Magazine capacity remains acceptable and we have proven (pressure tested) data available for it.

The picture below is courtesy of Pierre vd Walt and Zimbi Books

Gerard, Thanks for the post. I have not seen this rd. before.
Intresting.

It performs well and, especially for the hotter areas, one need not run pressure right up to the 61,000/62,000 level. Somchem Ballistic Proof Lab tested the GSC 500gr FN at 2200fps and 59,755psi. The 450gr GSC FN went 2342 fps at 58,870 psi, so there is some room there to go a bit faster still. This is with South African powder that has been a problem for us in the 458 Win Mag all along. Flat out maximum pressure loads in a 458WM, with a standard 500gr solid, will not break 2100fps.

Hi Guys

THis is an interesting thread, I have a rifle chambered in the .458 African Express. I had it built by Truvelo with a mauser action. So far i have been extreamly pleased with the performance. I like to shoot GS custom bullets through it and had the ramp done with FN solids for example that they will feed well with the flat nose.

quote:

Originally posted by .458AfricanExpress:
Hi Guys

THis is an interesting thread, I have a rifle chambered in the .458 African Express. I had it built by Truvelo with a mauser action. So far i have been extreamly pleased with the performance. I like to shoot GS custom bullets through it and had the ramp done with FN solids for example that they will feed well with the flat nose.

I have one that I'm bulding on a model 70 action. I have the reamer,so as soon as my other projects are done I will start this one. I beleive I can get headstamped brass from Stewart in your SA. I found this cartridge and wanted to build one. Pierre says not too many have been built.

The correct name for this round is the 458 African. The 458 Express is different.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...131019771#3131019771

Anyone interested I have a couple of ele and buff hunting articles from a Kiwi hunter using a 458 Lott and then having his Brno chambered to the 458 Express and returning to hunt ele. Good stuff and commentary from him on why he has found the 3" 458 Express better. Happy to send if PM'd.