JJ how about the Ruger #1?

[K.K]

I have a bead on a pristine used Ruger #1 in .458 Lott. The owner is practically giving it away (no doubt with half a box of ammo).  I would like to hunt buffalo in the near future. Would this rifle be a good choice or shoud I buy a quality bolt-action (Ruger, CZ, etc?)  I cannot afford a double, and I know that the first shot needs to count.  What is your experience with clients usng single shots?

[JJHACK]

Recreational Sport hunters do not need a gun this big. most PH's don't need a gun that big.

A quality 375HH shooting premium bullets like the TSX at 270 grains or more is plenty and easy to shoot. I've not met but a few folks that can shoot a 458 or bigger accurate, and the 458Lott is a Whole lot more then the 458 Win mag. Shooting from kneeling standing prone, etc Anything is possible in the bush. Any slip up in shooting with that big Lott is gonna be far more painfull then having to shoot two times with a 375HH.

If it were a hunter of mine asking what to buy for an upcoming Buff hunt I would tell them to get a 375HH, or just use mine when they arrive.

If a fella just has to have a big thumper of a rifle to fool around with that's a completely different issue. No Recreational Sport hunter needs more then the 375HH with a premium bullet, it's accurate easy to shoot, easy to practice with and works like a dream. If you really want to get a bigger gun the 416 rem mag is the logical choice. If your question is about the single shot, that's a fine idea, but your PH will be far more likely to follow up knowing you have only one in the tube.

I'm rather practical in nature, I would not be buying any firearm to use on a one or two time trip. I would sooner use that money for more trophy fees and other gear.

[K.K]

Thanks, JJ. I see more use for a .375 here and in Africa than the Lott. It is quite a buy, although your points are well taken.  I appreciate your input.

[Grumulkin]

I've never shot a Ruger #1 and, in fact, would consider using a single shot weapon on dangerous game somewhat of a stunt.  My personal rule is not to shoot an animal with a weapon that I would not be willing to follow up the wounded said animal with.

As far as the 458 Lott is concerned, it's quite a cartridge.  I have a CZ 550 Safari Magnum in that chambering that so far I've only taken a rabbit with using a single 350 grain bullet (no follow up shot needed).  At least on the CZ, the nice cushy recoil pad makes it fairly comfortable to shoot.  I'm still working on loads for it.  The 350 grain Speer bullets will do about 2 inches off the bench at 100 yards.  It doesn't do quite as well with 500 grain bullets but hopefully with some more bullet/powder experimentation, I'll get it to do better.  I don't think my gun's recoil is any worse than my .50 caliber Encore muzzle loader and is actually more tolerable than shooting a Mossberg 500 with 3 inch 1 oz. 12 guage slug loads.

[Cecil]

From time to time I run onto large bore Ruger #1s cheap with a half a box of shells or better. the reason there are shells left over they can't stand the recoil and usually don't finish the first box, Don't take me wrong I like #1s but there not a great platform with massive recoil.

[Hairtrigger]

K K

 If you don't buy the 458 please pass on to me the info!

[JJHACK]

Grumulkin 350's are a pussycat load in the Lott

After you shoot some 500grain bullets at the typical 2300fps ( full Lott load)  get back to me on the recoil. I promise you it will change your opinion, Hope you have a lot of eye relief in the scope too!

[Grumulkin]

Actually, JJ, I have shot numerous full house 500 grain loads off the bench with my 458 Lott and thus far haven't gotten a scope bite though it has been close a couple of times.  If I ever do a Namibia giraffe or buffalo hunt, the 458 Lott with 500 grain bullets is what I'll use but 350 grain bullets seemed sufficient to me for deer and rabbits.

I contrast that to my 375 H&H Magnum Encore I had which bit me several times and which I would only shoot off the bench with a Lead Sled.  I think the big difference with the CZ 550 Safari Magnum is better stock design, a bit more gun weight and a very nice cushy recoil pad.

[JJHACK]

I wonder if more people are hit in the eye with the scope from the bench or in the bush? You would think from the bench because so many shots are taken that way. However I have had so many of my hunters hit in the eye and state that it's the first time it's ever happened. So it's a strange thing this scope eye problem.

two notable events ended the hunting trip, one guy had to be stitched up, the other was on his 9th day of 10 days and chose not to hunt the last day. His bleeding was quite bad but he refused to go get stitched up. Both these fellas shot Weatherbys as well! One a 378 the other was a 340 .............Hmmm maybe? I can't remember 100% now.