Thinkinfg .458 Win Mag.
- Thread starter davem
- Start date
Have one. What I like is using 45/70 level loads and even lighter. The .458 bore means many bullets available. I have used 250 grain lead bullets sized .455" and intended for the 45 Colt loaded to around 1200 FPS for plinking. I have never actually fired a full power Magnum load in this rifle. Don't need to for having fun.
Ditto...
Just know that if you intend to shoot BP/mid-power/45-70 cast
loads, the 458 is long-throated. While I could never get a 405gr
to shoot MOA, it does very much like long heavy bore-riding
bullets like
- The original 45-70 Lyman/500gr #457125, and
- The Lyman/535gr Postell #457132
Those, loaded down to 1,250-ish using AA5744, shoot superbly.
Just know that if you intend to shoot BP/mid-power/45-70 cast
loads, the 458 is long-throated. While I could never get a 405gr
to shoot MOA, it does very much like long heavy bore-riding
bullets like
- The original 45-70 Lyman/500gr #457125, and
- The Lyman/535gr Postell #457132
Those, loaded down to 1,250-ish using AA5744, shoot superbly.
I got to shoot a Ruger #1 in 458 Win Mag. The recoil from the first round surprised me, the second one really hurt, telling me the punishment from the 1st round was not a fluke.
There are cheaper ways to endure pain. Try slugs or magnum buckshot in a 12 Ga H&R Topper shotgun http://www.hr1871.com/firearms/shotguns/topper.asp, but be sure to remove the rubber buttpad, and install a hard plastic one, to increase the effect.
There are cheaper ways to endure pain. Try slugs or magnum buckshot in a 12 Ga H&R Topper shotgun http://www.hr1871.com/firearms/shotguns/topper.asp, but be sure to remove the rubber buttpad, and install a hard plastic one, to increase the effect.
FrankenMauser
New member
.458 WM's attitude depends on how you load it and what the rifle is.
A lightweight Ruger #1 is going to be harder on the shoulder than a 13 lb Ruger or CZ bolt action.
I haven't owned one, personally, but there have been several in my family that I shot. And, when my father sold his, he asked me to "dispose of" several hundred rounds of reloads before the rifle went away. So... I've had a bit of trigger time.
Some of the funnest loads were with heavy bullets (~500 grains). There's plenty of recoil there, but it's a long impulse and doesn't hurt much. And the destruction at the point of impact will put a smile on almost anyone's face.
Some of the worst loads were with 350 gr bullets in hot loads. Snappy, violent, and painful, without much payoff.
Reduced loads were somewhat fun, but I'd rather have a lighter weight .45-70 than deal with a heavy .458 WM just to shoot .45-70 level loads.
A lightweight Ruger #1 is going to be harder on the shoulder than a 13 lb Ruger or CZ bolt action.
I haven't owned one, personally, but there have been several in my family that I shot. And, when my father sold his, he asked me to "dispose of" several hundred rounds of reloads before the rifle went away. So... I've had a bit of trigger time.
Some of the funnest loads were with heavy bullets (~500 grains). There's plenty of recoil there, but it's a long impulse and doesn't hurt much. And the destruction at the point of impact will put a smile on almost anyone's face.
Some of the worst loads were with 350 gr bullets in hot loads. Snappy, violent, and painful, without much payoff.
Reduced loads were somewhat fun, but I'd rather have a lighter weight .45-70 than deal with a heavy .458 WM just to shoot .45-70 level loads.
On the recoil. I think if you shoot off hand it is less felt than sitting on a bench. I had a 12 ga magnum slug gun with a scope- where I had to keep my head OFF the stock to look through the scope and I got BELTED in the jaw every time. Still, I like the looks and concept of the 458 WM.
On the 45/70 loads- how do they compare to a 30-06? I don't even notice any recoil on my 30-06.
On the 45/70 loads- how do they compare to a 30-06? I don't even notice any recoil on my 30-06.
If you're going to get a rifle chambered in .458 Win Mag, you might's well get it chambered in .458 Lott instead, which will chamber and fire both cartridges just fine. The Lott gives you a few hundred extra FPS, which is nothing to sneeze at when you're launching a 500 grain pill.