458 Win Mag

[Wendell Reich]

I just bought a 458 WM, I have plenty of manuals to get load data from, but I'm kind of confused on what bullet people are loading. (Also, what's your favorite powder/load)

I have North Fork 500 grain softs, Hornady Interlock 350 RN, 300 grain TSX, I'd love some Swift A-Frames, but can't find any.

I need a good DG load. Buffalo mainly. For Elephant, I'll either buy factory solids or develop a load later.

I have the following that I hear works with 458
RL-7
RL-15
IMR 4198
H 4198
H 322
IMR 3031
IMR 4064
TAC

What are your favorites?

Thanks.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I found 760 or H4350 to be ideal, RL15 for me was a slouch, just wouldn't give me the velocity.
I was using Hornady GMX factory ammo in the beginning, but loaded up my own loads with Woodleigh 500g RNSP, same bullet I was using in my 458Lott, 450 Rigby and 45-120.
The Hornady brass was trash, it got neck splits real easy, even when belling the mouth, so be warned.
Norma loads Woodleigh bullets.

Cheers.

 

[Wendell Reich]

I found 760 or H4350 to be ideal, RL15 for me was a slouch, just wouldn't give me the velocity.
I was using Hornady GMX factory ammo in the beginning, but loaded up my own loads with Woodleigh 500g RNSP, same bullet I was using in my 458Lott, 450 Rigby and 45-120.
The Hornady brass was trash, it got neck splits real easy, even when belling the mouth, so be warned.
Norma loads Woodleigh bullets.

Cheers.

Thanks. Unfortunately, I'm low on 4350.

Hard to find data on H4350. None of the manuals list it for 458 WM. Burn rate is right I suppose.

Thanks for the advice on the Hornady brass. 458 WM brass is nonexistent on the net these days. Luckily, I have had clients send me some.

 

[RichCoyle]

Wendell Reich,
I remember reading about an Alaskan guide who switched from a .375 to the .458. He used 350 bullets, but I don't remember the brand. He said it made no difference where or what angle he shot a wounded griz, they all dropped at the shot.

Therefore, I suggest you start with something about like that weight.

 

[MagnumManiac]

Thanks. Unfortunately, I'm low on 4350.

Hard to find data on H4350. None of the manuals list it for 458 WM. Burn rate is right I suppose.

Thanks for the advice on the Hornady brass. 458 WM brass is nonexistent on the net these days. Luckily, I have had clients send me some.

Have to tell you I also used H4895 and 748 for lighter bullets and reduced loads.
I went with the Lott because I just couldn't break 2100fps with 500g bullets.
I also tested Varget with 500g Woodleigh's, but my notes are very vague due to the poor performance I was having at the time with ALL powders tested. Nothing would hit 2100fps…

Cheers.

 

[hydehunter]

I have taken 2 cape buffalo, the first one with the Stone Hammer 404 gr bullet shooting 70 gr of AA2230 at 2500 fps worked great front quartering bullet passed completely thru. the 2nd one this past April I changed to CEB bullets same powder and load. first shot was with their 420 gr Raptor followed up with the new style 400 grain Safari Raptor I call long nose. that buff after the first shot in the chest and ran, on follow up it charged at 30 feet, the 420gr was found under the skin in the rump. the next 3 solids were never found along with the 3 the PH shot with his 416 bullet unknown. the buff died about 7 feet from me, very cool. I am 100% sold on the CEB bullets and a good company to work with, they are not cheap but with big money on a trip the bullets are cheap. PM me if you would like any more info on loads.

 

[RevJim]

I once tradedfor a Number 1 Tropical 458 WM and loaded the then "new" Barnes 450 X (mid 90s) I used R7. I never got to use it on anything alive, but up in the Utah Mountains, my friend and I could not find a tree thick enough to stop it! ha.