.458 Win Mag hunting in North America

[unlisted.handle]

Look for the sabre toothed gopher.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I carried a 375H&H loaded with 260s, 270s, and 300s for moose and bear just because I wanted to try it on game. I did not need to do this as I have killed both species with a simple 270Win and 130 grains.

 

[hoytcanon]

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?

Everything can be reasonably hunted with a .458 WM... including rabbits. You just have to load for the situation. I have taken coyotes, deer, bears and moose with various .458 rifles. I took a big Blacki bear this spring with my Ruger .458 carbine, using 400 grain Barnes Original SSP bullets over 65.0 grains of H4895 @ 2000 fps. Absolutely floored it on the spot. I have tried many different loads and bullets, and most work well from 300 - 500 grain. I have a good load worked up with the Barnes 450 TSX for buffalo, but will test in on moose this fall. I would stay away from bullets designed for the SoCom and lesser .45's... I tried the 300 NBT on a late season doe and it absolutely blew up... shrapnel everywhere inside, massive meat loss...failed experiment.

Go ahead and use your rifle, just gear the load to the game.