450 NE No2,

I have decided to keep it a 458 since between the time the original post was made and now I have found a load that gives me great consistency and accuracy and velocity with the 500 gr Woodleigh solids.

Using just one grain over Hornady's starting load with AA 2230 I'm getting 2130fps at 10', accuracy is great and the load shoots right to the bead. I also have the 450gr North Fork load that gives 2180fps at 10' that was pressure tested and found to be well under a max load. That and the ability to use the Federal Trophy Bonded loads, with adequate accuracy, should my ammo go missing, has me leaving well enough alone.

No extraction or ejection issues in about 750 rounds.

I may restock the rifle though. Recall that I'm a lefty and the rifle isn't. The cheek peice is being removed now and I'll be there for removing a bit of wood from the right side to improve conscistency of mount. If this stockwork does what I think it will then I'm done. If not I'll have it restocked.

I am going to be using it on, hopefully, many elephants in the future, so I am going to make it "my" rifle.

JPK