Quick Answer
The .458 Lott is an effective cartridge for hunting Cape buffalo, offering sufficient power and penetration to take down large, tough game.
Ballistic Performance
The .458 Lott is a powerful cartridge that can deliver impressive kinetic energy. With a typical 500-grain bullet, it can achieve velocities of 2,000-2,100 feet per second. This translates to a kinetic energy of around 4,500-4,700 foot-pounds, which is more than enough to take down a Cape buffalo. The cartridge’s flat trajectory and manageable recoil make it suitable for hunting large game at moderate ranges.
Real-World Experience
Many experienced hunters have successfully hunted Cape buffalo with the .458 Lott. In fact, some safari outfitters recommend the .458 Lott as one of the preferred cartridges for buffalo hunting in Africa. The cartridge’s ability to penetrate deep into the animal’s body cavity makes it an excellent choice for taking down large, aggressive game. When using the .458 Lott for buffalo hunting, it’s essential to select a bullet with a sectional density of at least 0.25, such as the Barnes TSX or the Hornady InterLock, to ensure deep penetration and expansion.
Comparison to Other Cartridges
The .458 Lott is often compared to other large-game cartridges, such as the .500 Nitro Express and the .416 Rigby. While these cartridges are also effective for buffalo hunting, the .458 Lott offers a better balance of power and manageable recoil. The .458 Lott is also a more versatile cartridge, suitable for hunting a wide range of large game, including elephants, rhinos, and hippopotamuses.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.