458 express 2 1/2 what exactly is it?

[HollandFan]

Hello, this is my first post I am looking for some knowledge here. I just recently purchased a custom rifle but engraved in the barrel it says ( 458 EXP. 2 1/2 ) I am not sure what this means to be honest if anybody can give me some hindsight on this that would be great thank you so much much I understand that the 458 Winchester magnum has a case length of 2 1/2 inches and the 458 express has a case length of 3 inches so here lies my confusion

 

[sestoppelman]

I find no mention of it in my books. Perhaps a wildcat or just another way of stamping .458 Win mag, sounds more exotic.
Drop a .458 Win case in it and see if it fits, or have a chamber cast made. It may be an obsolete black powder round.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

As above, I would do a chamber cast before any attempt to shoot it, if you don’t know how to, get a smith to. It well may be a 458 wind bag (yes, intentional pun) or something else that may chamber a 458 case, but not like it, in a nasty way
Gumpy

 

[CZDiesel]

As above, I would do a chamber cast before any attempt to shoot it, if you don’t know how to, get a smith to. It well may be a 458 wind bag (yes, intentional pun) or something else that may chamber a 458 case, but not like it, in a nasty way
Gumpy

I’m guessing you don’t like the 458WinMag

 

[HollandFan]

thankyou for the fast replies I ordered some Cerrosafe for doing a chamber casting Iv had a rem 700 in 458 win mag I unfortunately sold it so if that’s what it is I won’t be to worried being that I still have all the reloading supplies for it

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

I’m guessing you don’t like the 458WinMag

I have one that I built, I just find the "discussions" on 458 Lott/waters vs wind bag amusing
Gumpy