Getting back to the original discussion, I think the .458 Win Mag is a true African classic.

Why?

Becuase it virtually was the only big bore dangerous rifle calibre in common use for which could be bought factory ammo or a decade or two.

Kynoch ammo was non-existent or hard to get so few Nitro Express calibres could be used that seriously. The .416 Rigby hadn't been resurrected. The .416 Rem Mag didn't exist as did the various .450 and .458 Magnums that came into being after the Win Mag. Maybe there were some .404 Jeffreys as RWS did make some ammo but they would have been scarce on the ground.

The .458 Win Mag was available in a moderately priced short action bolt action. And was bought by a lot of game departments, PHs and clients.

Would anyone agree it is probably the second most common big bore calibre after the .375 H&H ?

Its subsequent fall from grace perhaps had more to do with marketing new cartridges than practical causes (??). Though the drop in factory loadings' velocity contributed to its reputation

In the end it only is perhaps one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet per second slower than various .450 NE cartridges it was designed to duplicate. Yes its pressure is higher, but if it is used in a stronger bolt action ie - than a double (why anyone would want it in a double astounds me!) that may be the traded off.

I wouldn't mind owning one one day as I regard it as Classic an African calibre as the .375 H&H but a little younger.