It is so big-boringly easy to beat the .458 Lott with a .458 WM+ at less than 3.6" COL, that I feel a bit jaded by it all. Sir Jerry aka gunner500 hit on the 500-grain TB Sledgehammer Solid at +2350 fps from his 24"-barreled .458 WM+ on his first time out with the new rifle. He also has 450-gr TSX loads at +2400 fps and is contemplating trying for +2450 fps, not necessary, but very possible. AA-2460 was the powder.
What we need for continued interest is to replicate the Bagwell and Selous loads with grease-grooved and paper-patched bullets and BP fired from the mighty .458 WM+. I am working on it.
However, I won't get too big-bored along the way. I still need to beat Sir Jerry to 2450 fps with the 450-gr TSX in a 24" barrel with AA-2230 or other powder and less than 3.6" COL. I have had the 450-gr TSX past 2450 fps with 3.675" COL and a 25" barrel, using AA-2230, but that was cheating, taking unfair advantage of the over-governed SAAMI .458 Lott's limitations.
Hardly a dull moment for sure, with so many other loads from 250-grainer to 600-grainer to be tried with smokeless and jacketed, monometal, cast lead, and snake shot capsules ! The SAAMI-chambered .458 Winchester Magnum has got to be the most versatile and useful cartridge ever.
Ron aka "Rip" for Riflecrank Internationale Permanente NRA Life Benefactor and Beneficiary .458 Winchester Magnum, Magnanimous in Victory THE WALKING DEAD does so remind me of Democrap voters. Donkeypox.
