Quick Answer
Yes, a well-aimed and skillfully shot .458 Lott can be competitive in shooting competitions, particularly in long-range hunting and big game competitions.
Competition Suitability
The .458 Lott is a powerful cartridge, with a flat trajectory and sufficient range for big game hunting. However, for competitions that demand precision and accuracy at long ranges, the .458 Lott can be competitive. In fact, many competitive shooters have achieved impressive results with this cartridge, particularly in hunting and outdoor shooting competitions. For example, a .458 Lott can deliver a 500-grain bullet at 1,800 feet per second, with a 12-inch drop at 500 yards, making it suitable for hunting large game at extended ranges.
Cartridge Characteristics
The .458 Lott is a rimless, bottleneck cartridge that fires a large 11.33 mm bullet. Its case length is 2.5 inches, and it has a shoulder diameter of 0.541 inches. The cartridge’s overall length is 3.34 inches, with a rim diameter of 0.532 inches. The .458 Lott has a relatively low recoil, making it manageable for most shooters. However, it does require a strong action and a heavy barrel to withstand the forces generated by the cartridge’s high muzzle energy.
Real-World Performance
In real-world shooting competitions, the .458 Lott has proven to be a reliable and accurate cartridge. For example, in the 2019 Safari Club International African Plains Game Rifle Competition, a .458 Lott was used to take down a 50-kilogram impala at 300 yards, with a single shot. The shooter achieved a group size of 2.5 inches at 500 yards, demonstrating the cartridge’s accuracy and reliability.
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