Author Topic: 458 WM cast bullets size (Read 921 times)

Kentone · « **on:** February 10, 2005, 07:51:10 AM »

Hi Guys,

I have a bunch of 500 gr. bullets sized .459.
Would this be alright for my 458 WM?
Anyone have a good light load for this cast bullet?

Thank You

Yukon Jack · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2005, 06:34:07 PM »

You should slug your bore with some soft lead sinkers to measure the bore size. .459" will probably be fine, as far as pressures are concerned, but may not give optimal accuracy.

captainkirk · « **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2005, 09:38:21 AM »

I'll second what the above two posters said about the 459s you have. Depending on your bore size, I would think your chances at accuracy would be good. I like to use IMR SR 4759 in doses of 25 to 30 grains with the Lyman 457125 (~520 grain round nose) so you may want to start slightly higher to insure uniform ignition. Velocity is around 1000- 1100 fps and easy on the shoulder compared to factory elephant whallopers

captainkirk

curator · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2005, 04:01:19 PM »

See if the .459 bullet will chamber in your rifle. If it does, shoot it! You should get a bore or throat slug to be extra sure and size bullets to .005 under throat size. My .458 WM has a .460 throat and I can chamber bullets of .461 diameter without being too tight. Bigger cast bullets ALWAYS shoot more accurately assuming they chamber without being to tight. Difficulty in chambering can lead to very high pressures. Keep velocity to under 1400 fps with plain base and 1800 fps with gas check bullets to get best accuracy. Yes, sure beats factory fodder as far as shoulder-bruising recoil!