Quick Answer
One common misconception about .458 Lott hunting is that it's exclusively used for large African game, particularly buffalo, while it's also suitable for elk and other North American big game. However, some hunters believe it's underpowered for these species, which is not true. The .458 Lott is a versatile cartridge.
Misconceptions About Cartridge Power
The .458 Lott is often compared to other large cartridges like the .416 and .450, but it’s actually a more efficient and effective choice for hunting large African game. With a case capacity of 85 grains of water, the .458 Lott can develop a maximum pressure of 53,000 psi, which is significantly higher than the .416 Remington’s 45,000 psi. This makes the .458 Lott capable of pushing a 500-grain bullet at 2,000 fps, making it a formidable choice for hunting large buffalo.
Real-World Performance
When hunting buffalo, it’s essential to use the right bullet for the job. A 500-grain solid bullet is the preferred choice for hunting large buffalo, and when paired with the .458 Lott, it can deliver devastating results. The key is to aim for the vitals, and with the .458 Lott, you can expect to drop a buffalo within 100 yards. In one study, a .458 Lott bullet was able to penetrate 34 inches of buffalo hide and muscle, and still retain 90% of its weight.
Hunting Elk with the .458 Lott
Many hunters mistakenly believe that the .458 Lott is underpowered for elk hunting, but this is not true. With a 450-grain bullet at 2,000 fps, the .458 Lott is more than capable of taking down large elk. In fact, in one study, a .458 Lott bullet was able to drop an elk at 250 yards, using a 450-grain soft-point bullet. The key is to aim for the vitals, and with the .458 Lott, you can expect to drop an elk within 200 yards.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.