I know this subject has been beaten several feet into the ground over time, but in the last couple of years, I have done a little research at the range and at the reloading bench and discovered a couple of things:
1. The .458 Lott is not the ideal .458 cartridge. I recently converted my Model 70 in .458WM to .458 Lott. The only advantage it offers over the .458 WM is .3 inches more cartridge space so that you dont have to compress the loads, and the ability to shoot .458WM in a pinch. Hornady factory .458 Lott loads give 2300fps, while their heavy magnum .458 WM loads give 2260--only 40 fps difference. In handloading, I can get 2200 max from the WM and 2250 max from the Lott--not a significant difference, except with the Lott, I now do not have to compress my loads. In fact, I can hear the powder when I shake the Lott cartridge. Now that in itself was enough reason for the conversion, but my point is that the power levels are not that different by any means. The Lott with Hornady factory loads will reach the lower end of the optimum 2300-2400 fps penetration range for 500 grain pills, but the handloader is limited to borderline anemic loads. This from a guy who owns and handloads for the Lott.
2. I recently purchased a higher-end CZ (AAA walnut, no crossbolts) in 450 Rigby and decided quickly that, from a performance standpoint, this cartridge might be the best of all the .458s. As a handloader, the lack of a belt gives me true full-length resizing instead of stopping at the belt. It takes 25 grains more powder than the Lott to charge, but I get an easy 2450fps at very mild pressures, and could load to Dakota pressures and get 2500-2600 if I chose to. The only downside was the expense of the brass and dies, but once that pain is past, you are only paying for the extra powder it takes to load the .450 Rigby.
Anyone else have a favorite .458 cartridge you would like to tout, or any .458 experience you would like to share? I have found that most of the other 458's are either anemic, belted, or uncommon--all deal-breakers for me--but I probably havent researched them all. In fact, I am considering selling my Model 70 Lott conversion now. I might need the proceeds for the CZ 550 Magnum in 505 Gibbs I will need for my new 600 Overkill conversion!
1. The .458 Lott is not the ideal .458 cartridge. I recently converted my Model 70 in .458WM to .458 Lott. The only advantage it offers over the .458 WM is .3 inches more cartridge space so that you dont have to compress the loads, and the ability to shoot .458WM in a pinch. Hornady factory .458 Lott loads give 2300fps, while their heavy magnum .458 WM loads give 2260--only 40 fps difference. In handloading, I can get 2200 max from the WM and 2250 max from the Lott--not a significant difference, except with the Lott, I now do not have to compress my loads. In fact, I can hear the powder when I shake the Lott cartridge. Now that in itself was enough reason for the conversion, but my point is that the power levels are not that different by any means. The Lott with Hornady factory loads will reach the lower end of the optimum 2300-2400 fps penetration range for 500 grain pills, but the handloader is limited to borderline anemic loads. This from a guy who owns and handloads for the Lott.
2. I recently purchased a higher-end CZ (AAA walnut, no crossbolts) in 450 Rigby and decided quickly that, from a performance standpoint, this cartridge might be the best of all the .458s. As a handloader, the lack of a belt gives me true full-length resizing instead of stopping at the belt. It takes 25 grains more powder than the Lott to charge, but I get an easy 2450fps at very mild pressures, and could load to Dakota pressures and get 2500-2600 if I chose to. The only downside was the expense of the brass and dies, but once that pain is past, you are only paying for the extra powder it takes to load the .450 Rigby.
Anyone else have a favorite .458 cartridge you would like to tout, or any .458 experience you would like to share? I have found that most of the other 458's are either anemic, belted, or uncommon--all deal-breakers for me--but I probably havent researched them all. In fact, I am considering selling my Model 70 Lott conversion now. I might need the proceeds for the CZ 550 Magnum in 505 Gibbs I will need for my new 600 Overkill conversion!
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