From: 444 MARLIN (Original Message) Sent: 8/21/2002 4:40 PM
Just looked at a new 458 win mag, 98 Mauser action & ram line stock. He will take $900 for it, do you think it's a good buy or would i be better of with something else [375H&H]. Any info appreciated.

Regards
444

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From: Bigfive Sent: 8/21/2002 5:09 PM
444,

I don't know where you are from but do you really need a big gun like that? If you live in the USA what do you really need a 458 for?A 375H&H you can play around with ammunition but not really with a 458.I know all of us wants the big guns and I'm the same in that way.Make you a deal-buy the 458 but then you must come and hunt here with me in SA.

The 458WM stays absolutely a marvelous calibre and the price you mentioned sounds good.It's up to you!!!!!!!

Bigfive

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From: Nitro Sent: 8/21/2002 7:45 PM
444

My opinion for what it's worth.

It depends on what you intend to do with it.

Practical usage
If you are going to buy just ONE dangerous game rifle and use it for that purpose, my first choice now for a single rifle would be a 416 Rigby, 416 Rem Mag or 404 Jeffrey.

If I wanted a rifle as an all round safari rifle and wanted to take only rifle on a safari I would choose a 375 H&H Mag. I am seriously considering only taking my 375 on this trip this year, and no smaller calibre. Planning to use it on a buff or two and a variety of plains game.

A 416 type round may also handle the smaller stuff with the right bullets but is not as suited to plains game. On the other hand it will handle the big stuff much better, or so I have been told.

If I wanted a really serious dangerous game rifle a 458 Win Mag may be the thing, especially if it is rechambered to a 458 Lott. If you already have say a 338 Win Mag, a 458 Win Mag may "partner" it well. It would be a great buffalo rifle, and not a bad elephant rifle if you ever strike it lucky.

Less practical purposes - ie fun!
If your purpose is less for actual use, why not?

You can shoot your 458 with bullets designed for the 45/70 and if you want at lesser velocities and less recoil. Sounds like a great rifle to take on a Big Bore Pig Hunt!

Good to play around with. I wouldn't say anything else, this is supposed to be a site with an emphasis on big bores!

My preference is to get a 458 Lott and I have a mid term project to acquire a Mauser 98 actioned rifle in 458 Lott.

The 458 Win Mag has had some unfavourable incidents and stories over time on dangerous game usage, especially when the factory ammunition was loaded down and velocities decreased. Opposed to this there are a lot of people who say it is a great DGR cartridge.

My preference comes from I prefer large calibres with grunt to operate at less pressure. Eg load down a 458 Lott a little rather than operate a 458 Win Mag at maximum pressure. Especially if you are going to use it in hot temperatures where the pressure may increase futher. If you don't already know, the 458 Win Mag rounds can also be fired in the 458 Lott as the Lott is a slightly longer cartridge and both headspace on the belt.

On the other hand, but more expensive a nice M98 .500 Jeffrey would even be better! When I purchased my 375 I was actually looking for a 404 or 416. They had one which I didn't like (a Ruger or Sako?), but also had some custom M98 500 Jeffreys which they were making up. Selling for $2000 each. Beautiful stove pipes! But I decided to be practical and bought a Whitworth 375 Mag. That gun shop is now no more.

So tell us more about the rifle. What is the brand? An ex-mil M98, CZ, Mark X action etc? Standard or magnum length action? Barrel length? Will you put a scope on it or not?

I have forgotten - are you based in the USA or Australia?

Great idea.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nitro

"I love the smell of cordite in the morning"

http://NitroExpress.com

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From: 444 MARLIN Sent: 8/22/2002 11:57 AM
Nitro

This rifle has a Mark X Magnum length action & a 24 inch barrel, I'm not sure of it's weight but i will be putting a scope on it [not sure what it will be yet though].

I have no immediate plans to go back to Africa at this stage so it will be purchased mainly for fun & for a Camel hunt I'm planing for later this year. I'm based in Australia [Central N.S.W]

Regards,
444