Need bullet recommendations for 458 win mag

[Buckinrut25]

Hi, I have stared deer hunting in a new spot last fall and it has far more brush than I'm used to. I missed a nice buck last fall from what I believe was a small branch strike. I have cleared shooting lanes and I know I have to wait for my shot. Since shots past 100 yds in the woods are not possible and no shots beyond 200 yds I'm thinking my 458 may be a better option than my old trusty 260 due to the brush. I'll be hand loading for this rifle so I need projectile advise. It will be used for deer only. I need something that will do well in brush and not waist a bunch of meat. Thanks for any advise

 

[Thebear_78]

The speer 350gr Hotcor is a great bullet and should do well on whitetails. Its also a very hard bullet and shouldn't waste much meat. There are also a whole host of 45/70 bullets that definitely fit the bill. I really can't imagine any bullet in the 458 win no working well on deer.

One thing worth noting, just because its big and heavy doesn't really mean its any better at bucking brush. Anything can and will deflect, especially the farther from the intended target. A small faster projectile might actually be better able to shoot thru small gaps in the brush.

 

[Buckinrut25]

Thank you for the advise. I was thinking about setting up some kind of test to see how they compare. I was more thinking the rn or fn bullet might deflect less than a spire point. I remember reading some years back in an old NRA article that said the slug was most effective in rush. I'm not planning on shooting through the brush just concerned about that stray twig or branch that may pop up. I'm also planning on loading it out around 2400fps. I'll check out that hot core

 

[RT2506]

I have been shooting deer for 46 years. In my experience there are NO "Brush Busting" calibers/bullets. If something like a limb, twig or reed deflected a .264 deer hunting constructed bullet it would also most likely deflect a .458 bullet. If the .264 bullet was of varmint construction then yes it will mostly come apart on impact with anything. With the 458 Win mag to be used on deer you will need to load it Waaaaaaaay down with any bullet less than a 500 gr FMJ or some of the specialized dangerous game bullets if you don't want to make a mess. The Hornady 350 gr is a more sturdy bullet than most of the 300 gr bullets. The 300 Sierra HP between 2100 and 2200 fps from my 45-70 works really well if you stay away from the shoulder. Hit the shoulder and the front end is GONE.

 

[Buckinrut25]

With my 260 I use 120 pro hunter loaded to 2750fps. It has 16.5 barrel and been a great little hunting rifle. I know there is no magic bullet that goes through brush every time. It's mostly related to how and when the bullet hits the brush with a fair amount of luck. I also forgot to mention the other reason for considering the switch is where I'm hunting is public land but very close to private property and I need the deer down quickly.

 

[aj427ci]

Pretty good experiment.....
[ame]https://youtu.be/P5dve7vAY9I[/ame]

 

[aj427ci]

Double post oops

 

[Greyfox]

IMO, 2400FPS is likely too fast for a .458 load used for deer. Most of the lighter .458 soft points would come apart and/or cause massive damage. Recoil would be brutal. I down loaded a 458 Winchester. many years ago to 45-70 levels using 350gr Hornady round nose SP's or 400gr Speer at 1600-1800. Performing like a hot 45-70, this combo is very effective on deer from close range to 200 yards.

 

[Buckinrut25]

Pretty interesting video. Thanks

 

[RT2506]

If you want to put a deer down in it's tracks you either have to hit the neck or high shoulder. These are bang flop shots. You can put a bullet behind the shoulder in the heart lung area and the deer is dead but it still will run off a ways much of the time. I have shot quite of number of deer with the 140 gr Hornady Interlock .264 bullet from my 6.5x55 muzzle velocity 2850 fps from the 29" barrel through the shoulders and it does not destroy them like the 120 Sierra or Ballistic Tip does. The 130 Accubond is also really good at not totally destroying the shoulders even when pushed 3350 fps from my 264 Win mag 27 3/4" barrel. Made the mistake of hitting the shoulder once with the .308 155 gr Berger VLD from my 30x47 at 2600 fps and had to throw away the whole front end of the deer.

 

[snox801]

I think you are on the right path. I saw my father shoot his muzzle loader straigh through a palmetto branch and kill the pig behind it. .260 probably not. That being said I wouldn't want to try it on a nice buck. As far as .458 bullets go I've yet to find one that does better than the cutting edge raptors. A bit pricey but they work exactly how advertised.

 

[MKWas]

I've just started looking at deer loads with the 458 Win Mag using 45-70 loads.. I'm also dealing with brush in my woods. I want a flat nose bullet. Since deflection is proportional to velocity & inversely proportional to weight I want a slow & heavy projectile.

This is preliminary:
I have gotten decent results with Berry's 350 gr 45-70 round shoulder. It is a plated bullet 0.459 inch diameter, with a 1950 fps maximum. It should be fine for deer. Since it is basically a cast lead bullet with a thin copper plate, like a cast bullet it should expand at low velocities. Unlike a cast bullet there are no issues with lead fouling. I'm leaning toward this bullet.

I also have Hunters Supply Slick Coat 45 Caliber 295 grain HP Lead Bullet, also 0.459 inch diameter. A smaller flat point with a big 5-sided hole in them. I've tried a couple with mixed results, it isn't grouping well but I've only tried 1 load. These may be OK with more work. I'm wondering if this will fragment excessively.

I just got some Lehigh .458 caliber, 380 grain Wide Flat Nose Lead-Free Bullets. I haven't shot them yet. It'll probably be a while before I can (broken firing pin). It does look interesting, though it is probably a better option for a long flat shooting round in the Win Mag. Lead free solids need high velocity for expansion. But this should make a big hole even without expansion.. The Berry's is only slightly lighter & seems to be a better option unless hunting in a lead free zone.

 

[6.5shaggy]

As said above, anything can be deflected, however the big 458 will be less affected. I use a 405 cast mold with a deep hollow point and gas check for a flying weight of 370 grains at 2500 fps from my 458. I haven't shot a deer but it smashes hogs, and I don't try to shoot thru trees, but I have before when needed.

 

[Northkill]

Some real good options for what you're trying to do here. Less engraving pressure = less recoil...

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