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Allan,

Maybe because I'm a lefty and have to change so many guns to make them fit, I don't really hold originality in any real regard. I keep it mind only because others do and what I want to do to a gun might knock down its percieved originality and therefore value to some in the market. Even then I usually say screw it and do what needs to be done to make it right for me.

With this rifle I think the same way. Its got a right hand stock which for some unknown reason works fine for me. Even though its got some cast off, about 1/4" at the heel, if I mount the gun the bead is in the v. I will probably restock it at some point but there is no urgency at all.

On the chambering, I go back and forth. New Guy's technique really does work and its quick and easy. I've got a few videos here with guys hunting with doubles and it seems to me that my reload is on the same pace, even when I'm feeling silly and doing it on the run to give myself every opportunity to fumble.

Yea the 458 is a higher pressure round but the gun is built of modern steel. I'm waiting for one of our really hot summer days to leave the gun and ammo in the sun to see if any issues arise.

I was skeptical of the ejection but seems all is fine. Again waiting for that summer day. Dust is an issue thats been raised and there is no way to replace the real thing there.

Ammo is relatively cheap and readily available even in Africa I hear. Has any of it regulated? No, but the current Federals are pretty close and shoot at least within a five inch group at 50yds with rights and lefts and softs and solids all centered on the bull and maybe an inch high. I can't currently shoot well enough to do better and know from JJ's shooting the rifle that it can do much better. The Federal softs cross abot two inches at 50 and the solids don't and are about two inches apart at 50.

I'm sure handloads can be found that would bring out the best. No 500 or 510gr load I've shot or JJ shot has had a center of group more than three inches from POA at 50 yds.

Would 450NE be more ideal, yes and someday this rifle will get there. But in the meantime Ammo cost and availabilty let me shoot it alot as a 458 which I think is right now the critical thing.

Also since 458 ammo is pretty available in Africa the lost ammo issue isn't so bad.

As in life there seem to be good and bad point on both sides of the issue. When I bought the rifle I was an adherent to the "no rimless or rimless belted cartridge DGR" school of thought and thought I was just buying a very nice platform for a 450NE conversion. Now I'm leaning the other way since all seems to function well as a 458. Still need some scortching weather and some dust. I'll take it against buff as is unless the unexpected happens with the heat test. I always strive for the ideal so no matter the results I'll probably rechamber but not till I've put another three or four hundred rounds through it before my Oct safari and that might leave me looking for another rifle in 458 or 375 rimless to shoot alot cheaply and easily with ammo available down the street at the local dealer.

Thanks for your thought

JPK