Those are all great points, especially your comments about operating pressures.

Another potential problem that needs to be addressed is trigger adjustment, particularly with Model 70s. I had a good local riflesmith adjust the trigger on a Model 70 458 Win. Mag. to a very crisp 2.5 lbs. At home and at the range, I had absolutely no problem with that trigger at all. But in Africa, I experienced a slam-fire when I worked the bolt hard and fast for a reload while applying a finishing shot to a hippo. My PH and I managed to get it to slam-fire two more times before retiring the rifle for the balance of the safari!

I think it's prudent to adjust the trigger on Model 70s to no less than 3 lbs. (3.5's even better), and then make absolutely sure that there's no possibility for a slam-fire or any other trigger-related problem.

AD