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Quick Look

The .458 Winchester Magnum was introduced in 1956 as a powerful big-game hunting cartridge. It was designed to offer reliable stopping power for dangerous game hunters. Today, it remains popular among enthusiasts hunting large and thick-skinned animals in Africa and elsewhere.

Why It's a Top Choice

Exceptional stopping power for dangerous game
Reliable performance in tropical environments
Wide availability in bolt-action and double rifles
Proven history with professional hunters
Compatible with robust, heavy-barrel rifles

Key Variants

.458 Win Mag Leverevolution

Optimized for lever-action rifles, combining power and manageable recoil for dense brush hunting.

.458 Win Mag Solid Bullet

Loaded with a solid projectile ideal for deeply penetrating dangerous game animals.

.458 Win Mag Soft Point

Versatile soft point rounds for broad hunting applications on large game.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.458 Win Mag	.450 Bushmaster	.470 NE
MSRP	$2.00 - $5.00 per round	$1.50 - $3.00 per round	$3.00 - $6.00 per round
Capacity / Size	Large, suitable for big rifles	Mid-size, AR platform compatible	Very large, for classic jungle rifles
Weight	Heavy recoil rifles required	Moderate recoil	Heavy recoil, premium rifles
Optics-ready	Yes, bolt-actions often	Yes, AR-compatible	Rarely
Trigger Type	Bolt or lever action	Semi-automatic AR-style	Double rifle
Notable Pro	Proven big game stopping power	Modern semi-auto versatility	Classic dangerous game tradition
Notable Con	Heavy recoil	Less penetration on thick hide	Extreme rifle weight and cost

Best Use Cases

Large and dangerous game hunting
Safari and African jungle expeditions
Heavy recoil rifle enthusiasts
Range training with big calibers
Collectors of classic magnum cartridges

FAQs

Can I use .458 Winchester Magnum in a lever-action rifle?

Yes, special lever-action rifles chambered in .458 Win Mag exist, designed to handle its power safely and reliably.

What is the typical bullet weight for .458 Win Mag ammunition?

Common bullet weights range from 300 to 500 grains, providing versatile options for hunting various large game.

How does the .458 Win Mag compare to the .470 Nitro Express?

The .458 Win Mag is more widely available and affordable but generally has less energy and recoil than the .470 NE.

458 WIN MAG for Sale