Nframe, what I find nice about the 458LOTT is one can easily attain the magic 2150-2250fps range, even 2330fps by pushing it, of speed for the 500 gr .458 bullet without raising pressures too high. The 458 Win Mag is a fine old cartridge, and as others have said it can,with tooday's powders, be loaded up to 2150 easily with a 500 gr bullet. As long as the ammo is fresh there will be no problems with it. Unfortunetly, once the ammo bounces around some, and time passes, the powder is sometimes turned into a solid from the crushing load. Add to that the heat often associeated with late season hunting in Africa, problems can arrise. With the LOTT's roomier case, the 500 gr bullet can reach the proper speeds without the attending pressure, and compaction problems. The 458 Win Mag can handle the 500 gr bullet, but not as effeciently as the LOTT. IMO, the LOTT is what winchester should have done in the first place, since they had the 375 H&H length action, anyway, it simply makes more sense!

I have an unfired Ruger No1H 458 win Mag as we speak. It is scheduled for a LOTT surgery, soon. Another good thing is if your ammo is lost, in transit, 458 Win Mag can be used in the LOTT chamber, and it is always available in Africa. I believe it is a worthwhile persuit, the one I'm about to build will be my third, with the other two in FN Mausers actions.