I have been considering turning my Ruger M77 Mark II 300 win mag into a 458 Win mag. This is the early Mark II before they converted it to CRF but I am fairly sure that mine can be turned into CRF. Correct me if I am wrong. The Ruger action is not long enough for the 458 LOTT, and to be honest I am not sure I am up to the recoil of the LOTT. I already have a 375HH and shoot that with no problems but I have never shot anything bigger.

With respect to the 458 Win Mag being "marginal" on game such as Cape Buffalo. How true is this today with the better bullets and powder that we have? I would plan on using this rifle for a Cape Buffalo hunt some day. Elephant hunting is way out of my league financially......but still a dream

Should I pursue the 458 winmag or try another caliber that would fit a standard action? Suggestions? I really like the Ruger actions. Actually more so than my model 70s. The Ruger action looks and feels better to me than the current CRF model 70s. Besides, I already have the spare rifle to use as a base for the project.

I shoot rifles left-handed so this limits my options. I would definitely want a left-handed bolt. This would be my first true Big Bore.