The ballistic “efficiency” drop off point that balances velocity vs BC vs bullet weight is the really intersesting part of this equation.

I think the biggest longer range dilemma and the root of my question/concerns (assuming I would be proficient in range estimation and proper hold over) will manifest itself is the BC of the projectile. Below 350 grains at extended range, i.e 300 yards+, the BC of the stumpy light weight bullets (particularly lead based) makes the terminal velocity very low and retained energy reduced significantly and with the relatively large .458” diameter, I would be concerned about sufficient penetration, particularly if shot placement is not a perfect heart/lung shot through or between ribs.

I was at the indoor range last night playing around and the 350gr TSX gives one ragged hole accuracy at 50 yards with 79 grains of Varget. The Woodleigh 400 grain PP SP demonstrated the same level of accuracy but using 1/2 grain below maximum charge of H4895. The Hornady 325 grain FTX plastic nose bullet over 79 grains of Varget shot lovely shotgun patterns, probably in part due to its ogive being 100 miles away from the barrel lands. The 500 grain Swift AFrames printed ~ 1” at 50 yards - not relevant to the light weight bullet discusion but interesting accuracy note and certainly plenty sufficient for DG ranges. All loads used Federal 215M primers (yes I hoarded a small private stash) were moderately crimped. The next time I go I will need to chrony the loads to determine just how fast they are clocking.

I am not fussed about the recoil as my rifle (a bespoke Heym Express bolt action) is of good design and fits me extremely well and in any event I am generally ok with stout levels of recoil. My .500 NE double is managable but starts to ring my bell on the recoil front after 10 or 20 shots and I don’t use nor feel the need for muzzle brakes outside of the target range (think Lapua .338). The Lott is more of a softer push than a brutal high recoil speed smack like one gets with the hyper velocity Weatherby big bores.