Love or Hate for the 458 Winchester

[Doug Hamilton]

The problems with the 458WM date way back to the early days when the propellants were inconsistent and the bullet technology wasn't where it is today. Since then they've learned to load them a tad longer and the powder is so much better. You're talking about a 450gr bullet going potentially 2400 fps with modern technology.



It's not that hard at all. Any decent gunsmith can properly ream it out and space it properly. I got a quote on my Ruger No 1 for very cheap. The real question is, does it make sense to do so? 458WM with modern day propellants and bullet technology is basically enough to take anything from a buff to elephant. You're up around 80 lbs of recoil with the Lott. It's faster, more powerful, but it's going to hurt a lot more.

Right! With.proper hand loads my .458 Winchester sends 500 grain bullets out at 2160 fps. That would be the sane as a 470 NE. I am nit especially recoil shy, but I can see no reason to take more abuse at my end.