I am looking for a big bore bolt action rifle and stumbled on the CZ .458 Lott. I think it looks great and it seems very versatile. I like the fact that you can go from a goo grain bullet to a 600 grain bullet. I could shoot plains game up to dangerous game and at 1500 the price is pretty good. I wanted a .50 cal rifle but it looks to be double the price. So what do you guys think or is their a better brand or caliber for my money?

Buy it.
Except for the fact that I wanted my 458 Lott built to very specific requirements I would have bought the CZ.
Get some grinding paste and smooth the bolt rails etc and you will have a great rifle.

I shoot most game with GS Custom 315 gr HV bullets. They penetrate like hell and never fail. For anything bigger and backup work GS Custom 450gr FN solids.
You cant beat that combination

What are you planning on hunting and where?

Elk in Colorado, Moose and maybe Bear in alaska, Bison and if im lucky maybe an african hunt.

For that game list, I would get a New SC made M70 African in .375 H&H.

I know a .375 would work but im a big fan of big bores.

I sure like my .458 Lott, it's a Sako AV that once was a .416 Rem. mag. There's quite a selection of 45 caliber bullets available.

Buy it and send it directly to someone who can install a Timney trigger and make it feed.The CZ 458 Lott doesn`t feed without issue from the factory.I have two and know of other people with the same experience.

I got a CZ big bore and am real happy. Sent it off to American Hunting Rifles, who tweaked it into a really fine firearm for a bargain price.

Nice thing about the Lott is that you can shoot 458 Win Mag as well, I believe.

What stock does it have? If you're in CONUS, $1500 is too much for the base model. CZ also makes a fancy wood model and a kevlar stock model and a laminate model. That price is more in line with the fancy wood or the kevlar stock model. You can get the base model for around $1150-1200 today.

I love mine in .375H&H. It needed a little work on the follower to fix a last round feeding problem. Other than that, for my purposes, it didn't need anything. But Wayne at AHR and others can do wonders for improving them. In that price range, the only other thing to consider is a used Ruger RSM, if you can find a good one.

My .458 Win Mag with reduced loads is an absolute hoot to shoot. Full house 350 grains let you feel the power. Go have fun!

LWD

I have a CZ in .458 Lott with a laminate stock and I sure like mine...no feeding issues and is plenty accurate, and kicks like hell with full power loads, too.

Karl

I have a 458 lott and wouldn't hesitate to buy the caliber again...however I agree with the earlier post on price. Depending on the model that may be too much.

Seems you will be going through some rough territory with it so may I suggest the carbon fiber stock. You can get a wood one as well. A couple lbs of weight will make a different with lots of hiking over hills and through brush.

Do you think my wife can shoot it comfortably with low power loads? Her comfort level is maxed out at about a 7 MM mauser. What is the lightest load bullet and powder I can set up for her?

quote:

Originally posted by steel:
Do you think my wife can shoot it comfortably with low power loads? Her comfort level is maxed out at about a 7 MM mauser. What is the lightest load bullet and powder I can set up for her?

ABSOLUTELY, a factory power level with 500gr. would be a great level to start.

Pyzda

I figured I could load a 300 gain bullet to maybe 1100 FPS to make it managable for her.

quote:

Originally posted by steel:
I figured I could load a 300 gain bullet to maybe 1100 FPS to make it managable for her.

Steel

What that load suppose to be (a .44 Rem. Mag)?

I believe that women "want to be equal" in everything.

So shooting a .458 Lott with factory ammo is a perfect opportunity.

The most that you can do is to take the scope off for her.

Pyzda

fill a case to 1/2' from the top with trail boss and shoot any bullet you want and it will be perfect for her to start with. You can always step it up if she is ready. I have 2 458 lotts and I love them. Ross

I always thought the Lott was T-H-E big game bolt rifle for the world. Having owned one, I still believe that.

But it!!!


Rich

I should have my latest hunting video from the editor this week.I will post a video of the Lott in action against a buff and a couple of impala.Big gun the Lott is for sure!

how does it do shooting cast ammo for target practice? It used the same bullet as the 45/70 right?

quote:

Originally posted by steel:
how does it do shooting cast ammo for target practice? It used the same bullet as the 45/70 right?

Steel

I just had a close look at your first post at this thread where you wanna shoot 600 Gr. and so on.

What I would suggest to you is to stick with your first intention and start shooting at least full factory 500gr. loads. ASAP.

This 45/70 loadings speculations will get you nowhere.

It is not the best start to be scared of recoil before you even pull the trigger.

Just go out and shoot full factory loads, even if it is just 5-6 at time at the begining.

The .458 Lott recoil is nothing to worry about.

$1500 or not?,,, I can't help you with that.

Pyzda

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
I always thought the Lott was T-H-E big game bolt rifle for the world. Having owned one, I still believe that.Rich

Rich my thoughts also...UNTIL the 458 win mag got resuscitated with the advent of powders such as AA2230, etc. Giving it the ability out of a 22" barrel to attain to 2150fps with 500grain bullet with no higher chamber pressures than the Lott. So now the 458 win mag IMO takes the number one spot.

If you get the CZ, get the kevlar stocked one. I have a .416 Rigby and the wooden stock was a club, now I have the factory Kevlar and much better feel and fit. Takes a licking too, even when a Cape Buffalo lands on it.

Butch, you also have a 458 Lott from Wayne at AHR you were looking to sell, don't you? Then he'd be all set, with the foibles inherent in the CZ 550 all modified to perfection.

Steel,

PM sent

If you want it-buy it!

yes.

Buy it.

as long as they make them.

I want one, too!

And I like the versatility I´ll get - I intend to use 350 grs JRN Bullets for European use ( Boar ) ...

Hermann