I'd like to know about any experience with the regular length alternatives to the .458 Winchester Magnum. I know several people are going to say to just move up to a .458 Lott but I'd like to learn about possibilities for a regular length action. I've heard about the .458 AHR, .458 Sabi and .450 Vincent. What other cartridges that are out there? Has anyone worked with these and others?

Thanks,
Eric

There is the 450 G&A, which is essentially the Vincent short, though introduced prior to the Vincent, and also the 458 Howell, which is a 2.55" long 404 based 45, and which was developed by Ken Howell in the early 80's, but I don't know how many if any were built. Ken's smith never finished his rifle.

I haven't worked with any of them, and am an avowed fan of the Lott.

Eric,

I spent some time last year with a .450 HESAM (think .450 WSM). This is a 2.06" case length. There is also a .460 HESAM on the 2.25" case.

The derivation of both cases is the .348 Win blown out with rim removed, the same as Winchester's "new" WSM cartridges. Jim Busha of Heavy Express developed both lines of cases.

jim dodd

Jim

What kind of velocities were you getting with the 300/350's? I'm in the process of doing a .458 WSM and am curious if my expectations are realistic. I was hoping for 2600 with 350's. Doable?

Gabe

Gabe,

The .450 HESAM data that Jim Busha sent me had loads for 350 grain bullets, 2,550 fps is the highest velocity. The .460 HESAM data tops out at 2,500 with 400 grain bullets. I was interested in the heavier weights.

By the way the HESAM .450 & .460 cases have 46 degree shoulders.

jim

Hey, what about a 2.5" Rigby case?
Anyone done this?

450 marlin?
jeffe