.458 lott question

[tree rat]

I was told you could get 3,000 fps with a 300 gr bullet in the .458 lott! Is this even possible? or safe? if so what powder and how much?

[BUSTER51]

I have heard this also ,but what would you use it for? it may not be very accurate with the twist rate of the factory barrel .If I remember right a 350 grain was the lightest that worked well .

[tanoose]

Barnes claims over 2800 with there 300  XFB hornady claims 3000 with a 350 RN in the 460 weatherby, but would there bullet hold up on bone at that velocity

[DC]

The optimal velocity for heavy bullets is no more than 2,400 fps.  After that, bullet failure is common.  Also, a 458 has a great deal of wind resistance as compared to a .375 bullet.  If you want a little more velocity and still be in the big 40's, a 416 Rigby is the ticket.  I have owned a couple and loved them.

[Mike378]

In theory it would be just possible as the energy of a 300 grainer at 3000 f/s is the same as 500 grainer at 2320 f/s......which would be just barely in reach for the 458 Lott.

However, it is not common for most calibres to achieve their full energy potential with bullet weights that are extremely light for the calibre.

For example, in the 460 Wby I found about 2950 f/s saw out the 350 grain Hornady. That has the same energy as a 500 grainer at 2470 f/s, which the 460 will do with backed off loads.

Mike

[Demonical]

I was told you could get 3,000 fps with a 300 gr bullet in the .458 lott! Is this even possible? or safe? if so what powder and how much?

My reply to this question is if you have to ask about ridiculous velocities and light bullets in the .458 Lott then you do not know what the caliber is intended to do.

[BUSTER51]

A bit harsh ,but true enough.