Is this 458 WSM just about the same as a 450 marlin. I am novice at ballistics. I am looking for a DGR for a trip to Africa in 2005. Any advice would be appriciated.
Thanks
George

George,



John got 2099fps with a 400gr. bullet in a 16.5" barrel; the fastest .450 Marlin handload I've seen gives 2023fps in a 24" barrel, so the .458 WSM appears to be quite a bit faster.



George

The cartridge doesn't seem to have the capacity to use 500 grainers. It might just be another 450 Marlin or just another 45-70 as far as powder capacity. I guess I'm old fashioned and will continue on with my 458 WinMag with the Nickudu/JJHack loads out of mine.

The reason I haven't tried the 500s yet, is because the bullets are too long for a short action magazine, I don't want to seat below the bottom of the neck, and I want the velocity to be at least 2100 with what ever bullet I am using.

If you went to a longer barrel, I bet it would be close to the 458 Win Mag. As far as this being close to a 450 Marlin or a 45-70, the 458 WSM holds one grain less water than the 458 Win Mag. I belive the data I posted is deceiving to most since the barrel is so short. If you made a 458 Win Mag with a 16.25" barrel, I bet they'd be about the same.

Hey John,
I've got the same deal with my son's 458 winmag... i built it on a mexican mauser action, and WONT load 500's in it... but it humps rem 405's at 2400 all day long

jeffe

Well then, I guess a slightly longer action with attendant appropriate longer magazine box would be the ticket. Maybe with a slightly longer throat to facilitate seating the 500 grainer out further?

I like it.

wow! (reply to GeorgeAK)

That's a big question to answer. To do so I must first ask You some questions.

How much experience do You have shooting big rifles?

How much do You want to spend?

Will the rifle be an "all-around rifle" or just for 1 or 2 animals ei. Elephant, Buff, hippo ect.

You forgot the main reason most of us get guns. Because he wants to.

John,
Do the M-70s chambered for WSM cartridges use a different barrel shank diameter than the 'standard' magnums (like Savage)?

I.E., can your .458WSM be built on an M-70 originally chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum?

George

Buchsnschmeid. I don't have any experience with large bore rifles. I am looking for a rifle to take to africa for buff lion ect. I don't think I will ever be able to afford a elephant. I will take another gun like a 65x55 or a 7mm08 for my son and wife and myself. I have been considering a 375 HH or a 416. Being a lefty and the fact that I love to shoot lever guns that is why I asked.
Thanks George

GeorgeS,
I didn't notice the shank dia. I just took it off, and its gone now. The threads are the same, 1"x16TPI. I used a 1.150" shank on the M-70. The 300 win mag M-70 can be made to fit the 458 WSM, but unless you really want that case, you'd probably be better off with the regular 458 Win Mag on the long action. I would only use the 458 WSM/Noveske if you are using a short action and size is an issue. I don't want to steer you away from it, but I did it for a specific reason, shortness. I am not about to say its the best thing since smokeless powder. If I had a 300 win mag m-70 sitting around, I'd make something that would utilize the added mag space. Something like a 375 H&H Ack Mag, or a 458 Lott. I was thinking the 458 Rem Ult Mag would be another fun one. It would be about the same as this one, but faster. And you could do it on that long action.

If you want the 458 WSM/Noveske on your action, shoot me an e-mail. john@jnrifleworks.com