Reloading for my .458

[Donnieweps]

Reloading for my .458 Win Mag
Hodgdon's H335 and Barnes 450 gr solid copper make for an interesting project. Max load supposed to drive the slug to 2385 fps/5683 ft lbs.

Even the starting load is some 5000' #.

Slugs are on order, powder in house. Don

 

[Watertender]

I have been carrying a .458 Winchester bullet on my keys for almost 40 years. My 1st wife bought it for me as a gift when we were dating and was afraid of it blowing up. It's one of those nice memories that make life special.

 

[TDF]

I have a 458 win mag in a CZ. Even loaded down a ways that thing still gives me a headache after 8 or 10 rounds. But what a ton of fun they are. Mine is chambered in 458 Lott, but handles the 458 win mag just fine. I snagged a box of Lott Hornady 500 gr solids for it. Haven't felt the need to fire any of those off yet.

TDF

 

[Mobuck]

Do you have plans for an elephant hunt (or maybe a freight train)?
Just poking fun--to each his own. Enjoy the pain.

 

[Donnieweps]

I normally use a newer PAST Recoil Shield with heavy loads. It really does an excellent job of mitigating the effects of recoil. For light loads with Trail Boss powder, nothing is needed.

 

[seasterl]

I used to have a Ruger No.1 in 45/70 that was throated to accept the Ruger No.1-only Hornady solid. I forgot the load I used in the book, but given that the rifle was light and the red butt pad was hard, it still kicked the snot out of me. I used to go for pie plates at fifty yards while standing and iron sight only. I was happy with how I did, but my shoulder felt it the next day. Given this would be a "baby 458 WinMag," I did not pursue a 458 after that. I ended up converting the rifle to a 500S&W and now do the same with it at the range, but my shoulder thanks me for it. (Max loads of 500S&W and a custom butt pad we're a lot easier to tolerate.). The beauty of the 458 is that you can download it and still use for just about anything, or load for bear and take anything. I think that cartridge (like the 416 Rigby) are great for those that only want or need about three rifles total in their arsenal. (Everyone thinks about the "if I can only have three rifles…" question sometimes, and rifles like yours are great for the top of the food chain.)

 

[buckeyeshooter]

I bought a Ruger 77 in .458 in 1981. I generally shoot 350 Grain Barnes X's at 2100 fps. It's not a full power load but accurate and works well on everything shot with it. I load mine with Reloader 7.

 

[Xrayist]

I used to have a Ruger No.1 in 45/70 that was throated to accept the Ruger No.1-only Hornady solid. I forgot the load I used in the book, but given that the rifle was light and the red butt pad was hard, it still kicked the snot out of me. I used to go for pie plates at fifty yards while standing and iron sight only. I was happy with how I did, but my shoulder felt it the next day. Given this would be a "baby 458 WinMag," I did not pursue a 458 after that. I ended up converting the rifle to a 500S&W and now do the same with it at the range, but my shoulder thanks me for it. (Max loads of 500S&W and a custom butt pad we're a lot easier to tolerate.). The beauty of the 458 is that you can download it and still use for just about anything, or load for bear and take anything. I think that cartridge (like the 416 Rigby) are great for those that only want or need about three rifles total in their arsenal. (Everyone thinks about the "if I can only have three rifles…" question sometimes, and rifles like yours are great for the top of the food chain.)

Had a buddy that punched his out to 45-120. Could reach near 460 Weatherby ballistics. Shot it once, which was 10 times too many! He shot it three times, and I swear there were tears in his eyes. Had it rebarreled with a 30" 45-70 barrel, and shot low end Marlin 1895 loads in it. Was very happy after that!

 

[gatling]

I don't load to anywhere near factory specs. I've got a stash of 4759 and I use it for reduced loads in this chambering. 28 grains of that work wonderfully well with a 405-grain bullet. When I run out of 4759, I'll switch to 5744. I shoot this cartridge in both a No. 1 and a Circassian 77.

 

[flyer898]

My biggest bore Ruger #1 is a .458 Lott; a Hornady 500 gr. soft point on top of about 85 grains of WW748 bruises my shoulder nicely, and the bottom of the powder can is quickly found (82 rounds).