Quick Answer
The cost of .458 Lott ammo is justified for serious hunters who target large, thick-skinned game like African buffalo, as it offers the necessary stopping power and penetration, but may not be necessary for smaller prey.
Cost and Performance
The .458 Lott is a powerful cartridge, with a muzzle energy of around 4,000 ft-lbs and a maximum range of 1,000 yards. Its large diameter and heavy bullet weight provide exceptional penetration and stopping power, making it well-suited for hunting large, thick-skinned game like African buffalo. For example, a 500-grain bullet at 1,700 fps can easily penetrate 3 inches of bone, making it an effective choice for hunting large, tough animals.
Hunting Application
In a hunting scenario, a .458 Lott rifle paired with the right bullet can be a game-changer. For instance, when hunting buffalo, a 500-grain bullet at 1,700 fps is a good choice, as it will penetrate deep and expand to provide a quick and humane kill. The cost of this cartridge is around $50 per box of 20 rounds, which is significantly more than smaller caliber rounds. However, for serious hunters who target large, thick-skinned game, the performance and stopping power of the .458 Lott justify the higher cost.
Comparing to Other Options
In comparison, other cartridges like the .416 Remington Magnum or the .450 Rigby also offer impressive stopping power and penetration, but at a lower cost. For example, a 400-grain bullet at 2,400 fps in a .416 Remington Magnum has similar performance to a 500-grain bullet at 1,700 fps in a .458 Lott, but at a cost of around $30 per box of 20 rounds. This means that serious hunters who target smaller game may not need the .458 Lott, and can opt for a more cost-effective cartridge.
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