Gunsmithing .458 DK thoughts and opinions?

[GasLight]

OK, I realize fully this isn't a Safari rifle/cartridge forum, but this is where I hang out, so I thought I would see if anyone has any thougths or opinions on a project I am wanting to undertake soon. Basically my idea is a dangerous game cartridge that can be magazine fed, and will still perform. Upon reading about the .450 Rigby, I understand it is inefficient, and takes nearly 20% more powder to achieve the same velocity as the .458 Lott. This gets the wheel spinning. I am aware that the .450 Rigby can be loaded hotter and outperform the Lott, and that it will perform with the Lott at lower pressures. Being that the Lott performs well enough for any practical purposes, and the 450 Rigby is too long for the .338 Lapua magazines, I thought maybe a shorter version might fit the bill nicely.

So, here it is. It is basically a .338 Lapua case shortened and then blown out to the .450 Rigby shoulder dimensions. I am planning on building this on a pre-64 Winchester controlled round feed action, and running a CDI bottom metal with the long action .338 Lapua magazines from AI.

Am I missing anything above?

 

[RTH1800]

Re: .458 DK thoughts and opinions?

Fun to think about, but the world is full of great rounds of this type. Not enough game to hunt with all of them if each was fired once. I have done a bit big game shooting. If you are to make a trip, make your life easy. Get a .375 H&H. It is as good as any, very shootable, fine on the smaller animals as well, accurate, Harry Mannors about wiped out the elephants in Mozambeque with one. I have used 470, 416 Rigby etc. I now favor a .375. JMO

 

[hntbambi]

Re: .458 DK thoughts and opinions?

Not sure if it's still the rule but some countries in Africa required ammo case head stamp to match the chamber (no wildcats). Might be a good idea to check the rules of the location you plan to hunt.

 

[dave338]

Re: .458 DK thoughts and opinions?

I use a ruger 77 mag in 458lott factory barrel. Gun holds 4 rounds
Using 500 gr Barnes # 2300fps
Had a break fitted and gun shoots less than 1" @100y
Most of the time 3 shots hover around 1/2-3/4''

 

[GasLight]

Re: .458 DK thoughts and opinions?

Appreciate the info Dave. I am wanting to use a detachable magazine for faster reloads. I also want something a little different, this is why the 'rigby short'. The round I drew up above should be very near the same capacity as the lott, so will be very similar velocity and performance, but might have a small benefit or two.

 

[sinarms]

Re: .458 DK thoughts and opinions?

You are going at it all wrong, take a look at the 450 Dakota pretty much the exact same as what you want to do, with factory brass, dies, reamer and ammo if you wanted.

 

[former naval person]

Re: .458 DK thoughts and opinions?

As Hntbambi says. Bye the bye...be damn sure that commercial ammo exists in the country/area that you are flying in to hunt for many $K's. The beautifully certified and highly proofed/proved ammo that you bring may get "lost" on the way in. Spears are available. Not ammo for the .489/20mm Spearchucker Magnum you brought. Don't ask. I know that the .458 Winny has it's detractors. And it can be "improved". However ammo for it and the .375 H&H are available anywhere you hunt REAL BIG game. Prepare for the worst. And, in Africa, or the rims of America, or India, or ???...expect it. JMHO

 

[GasLight]

Re: .458 DK thoughts and opinions?

you guys are probably right... thanks for the thoughts and opinions