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Quick Look

The .458 Winchester Magnum cartridge was introduced in 1956 as a powerful big-game hunting round. Designed for high stopping power and deep penetration, it excels in dangerous game scenarios. It remains popular among hunters requiring heavy-hitting performance in North America and Africa.

Why It's a Top Choice

High energy for large and dangerous game
Deep penetration on tough hides
Wide selection of bullet weights available
Effective at short to medium ranges
Proven performance since mid-20th century

Key Variants

.458 Winchester Magnum Soft Point

Popular for hunting large game with controlled expansion and reliable weight retention.

.458 Winchester Magnum Solid

Ideal for dangerous game hunters needing non-expanding deep-penetrating bullets.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.458 Winchester Magnum	.450 Rigby	.460 Weatherby Magnum
MSRP (per 20 rounds)	$70–$90	$80–$110	$100–$130
Capacity / Size	2.5" case length, magnum	2.85" case length, magnum	2.91" case length, magnum
Weight	Heavy recoil, moderate cartridge weight	Heavy recoil, heavier cartridge	Very heavy recoil, high power
Optics-Ready	Depends on rifle platform	Depends on rifle platform	Depends on rifle platform
Trigger Type	Varies by rifle (bolt-action)	Varies by rifle (bolt-action)	Varies by rifle (bolt-action)
Notable Pro	Widely available and proven	Extreme stopping power	One of the most powerful commercial rounds
Notable Con	Recoil challenging for some shooters	Heavy recoil and cost	Very heavy recoil and rifle wear

Best Use Cases

Dangerous game hunting in Africa or Alaska
Big-game hunting for thick-skinned animals
Heavy recoil familiarization for big-bore rifles
Collectors of classic magnum cartridges

FAQs

Can I use .458 Winchester Magnum in a standard magnum rifle?

Yes, but ensure your rifle is chambered for it. It requires magnum-strength actions due to pressure and recoil.

What is the effective range of .458 Winchester Magnum?

Effective lethal range is typically up to 200 yards for dangerous game, dependent on bullet choice and rifle.

How does .458 Winchester Magnum compare to .30-06 Springfield?

.458 Win Mag delivers much greater energy and recoil, designed for larger and tougher game than the .30-06.

458 WIN MAG GARAND for Sale