Pat- I too would ranther shoot my .458 than any bloody .300 mag. It's that sharp, high velocity crack in the recoil I don't like. I did have one .330 I chambered up on a P14 action that didn't kick much at all, but I have no use for small pills on big game. For me, the 7mm mags, .300's etc have no use on big game.
; The .358 STW sounds interesting but I don't think there are any worthwhile bullets for it. I would think most normal bullets would be too soft. I'm not sure any American-type ctg. needs to burn 100gr. of powder. of course that's just a personal opinion as I have no use for sharp kickers. I shot a fellow's .338 UltraMag and that was wayyy over my recoil likes, yet the .458 doesn't bother me.
: The Ruger needs something 'secial', I agree. I'd pick a ctg. somewhat over .40 cal. personally. High velcoity little bullets don't impress me, except for the .172" and .204" variety on gophers.
: The older I get, the more I appreciate stuff like 9.3x62, 9.3 x 57 and the 9.5 versions of both of those rounds for a medium bore. The 'normal' .458 2" and .450 Marlin ctgs. & perhaps the .45/70 in the .458 cal. If Marlin made their levergun in .450 Marlin with a 22" barrel, I'd have one today for my guide and camp gun. The two rifles I've had in .458 2" both made 2,060fps with 510gr. Winchester Solids. Considering the .450/400 does 2,050fps with 400gr., I guess the little 2" .458 is OK! Elmer thought so.
; I am still thinking on a .50 Alaskan (or maybe a .50/90 Sharps for my #1. The .50/90 will do about the same, but a slighlty reduced pressure. I wonder how a hardened 700gr. .50 cal slug would penetrate if driven around 1,700fps? perhaps 1,650fps with a .5 Browning bullet with steel core? Elmer thought 700gr. paper patched slugs were great from his old re-chambered Sharps (.50 3-1/4") at 1,340fps. I think Veral Smith would make the molds. Hmmmmmmmm