I have a Mauser bolt action rifle chambered in .458 Winchester Magnum. I handload for this rifle and really enjoy shooting it at the range. At this stage of my life, I'm not likely to make it back to Africa for a safari. Are there any big game species in North America (other than the big bears) that could be reasonably hunted with a .458 Win Mag and not be considered overkill?
.458 Win Mag hunting in North America
- Thread starter Rickib
- Start date
I’ve never understood “overkill”, as it’s often used in a bad way.
When I’ve shot something and it fell over, I didn’t go “oh no, I over killed it”. When there was a nice big exit, I didn’t have a negative reaction.
I have had a marginal shot (I swear the bear was broadside when I pulled the trigger, but the entrance/exit said otherwise), that saved my ass and made tracking much easier because it was such a big hole.
Hunt with the rifle you enjoy.
When I’ve shot something and it fell over, I didn’t go “oh no, I over killed it”. When there was a nice big exit, I didn’t have a negative reaction.
I have had a marginal shot (I swear the bear was broadside when I pulled the trigger, but the entrance/exit said otherwise), that saved my ass and made tracking much easier because it was such a big hole.
Hunt with the rifle you enjoy.
I shot a moose with one. The moose died about like if I’d hit him with a .303, took a few short steps, faltered and fell.
I about dislocated my shoulder patting myself on my back for buying a new moose gun.
This is Canadian gunnutz, if you like it buy it and use it!
I about dislocated my shoulder patting myself on my back for buying a new moose gun.
This is Canadian gunnutz, if you like it buy it and use it!
I had a Ruger M77 ( tang safety ) tropical in 458WM . I shot a fair number of deer and Moose with it using Speer 400gr FNs at about 1900 fps . It worked perfectly on everything , which isn't surprising in the least . I also used single loaded round ball loads on snow shoe hares and ruffed grouse when the opportunity arose . There's no limit to what you can do with an appropriately loaded 458WM . Take it out and have fun , that's what it's for .
Use it for anything and everything.
“Overkill” is more a function of choosing the wrong bullet for the task than anything else.
Personally, if I had a rifle I wanted to use for something I would just use it, pick a good bullet for the task and give’r.
“Overkill” is more a function of choosing the wrong bullet for the task than anything else.
Personally, if I had a rifle I wanted to use for something I would just use it, pick a good bullet for the task and give’r.
Chuckbuster
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
If you handload you’ve essentially got a .45-70 you can load from trap door level to super hot on steroids and every level in between.
saskgunowner101
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- near Prince Albert
More like it's exactly a 458 Win mag, and a guy can water it down to 45-70 levels by reloading if he chooses.
The .458 is a surprisingly versatile cartridge, for North American game. I've used mine on just about everything from whitetail to moose, without issue. It's simply a matter of matching bullet/load, to the intended game. A good middle of the road for most game: 350-400 grain bullets Easily tackles most hunting situations.
I fully agree with Chuckbuster. When it comes to handloading, the .458 is capable of a wide variety of uses. Only downside, can be the rifle's weight. My custom rifle....built on a Mauser action, tips the scales at 10 1/2 lb. Can get a bit tiresome lugging that thing around over a long day. But, touch off the trigger and there won't be much tracking to do.
Al
ps: I like the 350-grain Hornady RN, too. Versatile bullet. Likewise: 350 grain mono metal Barnes-X bullet. Consistent expansion and performance.
I fully agree with Chuckbuster. When it comes to handloading, the .458 is capable of a wide variety of uses. Only downside, can be the rifle's weight. My custom rifle....built on a Mauser action, tips the scales at 10 1/2 lb. Can get a bit tiresome lugging that thing around over a long day. But, touch off the trigger and there won't be much tracking to do.
Al
ps: I like the 350-grain Hornady RN, too. Versatile bullet. Likewise: 350 grain mono metal Barnes-X bullet. Consistent expansion and performance.
I haven't used it on moose yet but I plan to use my 500 Jeffery on biason if I ever get the draw. I may use it on blacktails this year just because I like the rifle and it's fun to carry. 600gr jacketed bullet at 2200fps. Should do less damage than my 303 British with a 150gr sst at 2500.
ITs just going to pass through the lungs and ribs and hit the dirt harder is all
ITs just going to pass through the lungs and ribs and hit the dirt harder is all
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
I've owned 5 .458 rifles over the yrs starting with this M98 based build back in '76. That rifle got me plenty of prizes at the meat shoots
in 50 & 100yd "running deer" events and accounted for a few deer and numerous pest critters as well. She weighed only a tad over 8 lbs
as pictured and was a delight to shoot with my handload using 300 gr Sierra RNFP pills at 1800 fps.
The 458's that followed that one were a Rem 700 BDL Safari, Enfield P14 build, Herters U9 BSA deluxe & a Win M70 build.
They all shot well but were rather hefty to pack about compared to that Mauser beasty that I should never have sold. Uuuugh.
in 50 & 100yd "running deer" events and accounted for a few deer and numerous pest critters as well. She weighed only a tad over 8 lbs
as pictured and was a delight to shoot with my handload using 300 gr Sierra RNFP pills at 1800 fps.
The 458's that followed that one were a Rem 700 BDL Safari, Enfield P14 build, Herters U9 BSA deluxe & a Win M70 build.
They all shot well but were rather hefty to pack about compared to that Mauser beasty that I should never have sold. Uuuugh.
