.458 Lott - Talk Me Out of It!!

M

Mike1234

Moderator
I've been researching bigger bore rifles for some time now. I bought a .458 SOCOM already. Now I want something capable of even more umph.

The .458 Lott is very intriguing to me because it can be downloaded to less than 45/70 pressures. I've seen velocities in the 700fps range with 500gr bullets using bulky slow-burning powders. And, of course, it can be uploaded to absolutely devastating power as well. I am a bit concerned about heavy (long) bullet stability at subsonic speeds though. I'd rather not be forced into having a pricey custom barrel made.

The 45/70 with it's standard pressure loads apparently has more penetration than the .458 Lott with its standard pressure loads so the 45/70 is actually enough gun. I just want a little more versatility... greater range. In other words, I like OPTIONS.

I don't expect to be hunting dangerous game... self defense against something maybe. I don't expect to be shooting long range... but I might. Again, this is about options. Hey, why not?:D

So.... talk me out of getting a .458 Lott!!

~ Posted on THR also. ~
 
These calibers are not about range they are about stopping power. If you have nothing to stop they now are about fantasy. I'd doubt the majority of the plus 40 caliber guns are shot at anything over 100 yards, more likely 50-70. You'd likely have more fun shooting cast bullets around 375 grains out of a 45-70.
 
I'd do a .45-70, as I have one. If you want to buy ammo or brass, the .45-70 is loads cheaper. If you don't care, the low-velocity loads can be had in the .458 lott. I can't talk you out of it if you've already talked yourself into it. If you want reassurance, I don't think you'll be disappointed. BTW, with hot loads, the .45-70 is good to 200 with very little hold-over. With mild loads it's good to 200 for me if you like practicing with a mortar.
 
My brother started with one of the Navy Arms Summit rifles. (SMLE in .45-70), he had it bored to .45-90 and loves it. Loaded full house it comes close to the .458 WM, but can be loaded to sub .45-70 levels if he wants. He has nothing bigger than hogs to shoot it at but it's there if he wants.

Myself, I would suggest a .375 H&H if you want a bigger caliber with a wide range of versatility. Good bullet selection for everything from Rabbits to Cape Buffalo. Easier to find factory ammo as well. But if you're really set on the Lott, I doubt you will be disappointed.
 
It really doesn't offer much advantage if not used for dangerous game. If you want accuracy and long range, go smaller bore and checkout a .338 Lapua Magnum. Alternatively, you can just go "all in" and buy yourself something in .50BMG to have extreme range and power.
 
After the initial purchase of brass the difference in reloading cost between 45/70 and .458 Lott, or .458 Win Mag for that matter, will be negligible.

What I seek is the most "versatile" cartridge in its class. I also want a fairly common cartridge. IMHO, I think the .458 Lott meets these criteria better than the others. Okay, the 45/70 is probably more common but it's less versatile, I think.

I CAN stil be talked out of buying one but I need some convincing.:)
 
The .458 Lott is a good choice, ammo is easy to find especially since you can also shoot .458 Win Mag in it. I'm not sure a 45/70 shooting a 405 Gr slug at say 2200 f/s will penetrate better than a .458 Lott with 510 Gr @ about 2300 f/s. My choice for a big bore is the 500 Jeffery 570 Gr @ 2350 puts a smile on your face in a hurry.
 
bigboreisbest said:
The .458 Lott is a good choice, ammo is easy to find especially since you can also shoot .458 Win Mag in it. I'm not sure a 45/70 shooting a 405 Gr slug at say 2200 f/s will penetrate better than a .458 Lott with 510 Gr @ about 2300 f/s. My choice for a big bore is the 500 Jeffery 570 Gr @ 2350 puts a smile on your face in a hurry.
Click to expand...

Of that I have no doubt.:D I'm interested in the .458 Lott because it uses the same bullets as a .458 SOCOM which I already have.
 
458 caliber guns are great! There is such a huge variety of bullets available. I have seen from 225 up to 600 grain. The most common are from 300-500.

My father has a 450NE and it is a great gun to shoot!

the 458 Lott is a great round. The only down side to such a gun is cost of the bullets. If you can reload for it then all the best to you!
 
^^^ I haven't reloaded in MANY years but, for need of affordable ammo for .458 SOCOM, I'm getting back into it. So now I'm seriously considering .458 Lott because I see the benefit of sharing supplies between cartridges. Heck, if I buy a .458 Lott then I can sell the .375 H&H Mag and I'll only be reloading for one bullet size. Yes, I'm aware I still need different dies and powders.:)
 
Why not just buy a 45-70 and hot load it? That to me seems you'll the most reasonable route to take. Plus you'll get a gun that is more flexible than the .458 Lott.

One other option is the .375 H & H. It would offer a very flexible cartridge that will also lend itself to various hand loads.

Of course if you just have to have one, not much will change your mind.
 
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Oh yea, we all need one! The question is which one?

You need one because it can comfortably take ANY animal on earth, even when ****** off.

You can make ammo for it without breaking the bank. This is why most big stoppers suck. Most shoot $5 bullets out of $20 cases. The 458 Lott can be loaded for ~$1 a round!

The rifle can be had under $2000, instead of a $10000+ double.
 
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Hmmm, seems like someone may have been watching American Guns. They just built a .458 Lott. Seems like a LOTT more gun than most people will ever need!!! But...who am I to judge?
 
RE: 45-70 Govt... I've seriously considered this but since I'm keeping the .458 SOCOM I wanted a pretty big leap beyond it.

RE: .375 H&H Mag... I already have one. If I buy the .458 Lott then the .375 H&H will probably be sold.

RE: Recoil vs. .458 SOCOM... Yeah, baby!!

RE: Reloading.... Definitely for both .458 cartridges.

RE: "American Guns"... I haven't seen it. I don't have any TV except what comes free off the air. But now that you mentioned it I'll have to search for that episode on-line.
 
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