I you're like me and really want to use your own rifle on the hunt (and I suspect you are, from the work your doing in preparation) the 458 has one big advantage - if your ammo goes missing you can easily buy more in country.

I've only taken my rifles to Africa once and Qantas managed to off load my rifles in Jo'berg even though I was booked through to Harare and it was the same plane. Took 3-4 days to get the gear back - luckily I'd booked five days sightseeing before my hunt, so it was ok.

I've got a trip booked for next year and plan on taking my 470WR and I'd like to take either my 9.3x64 bolt or 9.3x74R drilling as scoped back up rifle, but I'd really prefer to have at least one rifle with easily available ammo so will probably settle on my 458. I want to know I can get ammo for at least one of my rifles in country.

After the amount of practice you will have done by Oct I'll bet you'll be a lot less likely to fumble a reload than the average bloke with a 450 or 470.

mike