Need advice on a scope for a 458 Win Mag

B

BigBore585

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
53   0   0
Location
Southern Alberta
I bought a CZ 550 American Safari in 458 Win Mag a couple weeks back, and now Im looking for a scope for it. I Like the expess sights but I would like to try it with a scope. Now the scope must be low powered, 1-4 times Im thinking. Now my major concern is the recoil of the rifle. The scope must be a strong one. Does anyone know of a scope that can handle the recoil? Any help would be great. I am considering a red dot sight like a Burris FastFire, mounted on American Hunting Rifles CZ 550 Quick-detach red dot mount. Has anyone tried a set up like this? And if so what were Your thoughts?
Thanks
 
A lot depends on what you plan to use it for as well as your budget. I am a big fan of red dot sights like the Burris, docter, aimpoint, etc. I use a aimpoint on one of my rifles and love it. While the aimpoint is good well past 100 yards a scope can be nice in irder to pick out a clear shooting lane between branches. On my .375 I have used a leu pols vx3 1.5-5 with heavy duplex reticle, it was a good scope but I now use a vx6 1-6x illuminated. On 1x with illumination on it is almost as fast a a red dot sight, at 6x it allows me more precision with longer shots. If you want magnification I think either a vx3 or a vx6 would work well on a 458, otherwise go for the red dot. Petsonally I am thinking of getting another aimpoint to put on my 450 Rigby.
 
In the Leupold lineup you could try a VX3 1.5-4.5, 1.75-6 or 2.5-8 or the fixed 2.5 Compact. I've run them all on big rifles and most on a 550. Personal preference and use will determine choice. For what its worth my own .458 has a VX3 2.5-8 and 11 buffalo to its credit.I wouldn't worry too much about breaking the scope.

The PH I had at the beginning of the month had a red dot and no irons on his Sako .458. He seemed to like it; the no iron system would have driven me over the edge.

What are you using the .458 for?
 
Some of the illuminated reticles basically offer you red dot-like performance with the bonus of a regular reticle. In a low power scope they are the best of both worlds. I run one on my .375 and love it. It's there when you want it and gone when you don't.
Zeiss-Illuminated-Number-60-Reticle.jpg
 
This is probably of no help to you but my 458 has worn a 3X Leupold since day 1.
It has handled all the full-power loads I could tolerate, works great with cast bullet concoctions or anything else I load for it.
I'm comfortable with its eye relief and it has good clarity for poor light conditions.
Not a common scope but they do crop up on the EE or Ebay from time to time.
My other choice if a change were necessary would be either a 1X4 or 1.5X5 Leupold.
Its all a matter of individual preference, but for the distances I use my 458 all I need or want is a low power scope....
 
I was hoping to stay around the $1000.00 range for a scope. I do like the looks of the aimpoint micro. But im having problems finding a mount for it. A vx3 would be fine, my major concern is the recoil. Im going to be converting it to 458 Lott as soon as my reamer shows up. I did a bit of research and D'arcy Echols, doesnt recommend putting a scope on it because they have not found a scope that will last. Now in saying that, thats just one thing I found. But from what I have read so far, it disproves what I read. As for what im using the 458 for, I bought it to customize and hunt with. Im going to use it for my elk this year. Thank you everyone for all your help.
 
For hunting in North America there seems to be a lot of people using lighter and lighter calibers. I've read of some, several, that use a 270 or 243 for elk, and now 223's for deer. Is there really an advantage to using a 458 or 375 for anything up to and including a Cape Buffalo? Wouldn't a 338 or 300 with premium bullets do the job as well? I know I'm showing my ignorance as I've never hunted big stuff in Africa, but you gents seem to know your stuff so I thought I'd get your advice. I'm asking because one day I'd like to do Zebra and Gnu, not dangerous game but I think those are beautiful animals and interesting as well. I saw a Zebra rug 30 years ago and still remember how beautiful it was. Thanks for your info and time.
 
Trijicon 1x6 with either the green or red triangle, I have 3 of theses on DG rifles fast to pick up and seem to hold up well
 
I agree and with smaller calibers with premium bullets work on large game. Personaly i enjoy the large caliber rifles. For me its the love of big bores and the history of the ivory trade in Africa. Also the 375H&H is the smallest legal cartridge to hunt dangerous game with in Africa. Im still a few years away from hunting dangerous game. I have to start saving money for the trip.
 
I agree with the magic of big bores. I have always like the feel of them, and when you pull the trigger, it feels like You are firing a "real" gun lol. The recoil does not bother me all that much. Now that being said I have not fired some of the largest of the large. But a 505 gibbs, and a 600 Overkill will find there way into my collection.
 
Is there really an advantage to using a 458 or 375 for anything up to and including a Cape Buffalo? Wouldn't a 338 or 300 with premium bullets do the job as well?
Click to expand...

The .375s and up lose most of their appeal to me if there aren't buffalo or bigger on the menu, but they are surprising good on animals that a .300 would pop like a balloon. A big advantage is that the .375s pure versatility makes it easy to get a lot of real hunting experience with the same rifle that you plan on taking on a buffalo with someday.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom