(.275 member)

19/10/08 04:14 PM

458 Win Mag Weight?

After searching literally 1000's of posts I am still looking for an answer. What is a good weight for a 458 Win Mag? I see several Ruger #1's online at the factory weight of around 9.5 pounds. I REALLY want one of these!! Is this too light or should I consider adding weight (i.e. mercury recoil reducer in the buttstock) to bring the weight up? If so what weight should I be aiming for?

(.450 member)

19/10/08 05:00 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I'd find a gun that fits you first and then worry about the weight.

You can add / subtract weight if and when you need to anytime.

Better have a gun that fits and doesn't kick.

Just my HO.

But 9.5lbs - 10.5lbs is my estimate.

(.416 member)

19/10/08 06:59 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

My whitworth .458 weighs a shade over ten pounds if I recall correctly.
Handles fine and shoots great, I don't notice the recoil in the field.

--Tinker

(.400 member)

19/10/08 11:32 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Bloodnativ,

I regularly shoot my Ruger #1 458 Win Mag. Recoil is brisk, but not uncomfortable with bullets up to 510 gr. Length of pull is more important than weight, in my opinion. As a tall fellow, I find that stocks that are too short give one the opportunity to get whacked in the face with a scope. On this gun I use irons, but on my #1 in 375 H&H I added a thicker recoil pad just to get another half nch of length.

Take care, Tom

(.700 member)

20/10/08 03:35 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Stock design is the most important aspect related to increasing or decreasing felt recoil.

The Ruger #1 is the perfect answer in design and weight for a heavy recoiling round for many people. They fit pefectly for many of us. A friend's #1 in .375 H&H was a much more pleasant shooting rifle than any .300 mag I've ever fired. We shot the .375 off and on all day, eventually pounding off 80 rounds, 40 each, along with the other guns we'd brought which included my .458 Alaskan pushing 400's out at 2,350fps. The .458 weighed 10 pounds with 2X Leuy scope and while recoil was brisk, it was certainly controlable. The .375 felt like a .222 on the shoudler and was my go-to when I became weary of shooting the .458.

Going to Africa? - taking a #1 in .375 would be my choice. Best all-round ctg. there is. MK10 Mauser's built in .458 with laminate stocks to 10 pounds with scope, 9 to 9 1/2 without scope would be my choice for a dedicated .458WinMag.

(.275 member)

20/10/08 03:58 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Thanks guys. I knew I could count on you. This will be my first REAL big bore rifle. I've shot my 12 with 3" mags without any problem. Although it's close I don't really consider it the same (I may change my mind after this but we'll see). I'm going to go with one of factory weight and see how it shoots. I've handled a #1 in this caliber and it felt great. I may add a thicker pad for more length but I'll have to see after I shoot it a bit. Thanks again guys!

(.400 member)

20/10/08 09:40 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I like them to go about 10 to 10.5 pounds .
But that just my openion.
Stock fit and a wide butt pad make more difference than weight alone.

(.333 member)

20/10/08 12:17 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

szihn, is that 10 to 10.5 lbs without scope? I'm having my CZ Safari Classic in 375 H&H rebored to 470 Capstick as we speak. It was 10.25 lbs without scope before, will probably be 9.5 to 9.75 lbs after. Just wondering if I will need to add weight ...

Thanks,

Chuck

(.375 member)

20/10/08 01:56 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I shoot a M77 in .458 lott and it is quite manageable for a big bore. Proper fit, physical condition, and shooting technique are probably more significant to handling recoil than weight in my opinion.

(.400 member)

20/10/08 03:32 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I like it to be 10.5 in my hands, ready to hunt with.
My old 458 had irons only, but it I were to make one for myself for scope use I would have made it about 9.75 pounds and then put a scope on.

(.224 member)

22/10/08 12:13 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I also have a Ruger Tropical in 458, with the heavy barrel. Not needing anything this heavy for hunting in my patch of the woods, I still wanted to experiment with the caliber. The heaviest of loads are fun, but I have digressed to heavy cast bullets for much of it's range time. The lighter 350's and the like tend to lead up too quickly.
Anyway, back to the weight issue, I will quickly agree that the fit comes first. Unfortunately, this rifle, while excellant, is not quite right for me if I were depending on it in a pinch. It is nice though, to have the weight of the heavy barrel. I guess that's a vote for the heavy side.
The one change I have strongly considered, is a reciever mounted peep sight. Too many toys - too little time!
Bestboss

(.700 member)

22/10/08 12:27 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Bestboss - I shoot straight WW metal without leading to 2,200fps in my .458's. I'm using mostly Lyman's Moly lube lately, but have the same results with Lyman BP Gold and SPG. This shooting includes 420gr. Lyman and RCBS bulelts as well as 505gr. Lee, 525gr. RCBS and 560gr. Lyman moulds.

All the above are capable of shooting into 1" at 100 yards - no leading.

I size and lube using an RCBS lubemaster as well as a Lyman 450 lube sizer. The secret, if it can really be called one, is to run the bullets .001" to .002" larger than the groove diameter. If they are groove diameter or smaller, they'll lead the bore. I use a polished out .459" die. It sizes my bullets to .4595".

With the heavy bullets, jacketed bullet duplication loads are simple, fun and easy to load for. I especially like the Lee 505gr. bullet with gas check. It's an especially good shooting bullet, generaly cloverleafing the first 3 when driven at 2,000fps to 2,150fps. The only negative, is I don't like Lee mounds.

(.333 member)

22/10/08 10:49 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

So I will need to add weight to the 470 Capstick I'm having built? As it stands it will be about 9.5 lbs without scope, mounts and sling.

Chuck

(.400 member)

23/10/08 04:40 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I would not say that Chuck, unless you want to.
Different men like different guns.
I am short (only 5'6")and strong, and quite muscular. I find a 10 pound gun is not "heavy" to carry. And a bit more weight makes the big rifles more pleasant to fire. I shoot them more then I hunt with them these days, so I like a bit of weight on them.
My "deer rifles" I like to make light. My 'big rifles' I like to make heavier.

But if you feel good firing a 9.5 pound 470, leave it alone. If you think you want more weight, then have it done that way.
Don't take my word for it. It's only got to please you.

(.700 member)

23/10/08 11:35 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

A 10 pound rifle is nothing to carry round while hunting. My brother, when hunting with his Sharps, carries 11 1/2 pounds plus ammo.
: My ZKK602 .358N mag. was 11 pounds with scope.
: Nowadays, much older, probably wiser, I carry the best rifle for NA game - and this iron sighted rifle weighs 7 1/2 pounds loaded, a 9.3x57 Husky.

(.224 member)

24/10/08 11:10 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

When I build a .458 I shoot for 10 1/2 pounds. Remember, you can almost always add weight,I would rather end up light and add than try to reduce. If you use AcraGlas and shot you can pretty easily drill it out, or mill it out if you put it in the forend.

(Sponsor)

24/10/08 06:52 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Quote:

After searching literally 1000's of posts I am still looking for an answer. What is a good weight for a 458 Win Mag? I see several Ruger #1's online at the factory weight of around 9.5 pounds. I REALLY want one of these!! Is this too light or should I consider adding weight (i.e. mercury recoil reducer in the buttstock) to bring the weight up? If so what weight should I be aiming for?

I guess it depends on how sensative to recoil you are and also if the rifle will sometimes wear a scope.
The type of country you intend to use it in would come into play as well.
Overly heavy guns are a major pain to carry long distances in extreme heat.

If you are used to hard kickers then nine and a half pounds is fine for an open sighted .458 Win Mag IMO.
A scope and sturdy mounts will add a pound or thereabouts, which will put it close to ten and a half pounds scoped.
I wouldn't want any .458 that weighed over 10 1/2 pounds for serious hunting.

If you start out any heavier than 9 1/2 pounds with irons, it will end up pretty heavy with a scope fitted.
Also if you ended up buying a bolt gun instead of a single shot, the cartridges in the magazine will top the weight up even more.

If you intend to never mount a scope on it, then ten pounds would be ok I guess and make it nice to shoot.

(.577 member)

24/10/08 11:33 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Quote:

A 10 pound rifle is nothing to carry round while hunting. My brother, when hunting with his Sharps, carries 11 1/2 pounds plus ammo.
.

*************

Agree---one of my .416 with scope weights in around 10 1/2 lbs..and it is NO problem while hunting in Africa ---my .458 is very similar in weight as well as my .470 WR...

IMHO--as previously stated above---stock design, fit, etc are HUGE in the recoil felt...

Ripp

(.333 member)

27/10/08 11:27 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I carried my rifle (before rebore) as a 375 H&H elk hunting this fall. It weighed 11 lbs with scope and wasn't a problem. If the recoil isn't too unpleasant I'll leave it at 9.5 lbs without scope, 10.5 lbs with scope, mounts and sling ... A 458 Win Mag should kick a bit less than a 470 Capstick, by the way, Bloodnativ

Thanks guys,

Chuck

(.275 member)

28/10/08 04:06 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

My 2 cents (though I am known for my much lighter than average Big Bores)...Unless you are really recoil shy,or will be doing mostly bench shooting and not much hunting,go lighter!If your on a bench,you can always use the Caldwell Lead Slead when sighting in...I think you are correct in assuming a 3" mag 12ga is similar to a 9-10pd 458Win and a 3 1/2" would be closer to the Lott...Above post mention stock design,this is definitly Important too! I had a 13pd 600 Double that kicked way more than my 8pd 600 Overkill! Hard to believe,but true!To much drop,as in that double,can be brutal....anyway,if you are to do alot of African Savanna's and tracking spoor for miles in the hot African sun,you will be happy that your not carrying a 11-12pd rig that gets heavier every mile!...In Alaska after Brownie,again,go light as the mountain walking/stalking is much more "fun" with the lighter of choice....Most guys go for the longer barrels,brakes(removable is better)and weighted stocks...Not necessary in a 458 Win...The Lott is a little more thump,but no problemo!....Last,the lighter bullets are lighter in felt recoil for sure! Good Luck!

(.400 member)

29/10/08 06:46 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Quote:

So I will need to add weight to the 470 Capstick I'm having built? As it stands it will be about 9.5 lbs without scope, mounts and sling.

Have you thought about magna-porting the barrel? I've seen some very neat barrels with twin port slots - not pepper pot style like on some shotguns! I'm quite tempted.

(.333 member)

29/10/08 01:42 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I have thought about it, I'm going to see how it goes. I think if I shoot 470 NE level loads (500g at 2150 fps) it will be pretty mellow. 500g at 2400 fps will be a bit different.

Chuck

(.224 member)

15/11/08 02:57 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I say go light. When buffalo hunting, I carried my rifle for six days and only shot it for a few seconds. Also consider 450 grain loads in a .458. the recooil is noticeably less. Plenty for buffalo and there is a lot of evidence that 450 grain flat nose solids penetrate as well as 500 grain round nosed solids.

(.400 member)

23/11/08 11:46 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

If hunting rugged and thickly vegetated terrain I would prefer a 458win un scoped at around 9lbs.
Shooting 480grn bullets sounds just the ticket for Buffalo and Ele.

(.375 member)

27/11/08 02:31 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I like a 458 to weigh about 8.5lbs. I also like them with no scope. My 2 current ones, a M98 and a M70 pusher both are 8.5lbs near even. I think the 458win is a dream at this weigh with the normal load of a 500 at 2000. The newer hot factory loads start to make it feel a bit "light". My favorite was the old A-Square 480gr load in the M70.

I had a ZKK 458 rechambered to 3" Bell cases made up as a light weight rain forest Elephant gun. At 8lbs and pushing a 500 at 2300 it was a real big handful for me.

(.375 member)

28/11/08 02:02 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I prefer a low powered scope in QD rings and a 500 grain bullet. The scope can be removed for a close quarters follow up or if it becomes damaged. If your in decent shape rifle rifle weight will be unimportant.

(.224 member)

15/12/08 12:02 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Quote:

I prefer a low powered scope in QD rings and a 500 grain bullet. The scope can be removed for a close quarters follow up or if it becomes damaged. If your in decent shape rifle rifle weight will be unimportant.

I agree with bigmaxx 100%. My CZ 550 in 458WM went to Northern Ontario on a moose hunt in October. It was carried 5 full days through bogs, alder-choked low lands, over clearcuts riddled with deep water-filled holes made by skidders, over steep ridges with no sidewalks, etc. No moose, but I found I could hold steady on objects like trees and rocks out to 300 yds and beyond without a rest, after pushing myself in that terrain. That was due to the rifles weight and my own fitness. I'd have had no problem holding steady on a moose out to at least 300yds from the offhand stance.

The rifle itself weighs 9.3lbs. With a Burris Short Mag fixed 4X in Warne QD mounts, sling and 4 cartridges it comes in at an even 10.5lbs. The load was 350gr TSX's moving out at just over 2700 fps. One day I carried it with 6 rounds and never noticed any difference in weight.

I also had my 8.6lb 300WM along as a backup, and it never was taken out of its case.

BTW, I'm not in my 30's or 40's. I'm 70+ ! Granted, I'm in better shape than most 70 year-olds, or probably most 60 year-olds and even some 50 year-olds. I know that because I work with such people and hunt with guys in their 40's and 50's! The point of this is not to boast but to point out that 20 years ago I was badly overweight by 35lbs and found I had diabetes! Today, I'm much healthier than then and I'd rather carry 2 extra pounds of rifle any day over 35 lbs of excess blubber!

(.275 member)

15/12/08 12:38 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I agree now. I went with a stock #1 at around 9.5 pounds. What a pussycat!! Shooting 350gr Hornady RN at 2400fps is pure joy. I can hold steady with no rest much better than with a lighter rifle with no problem. I may add a small scope just to make sighting easier but I'm perfectly happy with factory open sights.

(.375 member)

15/12/08 01:45 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Quote:

...........Today, I'm much healthier than then and I'd rather carry 2 extra pounds of rifle any day over 35 lbs of excess blubber!

Not to hi-jack the thread but this is very true in all of our outdoor adventures. Our weight matters far more than gun weight.

(.400 member)

16/12/08 01:48 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Quote:

I agree now. I went with a stock #1 at around 9.5 pounds. What a pussycat!! Shooting 350gr Hornady RN at 2400fps is pure joy.

Sounds good! Have you tried 500s at 2150 yet? Just curious

(.275 member)

16/12/08 02:56 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Sounds good! Have you tried 500s at 2150 yet? Just curious

I haven't had the chance to try the 500s yet but I can't wait to do so. I'll probably wait until after the end of the month, which is also the end of deer season here, when I'll have a little more time to play with them.

(.400 member)

16/12/08 04:10 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I agree! I have a 500 Jeffery with a light barrel of 24", without scope it weigh about 7 1/2 Ibs. The recoil is a little bit strong but i am not recoil shy!

(.375 member)

16/12/08 05:48 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Quote:

I agree! I have a 500 Jeffery with a light barrel of 24", without scope it weigh about 7 1/2 Ibs. The recoil is a little bit strong but i am not recoil shy!

May I please borrow your scales for my next health check with my doctor.

(.400 member)

17/12/08 12:14 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Does your scope weigh 3lb by any chance?

(.400 member)

17/12/08 05:09 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Sorry,that's a small one,about 1 Ibs! When you try to forget the recoil, my jeffery is a good shooter! My biggest recoil was a duplicate shot with my double/boxlock 577NE.I had a problem with the triggers.Since that time i dont have problems with recoil!

(.333 member)

17/12/08 11:34 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

One of the benefits of the 458WM is that I believe it can be built as per a sporter weight 30/06 and still be manageable, particularly if 350gr and 400gr projectiles are planned. The 510's bite a bit more but it wont be noticed in the field. As mentioned before, stock design is super important. At one time I owned both a CZ550 in 458Lott and Marlin 45/70 ... with both loaded hot the CZ was by far the more comfortable of the two rifles!
Cheers...
Con

(.224 member)

29/12/08 10:06 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I'm not sure what my .458Lott Ruger 77 RSM weighs, but I know it is a log and gets plenty heavy around 3p.m. while stalking Buff or Ele in the heat.

(.275 member)

09/09/10 11:24 PM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

I think you can get away with a 9.5lbs 458 Mag quite comfortably. My Mod 70 African originally weighed 8.5lbs and I new that was rather brisk. The load was a 500 grainer at 2130fps. I added a mercury reducer in the butt and some lead in the for end to get the balance back. I initially hated the feel as that lovely handling went away. Having fired the rifle later, I much preferred the new variation. The rifle became lots more controllable and I've got used to the handling since.

(.400 member)

10/09/10 03:21 AM

Re: 458 Win Mag Weight?

Quote:

My biggest recoil was a duplicate shot with my double/boxlock 577NE.I had a problem with the triggers.Since that time i dont have problems with recoil!

A bit of a wakeup call i suppose.

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