I'm getting a hankering for a 458 and while the 458 Win Mag is more than sufficient in power, I'd rather not use a belted case. Been playing with a couple belted mags lately and dealing with sizing the spot in front of the belt has been problematic without a custom collet die.

So what's out there and been done so far? I know there are several cases that could be the basis and I don't have to reinvent the wheel. If an existing set of dies could be modified to keep cost down, all the better.

Would be based on push feed M70, M700, or FN Mauser depending on which would be easiest to get to feed. Mainly for fun, hunting deer and possibly elk or black bear with mid-weight jacketed and cast bullets. If a wildcat gets to be too bothersome/expensive, I'd probably go back to the Win Mag but I want to explore the options. I'll be doing the metal work so costs are down to barrel, reamer, dies and such.

For factory rounds there are the 450 Dakota or 450 Rigby on the 416 Rigby case.

For wildcats there is the 450 and 460 G&A on the 404 Jeffrey case (2.5" length and full length respectively). I have no doubt someone has necked the 375 Ruger up to 45 cal, same with the RUM case which is essentially just the 404 case with a slightly rebated rim. I have no doubt I'm forgetting several wildcats.

The 404/rum case has more than enough capacity and is fairly easy to come by, something I'd lean towards. When going with the 416 Rigby case, it's massive and really should be built on one of the few actions sized for it.

That said, I never had a problem with the belt on either of the 458 lotts I had, and I wouldn't hesitate to get a 458 win mag or another Lott if I wanted another 45 caliber rifle. Plenty of good rifles available so chambered, easy to get dies and brass, and all the performance you could ask for.

Forget the 458 & just run with the 416 Rigby.

MM

Just Google .458 B&M super short, it just might be the one to play with.

There is a fellow that makes a die to fix the belted mag. belt problem. Do a search on BR.com or Accurate Shooter .com
I think the RUM cases would make a fine bases for your project.

458 B&M. I can set you up with brass and dies, SSK does the rifles.

450 Howell, Rio7

Some place in the recesses of my mind I tend to remember that someone connected with A-Frame bullets was, or may have been, considering a .458 mounted on a Winchester Short Magnum case. 325WSM case?

Chamber a .458 barrel with a WSM profile and screw it on a Win Model 70 push feed that's already shucking those WSM's.

That could make a mighty fine Bison Banger!

Jim

This is the answer to your question.

Ed

I am not sure what problems you are having with belted cases but I can assure you that reloading 458 win mags and the Lott is pretty strait forward. That being said, if you are going to stick with a M70 platform you might consider a 404 or RUM based wildcat. THE 460 G&A is nice after fire forming it's "soft shoulder" out. If you do a CZ550 you can do a 450 Rigby. I am partial to the Lott.

The Alaskan Short Magnum (AKSM) series of wildcats I developed are essentially beltless short action versions of the old oudated belted long action "short" magnums , case capacity is the same with up to two grains more in some calibers .... Coupled with the exceptional Lapua made 423 Dakota and 338 Lapua Mag brass and the "short & fat" concept proven with the 300 WSM , these cartridges should (theoretically) be near ...... 300 Wby, 340 Wby etc ........

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Then there are my Stomper wildcats ......

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another option ....... same parent cases .... 300 Norma Mag, 338 Norma Mag, 338 Lapua Mag and 423 Dakota ...... the 500 Kratos ( enforcer/muscle for Zeus) works with .500" bullets same as 500 S&W and I have developed a mold to cast 500 gr and 555 gr LFN bullets for it and my revolver ( loaded with the 700 gr T Rex Thumper in photo) ..... The 500 Enforcer uses .510" bullets ... also have the .416 cal reamer and can do a .458", have the cartridge specs but have not ordered a reamer yet

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Don't want to open up the boltface on your SA Rem 700 to 338 Lapua rim diameter ? you have this option but will be maxed out at 416 cal , after that there won't be enough shoulder to headspace on and you will end up with a straight wall case ( better left to the belted magnums for that )


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