Finally. . . a .458 LOTT

[JesseGibson]

4- 1 lb. containers of Improved Military Rifle powder arrived today, i.e. IMR 4320. Order placed one hour ago for:

"Woodleigh Bullets 458 Winchester Magnum (458 Diameter) 500 Grain Bonded Weldcore Round Nose Soft Point Box of 50 "

and

"Hornady Reloading Brass 458 Lott Box of 50 "

I had to switch from the brass and bullets I originally intended for certain other considerations. I expect to be beginning by Monday evening with 79 grains and 80 grains. Tuesday, I will attempt to move toward 85.0 grains. We shall see if I get there or stop short. Thanks for reading the thread and thanks for the kind words. I'll finish up with a final post here on Tuesday evening.

 

[JesseGibson]

 

[JesseGibson]

I hate MIMES!

By the time I set off the first of the 80.5 grain rounds, it was clear to me that the rain was setting in. So I checked extraction and primer and all was as fine as frog's hair. It was also clear that these rounds were significant. That BIG wonderful BOOMING sound that so sets my heart to racing. . . Yeah, I noticed them. . . anyway, I decided to go straight to 82.5 grains. Indeed, these were another step up but extraction was okay. However, primer was a little flatter, about normal, really. Next, I yelled at Clay to come out and video the last round, quickly. He grabbed his ear plugs and came out. . .

So, at 84 grains (a miniscule amount over, actually) I loaded, took dead aim and cut drive. Strong recoil, PERFECT shot. Sent Clay in.

Sitting there in the rain and admiring a wonderful piece of American craftsmanship that came at such a reasonable price, I was impressed. The round extracted without any real issue but I noted that the primer looked dented a bit but not flat. I suppose the slight warp/dent was from me seating very firmly.

Endorphins still flowing. Very happy and soaking wet.

Somethings are just fun.

This is what a 500 grain Woodleigh at ~2300+ fps does to a freakin' MIME. Look at that hole! dead where I held.

84.1 grains IMR 4320
500 grain Woodleigh bullet

 

[JesseGibson]

Will chrono velocity tomorrow at 85.0 grains and report. As typed above, it was raining today and I did not want to get out my chronograph, as I had previously intended. Tomorrow will be last post in this thread. Thanks for reading.

 

[Royal27]

I've enjoyed the thread!!!

It certainly hasn't made me NOT want a .458 LOTT!!!!

 

[JesseGibson]

Okay. . . shot 2 rounds of 85 grains, chrono'ed at 12'6" from muzzle. Remember, this is a 22" barrel.

IMR 4320 85 grains
500 grain Woodleigh Bullet
Fed 215 Primer

Right at 2300 fps, check. . .

Went back inside and loaded a WEIGHED charge of 86 grains. LORD HAVE MERCY! The muzzle blast shook the chrono like a dog shitting a peach seed. Looked like Moses parting the Reed Sea.

zlol

I only had a light grip on the forestock as always with the chrono. I am paranoid as all hell about shooting my chronograph, again. I always leave the screens off, if possible, and aim WAY over. (It does not give as high of a reading as when you aim lower, IME, not sure why, but I am certain of what I am shooting, at minimum.) The chrono spit out a string of "2"s a mile long.

LOL!

Extraction was still reasonable. Ejected right on out, bolt was not really sticky.

God knows how fast that one went. . . BUT it's good for me. I could keep going but I'm very content for now. The chrono rocking and the trees parting even though they are well off to the side freaked me out a bit. But recoil is not an issue. Brisk but in no way what some make it out to be. I weigh around 300 lbs. but it was in no way "fierce" or "devastating".

Adios on this one.

 

[enysse]

Jesse, you handle that gun like a pro, sounds like you are having a good time developing loads. I've liked reading your posts.

 

[sestoppelman]

I sure hope thats your house in the background! LOL!

 

[JesseGibson]

enysse:

Much obliged! Thank you much for following the thread.

sestoppelman:

Of course it is. My range is my yard.

Here it is as it appeared prior to our "shindig". I cut the grass/weeds/brush and extended it, as well to 75 yards. (We- members of my forum- had a get together over Labor Day.) We are poor country volk but we own property.

Me shooting a BFR 500 S&W Magnum without the grips to demonstrate recoil control. These rounds are at low 50 Alaskan levels as the BFR can take it.

4 3/4" .475L, BFR custom

 

[35bore]

Congrats on a fine looking rifle chambered in a fine caliber. I have enjoyed the thread and the videos. I hope you someday find your Ele and Buff, until then, happy shooting buddy.

 

[JesseGibson]

You guys are class all the way. Refreshing! I thank you. I'm 47 and would dearly love to hunt cape buffalo, but in the end, I doubt I'll ever be able to afford it.

My regards to all

 

[Bobpuckett]

You guys are class all the way. Refreshing! I thank you. I'm 47 and would dearly love to hunt cape buffalo, but in the end, I doubt I'll ever be able to afford it.

My regards to all

Jesse Don't ever give up in 2010 at age 55 I had my first safari that I really thought would never happen. it is now 2013 and I've done several more. So as 007 said, never say never! if it's something you really want to do then it's worth working for. So let's see those Dagga Boy Pics.

 

[sestoppelman]

You guys are class all the way. Refreshing! I thank you. I'm 47 and would dearly love to hunt cape buffalo, but in the end, I doubt I'll ever be able to afford it.

My regards to all

Jesse, My late dad had a saying. "You can always find the time to do the things you really want to do". I think the same thing applies to money. Think safari! You will get there if you want it to happen.

 

[Royal27]

Jesse, My late dad had a saying. "You can always find the time to do the things you really want to do". I think the same thing applies to money. Think safari! You will get there if you want it to happen.

completely agree!

Jesse,

1. A safari probably isn't quite as expensive as you think (not saying it is cheap!!!)
2. It is all about what you want. maybe you can't afford it this year, or next, but that doesn't mean you can't save a bit here and there and do it in a couple. My cousin, who got me back into hunting, will be going on his third Afican Safari next summer (my first!!!!). He is a blue collar worker that has decided that it is important to him. He saves his money and pays cash when he goes. He's also 48 years old and just bought his third truck since he was 20. He's still be on number two, but it got stolen. Priorities!!!!

 

[colorado]

Absolutely plan to live your dreams. I am raising hell on elk, feral hogs and I hate to say it jackrabbits lol with my 500 Jeffery until my kids get out of college and I can afford to hunt cape buffalo and plains game in Africa. In the meantime if you shoot a deer with your 458 Lott they won't get up!

Best Regards

 

[JesseGibson]

After back to back days of load workup. Safe to say I went past Jack Lott's load but have dialed it back to just above his load. I got a load that runs at my desired velocity and shoots well. Many rounds were fired laying across my table, recoil is a bit stiff like that. I need a few sandbags. Ended up with 3 shot groups like this, this being the best, 1 3/4" these went at 2300 fps from a 22" barrel. 500 gr. Woodleighs.

Two days of heavy loads bruised it a bit. That was Sunday and Monday. The way I was laying out caused the gun to kick more into my armpit. I'll be good to go for some more by Saturday. I want to procure some 500 grain solids from Woodleigh. I have partially torn my upper pecs once, now that is some real bruising. I was young and tough back then, though. I managed to still squat around 950. . . :nailbiter:

 

[JesseGibson]

Here is a picture of the case head. Easy extraction.Nice shoulder numbing kick, LOL. Not too bad. That is the result of a weighed out PRECISELY, 87.1 grain charge of IMR 4320. Shot spot on.

87.1 grains IMR 4320 out of an 8.6 lbs. gun.

You guys have made me reconsider my will. I suppose that it is not out of the realm of possibility to get to Africa and try for a CB! It is a matter of setting my jaw and being disciplined over time. Thanks for reviving a dream that dies a year ago. CHEERS!

View attachment 22935

 

[Royal27]

Good man! Live the dream!

 

[enysse]

Thanks for the pictures, I bet you won't lay prone shooting heavy loads again anytime soon...lol, that had to hurt. Keep living the dream of coming to Africa.

 

[Royal27]

Oh, and I still want a .458 Lott, but I do think I will stop shooting way before you did!!!!