Finally. . . a .458 LOTT

JesseGibson

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After a long while of searching and trying to get into a DG rifle. I have finally come up with one. I am a bullet caster, serious reloader, and lover of all things gun.

I attempted to have a 500 Jeff built but the "gunsmith" was not competent. This was preceded by another setback with a .458 LOTT. But I have finally managed to overcome my own inertial ineptitude.

Here was the seller's blurb on GB:

"Winchester Model 70 .458 Lott caliber, s/n dates 1984, 22 barrel, Lyman receiver sight with quick release locking bases. Gun is re-chambered from .458 Win. to the more powerful .458 Lott the cartridge by which other dangerous game cartridges are judged; designed by Jack Lott in 1971. The gun is in excellent condition with bright sharp bore and excellent bluing; the wood has some light marks from a shooting fixture on both sides near the magazine well, the marks are light and hard to picture and that is the absolute only detraction on this fine gun. The piece is from an estate collection of other fine African hunting guns."

Indeed the fellow had listed NUMEROUS African calibers and bullets/loading equipment from the estate. Whoever it was must have been a fairly serious hunter.

I have already loaded and shot some stiff .458 WM rounds from it on my bench. Cracked a weld on my bullet trap with the top loads, LOL. (I shoot in my backyard and I knew better. Momentum is different. I have shot 220 Swift rounds at > 4K but they do not phase it, neither do 50Alaskan level loads in my handgun.) Will await some LOTT brass among other components, now. I am VERY happy but fully understand that guys here have almost infinitely superior rifles. I buy what I can afford and I LIKE this rifle. It is far more accurate than I am.

Anyway, here is what I have:

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Beautiful gun! Love the sights!
 
Thanks enysse. This has been almost a year in the making. I kept getting sidetracked by BFRs.
 
very nice, classic look, have fun with it
 
Very nice looking Rifle now you just need a Elephant to put in front of it. Have fun working up those loads.
 
Much obliged guys.

A buf' or an elephant would certainly be the hunt of a lifetime, for me. Maybe someday.
 
Congratulations on your new toy. You have a fantastic caliber. Enjoy working up your loads. Plan that trip to Africa to use it. All the best.
 
Will get some things posted as they come.

Here is 74.5 grains IMR3031 behind a Hornady 400 grainer in a WM case. First time I shot it! I just stepped outside (no shirt, no shoes, but I did grab ear muffs) and shot it. I'm hooked.

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I SO,want one.... You're not helping!!! ;)
 
Looks like he done to me! Good shooting!


Will get some things posted as they come.

Here is 74.5 grains IMR3031 behind a Hornady 400 grainer in a WM case. First time I shot it! I just stepped outside (no shirt, no shoes, but I did grab ear muffs) and shot it. I'm hooked.

wwq4.jpg
 
Awesome... Enjoy it....

My best always
 
Nice rifle enjoy working up the loads.
 
Congratulations! Excellent choice in the .458 Lott. I carried a Remington model 700 in 458 Lott for 11 years as a trails guide in the Kruger National park. I always loaded my own ammo and used a 485 gr flat nosed monolithic called a "Dzombo" most amazing penetration i have ever seen . A brain shot Jumbo ,bullet penetrated all the way through and exited behind the hip. Enjoy your rifle !
 
Thank you! I am so proud.

I just found about 5 pounds of IMR 4320, it will be here tomorrow. I will use Nosler bullets and Norma brass to develop my above stated loading. Then I'll go back to TAC, Linotype, and a .459" 500 grain, nominally, cast bullet.

I believe I can get 2330-2350 fps with a 500 grain bullet out of a 22" barrel. I will use a strain gauge, likely, to check things out, but might not. I think 85 grains of IMR 4320 will get me there from all I can glean. I'll start at 79.5. . . I do not believe that kind of energy is required, it is just something I want to do.

Cheers!
 
Video

Mild. Level full case of 3031, bullet compresses powder down nicely ;) I am 300 pounds.

Will get it stoked up to LOTT levels, soon. I just wanted to shoot it.

 
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Congratulations! Excellent choice in the .458 Lott. I carried a Remington model 700 in 458 Lott for 11 years as a trails guide in the Kruger National park. I always loaded my own ammo and used a 485 gr flat nosed monolithic called a "Dzombo" most amazing penetration i have ever seen . A brain shot Jumbo ,bullet penetrated all the way through and exited behind the hip. Enjoy your rifle !
How did you get that bullet path?
 
Mild. Level full case of 3031, bullet compresses powder down nicely ;) I am 300 pounds.

Will get it stoked up to LOTT levels, soon. I just wanted to shoot it.


Nice video, that rifle doesn't even move you, you need something BIGGER! A 505 Gibbs would be a start :)
 
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Nice video, that rifle doesn't even move you, you need something BIGGER! A 505 Gibbs would be a start :)

This,

My Ruger 10/22 kicks that much!!! ;)

I still want one!!!
 

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