Quick Answer
Handloading .458 Lott for buffalo hunting is advisable for experienced reloaders who can accurately measure and control powder charge, bullet weight, and seating depth to achieve the desired performance.
Understanding .458 Lott Performance
The .458 Lott is a powerful cartridge, well-suited for hunting large game such as buffalo. To achieve optimal performance, it’s essential to understand its ballistics. With a muzzle velocity of approximately 2300 feet per second and a kinetic energy of over 3700 foot-pounds, the .458 Lott can deliver a clean kill at ranges up to 150 yards. However, its effectiveness diminishes beyond this range, making accuracy and precise bullet placement critical.
Handloading Considerations
For buffalo hunting, a handloaded .458 Lott should be loaded with a bullet weight of at least 500 grains to ensure deep penetration and maximum effectiveness. A suitable powder charge is typically around 120-130 grains of H4350 or a similar slow-burning propellant. It’s also crucial to seat the bullet at the optimal depth to ensure consistent expansion and penetration. A general rule of thumb is to seat the bullet 0.020-0.030 inches off the lands to achieve the desired performance. Repeated testing and verification of handloads are essential to ensure accuracy and reliability in the field.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.