458 WIN MAG bolt action rifle recommendations

[Omenator]

I am thinking about getting a 458 WIN MAG bolt action and was wondering what you think is a good one?
The intention is to load it about like a 45/70 and use it for close range black bear. I have used bolt rifles much more than lever actions and am much more comfortable using a bolt. Another nice thing about the 458 WIN MAG is it uses a standard length action, so the rifle operation and handling should be similar to the 30-06 I typically use.

 

[can14]

Ruger or old Browning I have both

 

[saskgunowner101]

Zastava for a budget option.

 

[Kevan]

I think the 458 is a fine cartridge for the reasons you mention.
Mine works well with any bullet I can use in my 45-70s, cast loads from 330 gr. to 600 gr.
Its cheaper to use because of its ability to handle cast and of course all the different jacketed bullet weights and brands.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

Foe a 458WM, I went with a Winchester model 70, Super Express, the one on top.



Then, to keep it company, I picked up another Winchester model 70 Super Express, in 375 H&H, on the bottem.

 

[Dogleg]

Go with the Winchester. Its not the cheapest of the bunch still well within reach.

 

[Omenator]

Johnn: nice rifles, I was thinking about the new model 70 safari or a re-barreled Ruger M77.

 

[windage]

Thinking about buying one myself. Where is a good place and price to pick one up?

 

[c-fbmi]

Stay away from the Ruger unless you intend to put a stock on it as well, factory stocks do not stand up to the recoil. Win Mod 70, Rem 700, CZ 550, Old Brno 602........all good choices.

 

[Jammed]

I handled a newer model 70 in. 458 and was very impressed. Fit me very nice and seems like winchester had really stepped there game up. If I hadn't grabbed a steyr bolt in. 450 marlin I would of grabbed the winchester.

 

[Boomer]

Another vote for the M-70 here.

 

[bcsteve]

There's a Winchester for sale on HBC for $1100.

 

[SuperCub]

I always wondered if a good M98 military action with issue safety and trigger topped with a Lyman receiver sight, lighter weight 20" bbl in a well reinforced plain walnut stock would make a good 45/70 in the form of a 458Win.

 

[brybenn]

I've got a interarms mark X in a custom stock but if I didn't have it I'd have bought a cz 550 or a zastava

 

[Boomer]

I always wondered if a good M98 military action with issue safety and trigger topped with a Lyman receiver sight, lighter weight 20" bbl in a well reinforced plain walnut stock would make a good 45/70 in the form of a 458Win.

Sure, but unless you can do the work yourself, the cost will represent a high end, off the shelf .458, which, unlike a custom rifle, can be acquired before you forget why you wanted it.

 

[dak47]

Sure, but unless you can do the work yourself, the cost will represent a high end, off the shelf .458, which, unlike a custom rifle, can be acquired before you forget why you wanted it.

One of the best quotes to sum up the custom rifle game that I've read......

A carbine'ish .458 is on my radar lately, have a CZ 550 .375 H&H and it's like hauling a 8 foot 2x6 around. I recognize the tradeoffs for weight etc but for something that just gets touched off once and a while, shouldn't be too bad...

Dirk

 

[Still alive]

Sorry for the derail guys.
Noob question: What is the recoil like on a .458 mag? I can't imagine its any fun?
I've shot 7mm mag, 30-06, .308, .44 mag, 7.62x54R and .338 Win Mag. The .338 just about knocked me over.

 

[c-fbmi]

The 458 with full blown elephant smashing loads will have about 3X the felt recoil of a 338 in the same weight rifle. They're just plain fun..........then there's the Lott above that and the Ackley above that, and the Weatherby above that...........then we go up to the big stuff.......These rifles and cartridges are not for the faint of heart, nor the recoil sensitive..........

 

[Still alive]

The 458 with full blown elephant smashing loads will have about 3X the felt recoil of a 338 in the same weight rifle. They're just plain fun..........then there's the Lott above that and the Ackley above that, and the Weatherby above that...........then we go up to the big stuff.......These rifles and cartridges are not for the faint of heart, nor the recoil sensitive..........

Thanks!
I think I'll just stick to my .30 cals!

 

[Boomer]

One of the best quotes to sum up the custom rifle game that I've read......

A carbine'ish .458 is on my radar lately, have a CZ 550 .375 H&H and it's like hauling a 8 foot 2x6 around. I recognize the tradeoffs for weight etc but for something that just gets touched off once and a while, shouldn't be too bad...

Dirk

An affordable alternative to a "carry a lot - shoot a little" carbine might be a Ruger Alaskan in .416. These rifles are less bulky than a full sized Brno 602/CZ550, it comes with a 20" barrel, balances nicely, and is quick to get moving. A .416's bullet weight will be under an ounce, but it will be moving faster than a 450 gr slug from a .458. The .375/.416 Ruger cartridge opened up to .458 is an intriguing idea, but again falls into the realm of the custom rifle. The Hogue stock isn't everyone's cup of tea, but the guys that use them here appreciate their ability to shrug off wet, cold, conditions with a non-slippery finish.

I was fortunate with my M-70 .458 in that I spotted it in the EE, with the barrel already cut to 21" with the factory front sight replaced, and the LOP reduced to 13.5", so that was a cost I didn't need to incur, although there is a bit more tinkering I intend to do with it yet, but the basic idea is in place. Its nice when you can find exactly what you're looking for, when you are looking for it.