Win-Mag .458 Questions. Help a Novice

[DallasRepub]

Winchester Model 70 Classic Super Express .458 Mag -New Haven

Hi All,

I need to preface that I am not familiar with these types of rifles and bought this on a whim(Dirty Harry used one in the first film)
So pardon this Texan if these are dumb questions:
-Would threading the barrel for either a muzzle break or a suppressor destroy the value of this rifle?
-what time of scope(budget) would you recommend ? Will the recoil cause the scope to go off zero?
- what in the world is that mid-site and how does that work?
-does this gun only shoot .458 mag? Will it shoot .458 socom? .458 Lott?

Thanks again everyone now if I can only find ammo

 

[mike mccormick]

Most importantly, it will only fire 458 win.mag.
Next, these are a short range weapon, generally. No need for a scope. The irons work fine. I get the impression that you are fairly inexperienced with large rifles. You will probably be well ahead to find someone to load some reduced loads, as those things will kick the living snot out of you!

 

[DallasRepub]

Most importantly, it will only fire 458 win.mag.
Next, these are a short range weapon, generally. No need for a scope. The irons work fine. I get the impression that you are fairly inexperienced with large rifles. You will probably be well ahead to find someone to load some reduced loads, as those things will kick the living snot out of you!

Thank you for the reply. Great words. Any suggestion on how to find someone with reduced loads?

 

[mike mccormick]

Thank you for the reply. Great words. Any suggestion on how to find someone with reduced loads?

Actually, in your area,get ahold of the Dallas Safari Club.

 

[DallasRepub]

Actually, in your area,get ahold of the Dallas Safari Club.

Man I’m glad you saw this post. Thank you !

 

[Laurie]

You will probably be well ahead to find someone to load some reduced loads, as those things will kick the living snot out of you!

Don't shoot it from the prone position either with full-house / factory loads - use sitting or standing positions to allow your upper body to bend back and absorb the recoil. This cartridge was designed to stop Africa's 'Big Five' dangerous animals which include rhino, elephant, and Cape Buffalo with a single shot.

 

[762willdo]

This may be of some help, it would seem red dots are sort of popular on these guns

Best Red Dot/RMR for 458 Lott

Looking for recommendations from those who have or use a red dot or rmr type sight on big bores. I have a CZ 550 458 Lott in the works and trying to decide which one to go on it. Leupold Delta Point, Kahles or Trijicon. Looking for pros and cons from you who actually have one on a big bore. Thanks.

www.africahunting.com

 

[DallasRepub]

Don't shoot it from the prone position either with full-house / factory loads - use sitting or standing positions to allow your upper body to bend back and absorb the recoil. This cartridge was designed to stop Africa's 'Big Five' dangerous animals which include rhino, elephant, and Cape Buffalo with a single shot.

Ok thank you. Good
Advice

 

[DallasRepub]

This may be of some help, it would seem red dots are sort of popular on these guns

Best Red Dot/RMR for 458 Lott

Looking for recommendations from those who have or use a red dot or rmr type sight on big bores. I have a CZ 550 458 Lott in the works and trying to decide which one to go on it. Leupold Delta Point, Kahles or Trijicon. Looking for pros and cons from you who actually have one on a big bore. Thanks.

www.africahunting.com

Awesome Thank you

 

[wboggs]

Winchester Model 70 Classic Super Express .458 Mag -New Haven

Hi All,

I need to preface that I am not familiar with these types of rifles and bought this on a whim(Dirty Harry used one in the first film)
So pardon this Texan if these are dumb questions:
-Would threading the barrel for either a muzzle break or a suppressor destroy the value of this rifle?
-what time of scope(budget) would you recommend ? Will the recoil cause the scope to go off zero?
- what in the world is that mid-site and how does that work?
-does this gun only shoot .458 mag? Will it shoot .458 socom? .458 Lott?

Thanks again everyone now if I can only find ammo

I would use a low power scope, 1-5 x range, or a red dot. Greatly improves your shooting. I used to load reduced loads with.300 gr bullets to practice standing with shooting sticks

 

[wboggs]

Winchester Model 70 Classic Super Express .458 Mag -New Haven

Hi All,

I need to preface that I am not familiar with these types of rifles and bought this on a whim(Dirty Harry used one in the first film)
So pardon this Texan if these are dumb questions:
-Would threading the barrel for either a muzzle break or a suppressor destroy the value of this rifle?
-what time of scope(budget) would you recommend ? Will the recoil cause the scope to go off zero?
- what in the world is that mid-site and how does that work?
-does this gun only shoot .458 mag? Will it shoot .458 socom? .458 Lott?

Thanks again everyone now if I can only find ammo

Just thought of a couple other points. Are you hunting in Africa with it? The PHs hate muzzle breaks but you can always practice with one and remove/rezero when hunting. Is it a pre or post 64? I would not alter a pre 64 but might be tempted with a post 64 if you can't get the reduced loads which are my first choice

 

[WAMBO]

I have a Interarms Mauser 458 Win Mag, had a 24" barrel, now it's 21", no muzzle brake.

I've shot the Hornady 500gr bullets, recoil is definitely stout but manageable.
I load 300 gr JHP's with AA2015 for plinking, its a hoot to shoot!
Reduced loads with hard cast lead bullets and SR4759 worked very good but it's been discontinued so AA5744 amd IMR4227 might work as a replacement.

It has an older Bushnell Trophy 1.75-4x32mm scope that works well for it's application.

 

[762willdo]

I remember reading a book where a guy shot trap with one…..

 

[Orr89rocz]

Just about any good scope will handle it. Just need larger amounts of eye relief. But most shoot those 1-5x type of scopes. Or red dots

I have a burris 4.5-14 on mine lol all i shoot is reduced loads. 300 gr stuff between 2200-2400, 400 gr between 2000-2150. 500 gr 1800-1900. 20” barrel.

 

[DallasRepub]

Just thought of a couple other points. Are you hunting in Africa with it? The PHs hate muzzle breaks but you can always practice with one and remove/rezero when hunting. Is it a pre or post 64? I would not alter a pre 64 but might be tempted with a post 64 if you can't get the reduced loads which are my first choice

Definitely no plans for Africa hunting. Just to take to the range occasionally. It’s post 64. 80s I believe

 

[DallasRepub]

Just about any good scope will handle it. Just need larger amounts of eye relief. But most shoot those 1-5x type of scopes. Or red dots

I have a burris 4.5-14 on mine lol all i shoot is reduced loads. 300 gr stuff between 2200-2400, 400 gr between 2000-2150. 500 gr 1800-1900. 20” barrel.

I would love to find reduced loads but I struggle finding regular loads

 

[DallasRepub]

I have a Interarms Mauser 458 Win Mag, had a 24" barrel, now it's 21", no muzzle brake.

I've shot the Hornady 500gr bullets, recoil is definitely stout but manageable.
I load 300 gr JHP's with AA2015 for plinking, its a hoot to shoot!
Reduced loads with hard cast lead bullets and SR4759 worked very good but it's been discontinued so AA5744 amd IMR4227 might work as a replacement.

It has an older Bushnell Trophy 1.75-4x32mm scope that works well for it's application.

Great. Thank you !

 

[matthias]

Resuced loads in the 458win can be tricky. Rhere are a few options for lighter cartridges.

The 458x2 or 458 american is a win shortened by 1/2 inch. Makes it very similar to a 45-70. With the reduced capacity light loads are much easier to work up.

458x2 may or may not feed well depending on the rifle. Most times I have tried they work. Because the 458 win is belted and head space is off that belt the shorter 458x2 also will headspace. Additionally the shorter cases can be made from cheaper and more available 300 and 7mm win mag cases.

This whole operation is very similar to shooting 38 special in a 357 chamber. Extra care must be taken cleaning the chamber to prevent buildup and issues when you shoot full length 458win.

 

[Bill K]

Threading the barrel will reduce it's value. Leave it as is. Shoot it with iron sights, for the most part, as it is really a short range, dangerous game rifle.
And do contact DSC for info on reduced loads and good information regarding the 458 Win. Shoot only 458 Win ammo, don't attempt others.
And get a set of dies and reload your own ammo, including reduced loads. Find some Trail Boss powder and work from there.
Learn to handle heavy recoil also.

 

[mic2377]

A low power variable scope is the way to go. The scope and mount also add weight to the rifle which is helpful to tame recoil, and make better shooting easier.

For reduced loads a fluffy, fast burning powder works best. It is too bad Trail Boss isn't made any more, but VV Tin Star is another option. You are going to be on your own somewhat in terms of load development, but a good start would be to look at reduced load data for 45/70 and cowboy action shooting.

In terms threading it, a suppressed 458 Win Mag would be awesome. You would have to measure the barrel profile to see there is enough meat on the barrel for threading though.

I had a CZ 550 in 458 Win Mag that I ended up selling as I did not reload at the time. It is a neat but certainly niche cartridge.