Best rifle for 458 WM?

Axle2010

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It might sound like a dumb question but I've read in here before (can't find it now) where the Win Mag fans like rifles with certain dimensions in the action to accommodate seating bullets long then clean up the throats to then emulate the Lott performance. I know it would be easier to just find a Lott but the Win Mags seem to be more plentiful and the rifle and ammo are cheaper. So is a M70 or CZ 550 a better starting point than a Ruger or Sako? Or are they all the same internally? BTW yes I'd love to finally get a sako but they seem to all be double or triple original price and come with a "free safari".
 
Need to add BRNO to the list too I guess. There's one for sale but it has that funny looking hump back stock
 
Interarms/Whitworth rifles have M98-type CRF actions, classic lines, express sights, and run from $750-$1500 on the used market. Not sure how the chamber is cut as far as throat length…

This is mine in .458

1728953286592.jpeg



Ed Z
 
I saw a Whitworth for sale but don't know much about them and it didn't look neat as nice as yours
 
I think Winchester with the Model 70 is the quintessential 458 WM pairing, although if you’re going to be reloading with increased COL a magnum action is likely best.

CZ550.

Also I know the retailer you are referring to with the “free Safari”.

I wonder how legit that is.
 
I think Winchester with the Model 70 is the quintessential 458 WM pairing, although if you’re going to be reloading with increased COL a magnum action is likely best.

CZ550.

Also I know the retailer you are referring to with the “free Safari”.

I wonder how legit that is.
Well it claims you have up to 3 years to use your free safari and you can change and switch the animals in the list but I'd be a bit hesitant on who they use for a oh in that kind of deal.
 
Find yourself a Pre-64 to be fancy, an experienced gal.

Mine is great rifle, she just feels right. She will be replaced next year with a semi-custom job. Not that she is not great, but I have something special planned.
 
Cz 550 has a big action and accommodates COL of a Lott.

I have one and used to load win mag ammo to win mag COL and longer. Be careful you don't over do it. I then had it reamed to Lott for free while getting other work done. The gunsmith said it was a easy and quick job. The win mag chamber already has a long throat. However, all actions which can handle the 375 h&h are basically Lott length so you are safe to go with any action you choose. Cz and Brno are big and so maybe a little more suited to the Lott. Bit more space while loading etc
 
I was wondering about that since the 458 is a necked up shortened 375 anyway. I like the CZ 550 but like my M70 better so that's probably where I'll go unless I find an RSM first. Anybody have a reason not to look at the standard Ruger M77? There's a nice looking commemorative one for sale in watching too. And thanks for the replies guys
 
I have a standard length stainless Winchester Model 70 Classic, as in 338 Winchester, etc type, that is a re-barrel to 375 H&H.
I bought it used. Replace the magazine or remove the spacer, shortened or replace the ejector. I am not sure if the bolt stop on this one was modified or not. But it functions fine with 375 H&H loaded rounds. And ejects from the magazine loaded 458 Lott rounds, cycled as far as the 375 chamber will allow.
This is re-barreled with a take-off stainless Model 70 375 H&H. Unless you noticed the rear scope base mounting area / screw spacing, you would be hard pressed to detect a difference. The ejection port has not been modified / lengthened.
 
Someone got a nice, vintage Browning Safari in .458 in today’s Rock Island Auction…
FF10A270-9768-4285-8078-8D8E1A199896.jpeg

Looks like it was redone.. they removed the glossy finish off the stock and the metal work has a dull finish. Nice looking rifle..
 

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458 Win Mag Plus as they tend to be called. It is an easy alteration for a Model 70. New Haven or like mine the 2011 Cabelas 1 of 500. Change the ejector and shorten the bolt stop so the bolt retracts a bit more. It will handle long case overall length so you can load a 450 grain bullet out to allow for more case capacity. The case capacity was the hindrance and this solves it. 450 grain modern bullets are better suited than the original 510 or 500 grain bullets.
The 450 TSX or my favorite the North Fork SS and solids. In my rifle I push them safely to 2410 fps. You can still practice a bit of technique with lighter loads and sight in and hunt with the power house. The only requirement is you must be able to handle recoil..... it is vastly higher than a standard 458 wm load. But it is a STOPPER!
 

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