458 Optics Options

Like others have said, don’t skimp on a DG optic that your life and PHs life might depend on. Save and buy the best you can.
Vortex of any kind on 375 and up is a no go for me.
I used to tell new guys the same thing about duty optics they were trying to save a few bucks on. My question to them was “How much is your life worth?”
 
I acquired a Ruger No.1 in 458 Win Mag several years ago, and have enjoyed shooting it (in shorter sessions) with iron sights since then.
I am now trying to find an appropriate optic for my Cape Buff/PG hunt in 2027. I’ve already tried out a Vortex Crossfire 1-4, and also have a Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5 on a No.1 in 30-06.
A friend recently brought up that he does not believe that the Vortex will stand up to repeated recoil from a 458, wouldn’t risk it in Africa, and like many others on here has recommended a Leupold.
Before buying a new optic, does anyone have any experience with Vortex on a 458 Win Mag (or similar recoiling) rifle?
Also, what’s y’all’s opinion on LPVO vs reflex? I will be in Limpopo with most shots within 120 yards from what I’ve heard from the outfitter.
I have a nearly new, like new Swarovski Z8I x 24mm with BRT reticle, just bought it this spring, was going to take it to Africa in July but decided to stay with what I was using. $3200 new, would sell for $2750 if you are interested. 1-8 power, illuminated reticle
 
Curious if any one has experience with a Holosun 510C on a big bore rifle. Thinking of putting one on a 416 rem mag.
I was told by a salesman at my lgs (so take it as you will) to not use Holosun on my 460 revolver cause of recoil so I would think it's not gonna tolerate a 416 either
 
From what I’ve seen Burris Fastfire is pretty much the only mounting option for red dots to a Ruger No.1. Does anyone know of any RMR to Docter conversion plates? I can’t find any
 
I acquired a Ruger No.1 in 458 Win Mag several years ago, and have enjoyed shooting it (in shorter sessions) with iron sights since then.
I am now trying to find an appropriate optic for my Cape Buff/PG hunt in 2027. I’ve already tried out a Vortex Crossfire 1-4, and also have a Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5 on a No.1 in 30-06.
A friend recently brought up that he does not believe that the Vortex will stand up to repeated recoil from a 458, wouldn’t risk it in Africa, and like many others on here has recommended a Leupold.
Before buying a new optic, does anyone have any experience with Vortex on a 458 Win Mag (or similar recoiling) rifle?
Also, what’s y’all’s opinion on LPVO vs reflex? I will be in Limpopo with most shots within 120 yards from what I’ve heard from the outfitter.
While I actually like Vortex optics, I don't think I want to risk the cost of a safari, or someone getting hurt, on a Vortex scope mounted on a .458 Win Mag. I have a Leupold HD 3, 1.5-5x mounted on my .458 WM . It held its zero through several range sessions, air travel to Zimbabwe where it was used on a buffalo and back to the US where it is still holding its zero. I'd recommend the Leupold over a Vortex, especially the lower end Crossfire model.
 
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While I actually like Vortex optics, I don't think I want to risk the cost of a safari, or someone getting hurt, on a Vortex scope mounted on a .458 Win Mag. I have a Leupold HD 3, 1.5-5x mounted on my .458 WM . It held its zero through several range sessions, air travel to Zimbabwe where it was used on a buffalo and back to the US where it is still holding its zero. I'd recommend the Leupold over a Vortex, especially the lower end Crossfire model.
Yeah I have ordered a Trijicon RMR now and a mount from American Hunting Rifles (couldn’t find an adaptor plate for the Burris Ruger mount). I’m gonna use that combo for deer season this year and if I feel like I need the extra magnification I’m gonna shift to a Leupold LVPO. What ammo did you use for your buff and how did it perform?
 
Yeah I have ordered a Trijicon RMR now and a mount from American Hunting Rifles (couldn’t find an adaptor plate for the Burris Ruger mount). I’m gonna use that combo for deer season this year and if I feel like I need the extra magnification I’m gonna shift to a Leupold LVPO. What ammo did you use for your buff and how did it perform?
My PH still prefers solids, so I used hand loads with .500 grain Hornady. I get about 2160 fps with this load, and it's accurate. Anyway, one shot through the shoulder. It blew out the valves at the top of the heart and exited behind the opposite shoulder. He ran no more than 25 yards and piled up dead.

I killed my first buffalo in 1983. I used solids on that one as well. There weren't many premium .458 bullets on the market then, so solids it wss. I also broke the shoulder on that one, but struck the heart three or four inches lower, which didn't destroy the pump before the adrenalin got going. Things got kind of "Western" after that. More shots, attempted ambush, the PH's rifle malfunctioned and I broke the bull's neck when he was about ten feet and closing on the PH. He told me then that if I had hit the buffalo a little higher he wouldn't have gone more than 50 yards. It took me 39 years to test that, but I got to tell the same PH that I had remembered and he had been right.
 

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