To Lott or not to Lott that is the question

[CBH Australia]

So, I've just found out my local gunsmith has a .458 Lott reamer.
I have a .458 win mag Cz550 safari.Id like to bust some Buffalo, even if its just Water Buffalo in Australia
Ive read all the pros and cons of why a .458 was no good 50 years ago and why we should not discount it as a calibre now.
All opinions read and considered but should i Lott it and why?

 

[matt85]

the 458 Lott is fantastic! if you hand load then you will find it will give you a much wider range of options then the 458 WM.

-matt

 

[CBH Australia]

The Pumbah in Matt’s response (avatar) above is so cool. Warthogs are pretty cool looking. I shoot Feral Pigs in Australia, nothing big but but they do exist, I’m guessing that is a fair size among trophy Warthogs.

 

[greyfox]

If he has the reamer and there's not a lot of expense involved, then yes, do it,
You can fire 458 WM in a Lott chamber so all you're gaining is velocity and versatility.

first, Make sure your action is long enough, the Lott requires a magnum action.

 

[matt85]

first, Make sure your action is long enough, the Lott requires a magnum action.

his rifle is a CZ 550 Safari, this rifle uses a full size magnum action and is even available in 458 Lott as a standard cartridge.

The Pumbah in Matt’s response (avatar) above is so cool. Warthogs are pretty cool looking. I shoot Feral Pigs in Australia, nothing big but but they do exist, I’m guessing that is a fair size among trophy Warthogs.

thank you, the pig in my avatar isnt huge but it is a respectable example of his species. he was shot in the eastern cape of South Africa at a distance of around 140 yards with a Winchester M70 chambered in 416 RM (that's a 416 RM cartridge on his nose). i love warthogs and to date this is still my favorite critter to hunt!

-matt

 

[Luvthunt]

Well, you may be lucky, but in most cases a rechambered 458 WM needs work on the rails and ramp to feed the Lott cartridge properly

 

[ChrisG]

I don't own one, but logically, a .458 lott makes more sense, especially given the cavernous action of the CZ550. It seems to me that the Lott would (theoretically at least) feed better in the action. It is lower pressure, which is always a good thing, and, if you want win mag ballistics, or .45-70 ballistics... or even subsonic heavy bullet loads, a .458 Lott will do all of those things. A .458 Win mag can only accomplish a couple. Let me tell you, a 405 grain cast bullet with a case full of trailboss slinging it downrange around 950 fps is a lot of fun... or should I say "Lott of fun!"

 

[postoak]

If you handload, I would say no; stay with what you have.

 

[CBH Australia]

I handload, cases are available about $2each.
Can anyone elabrorate on the feeding issues?
Ive heard of it. There is a gunsmith in Melbourne that specialises in Big bore. KUDU gunsmithing. I dont know him.
My local is good and does good work but more target stuff.
Wait times and shipping make the local option seem easier.

 

[BnC 04]

I'm a huge fan of the Lott, performance is outstanding and if handloaded you can wring her dry. That being said IF I found I could not handle the recoil to make proper shots I would have left the Lott alone.
I'm not a muzzlebreak guy so that wasn't an option.
Mine is a M70 with a Bansner stock, my bear rifle and very light. She lets ya know when you tough one off.

 

[Hunter4752001]

G'day Chris

If your based in Melbourne then go and have a chat to Bob at Kudu Services. One of the few actual gunsmiths still around.

I have a Brno 602 which is the predecessor of the CZ 550 Safari and intend having it rechambered to 458 Lott. A mate already has one and confirms that it functions flawlessly. Just remember that out here, 458 Lott brass is expensive.

Some time back I asked this forum about ammo supply in Africa for .458 Win mag vs .458 Lott. I was expecting .458 WM to be much more available, however the consensus was that 458 Lott was the go. Scanning through the ammo adds of a number of SA shops confirmed this. This is can be an issue if you arrive in country with your rifle but find the airline has lost your ammo.

If you intend taking the rifle to Africa at some point in the future it would be best to ensure that the barrel markings are re-done to the new calibre and that you get a new registration certificate issued. That way the rifle, ammo and paperwork will all match and minimize any potential problems with officialdom.

 

[Ray B]

Since you handload and since you have a CZ that has sufficient length for proper cartridge OAL, I'd stay with the Win Mag. There's very little that the Lott can do that can't be equaled by a properly loaded Win Mag.

 

[matt85]

when you get your gun converted, try using the 350gr Barnes TSX. load that puppy up to 2700+fps and you will show every one why the Lott is better then the win mag!

my 416 RM load is a 300gr TSX at 2700fps and it has performed beyond expectations. my next buffalo will be shot with that load.

-matt

 

[CBH Australia]

Thanks, ive got some Woodleigh Hydrostatic brass coloured bullets in a cupboard at home, i havent looked at them for a couple of years. Away for work.
Ive only used soft points 350-400gn and some Hornady with a polymer tip. Ive only fired it for shits and giggles. My wife likes to see me smile occassionally.
I think its fun. I get a kick out of it.
I have a "safari rifle" in my small collection of hunting rifles. Basically examples of different types of modern hunting rifles. Thats why ive got it wrll ahead of opportunity to use it for its intended use.
Having fired a .375H&H id have settled on one but i got a new rifle on clearance.
Another reason i had to have one is i was in a gunshop in Mildura. A young fella came in grinning from ear to ear. The lady behind the counter said how did you go? Hes like great, i just came to see if you have loading gear for it! Im ovet chainsaws im just gonna smah my wood with the .458win mag. True story. He had obvioysly had fun.He was a solid fella and proudly showed the bruise on his shoulder but couldnt wait to go out for another round. Who would have thought you could have so much fun knocking yourself around.

 

[BenKK]

Bob at Kudu is good, I definitely recommend him.

I have a real soft spot for the humble .458WM and am collecting the parts to build one on an M98.

 

[bruce moulds]

ben,
i thought you had reached nirvanah with your 50 cal.
bruce.

 

[BenKK]

It is certainly emphatic!

 

[gizmo]

Lott!

 

[flat8]

How is this even a question?!?

 

[Nhoro]

I handload, cases are available about $2each.
Can anyone elabrorate on the feeding issues?

With the longer OAL of the Lott and a couple of other things, you may or may not get feeding issues. IMHO the CZ receiver/magazine is sometimes a little narrow just under the rails. Some people report problems but I found my 458 win mag feeds BETTER with a longer rounds and hates short rounds ie it is better with longer monometal bullets. Anyway, getting it to feed smoothly is fairly routine for a good gunsmith.