458 Win Mag comparison to its peers-375,416,404

[Rare Breed]

So you are saying I can get a good deal on one

Lol…actually yes. Look at a 375 or a 416 priced gun versus a 458…enough said

 

[Capt_Oscar]

This would seem a pointless discussion with the modern powders available. The 458WM is now easily capable of 2150fps with a 500gr soft, without compressing charges. Even 2200fps is reasonable with appropriate powders and lightly compressed loads. The 500gr bullet SD of a 0.458 is greater then the SD of the 0.474. Why would anyone be concerned about the caliber's "ability" to take dangerous game? People need to understand the limits of the cartridge's past are no longer an issue in today's technology. Get on the sticks, practice, practice, practice until you can't get the shot wrong and do your thing in the field...

 

[Capt_Oscar]

If comparing apples to apples... Take a 450gr bullet in a 416Rigby vs 458WM. There is no published data in reloading manuals that shows a 416Rigby exceeding 2200fps with that 450gr bullet. Yet the 458WM exceeds that and can achieve 2300fps. If you take into account modern monolithic bullets, the 458WM exceeds 2450fps with 450gr bullets and straight-line penetration of 4ft+ is recorded.

While you can anecdotally discuss cross section (frontal cross section). The 458WM brings that heavy hand to the fight. So arguably for the same reason a 470Nitro is considered a better stopping rifle over the 458WM (same bullet weight and velocity). The 458WM has over any 416, save the 416 Weatherby or Cheytec. As I stated, it shouldn't even be close anymore given the 458WM can exceed the velocity of the 416 family of bullets.

 

[IvW]

I would choose any of the other three any day of the week......

 

[Rare Breed]

I would choose any of the other three any day of the week......

+1