458 Express

458 Express

Picture by Maruis Gericke

Some of the finest custom built rifles are built in Africa in many different calibers. It came as no surprise to me that the .458 Express can be chambered here in South Africa by Danie Joubert in a custom built rifle. Danie's rifles are sold for $ 10 000 (US) and more. Danie owns a .458 Express reamer and does the work himself. He is based in Pretoria, Gauteng province, South Africa. My enquiry was met with enthusiasm and I immediately knew that this is the gunsmith I want to use.

Due to the length of the .458 Express cartridge there are not many bolt actions that would be able to handle the caliber. I opted for a ZKK 602 action and a Walther barrel. I am sure other actions with this length of pull or "travel" will be suitable for the .458 Express. The Granite Mountain Arms - African Magnum model "actions" comes to mind instantly. These actions are used by the gunsmith J.P. Smithson and are Mauser type bolt actions, catering for many off the African Classic calibers. I will not hesitate to have rifle built and chambered in .458 Express caliber on a Granite Mountain Arms action. The design is brilliant and they look great! Left hand models can also be bought.

The stock will be reinforced with recoil lugs and glass bedded to accommodate the barrel and action. I prefer a straight classic stock with very little thrills and spills. You should discuss the different options with your gunsmith. Selecting a blank is purely your own choice but I suggest that you do ask your gunsmith what to expect. It is obviously nor possible to say what the "flames" or "texture" would look like deep inside the blank but your gunsmith will be in a position to help and guide you with his previous experience. Ask for photos and take a moment to make up your mind. Your measurements will be taken to fit the stock to your exact build. I do not think we need to spend to much time on discussing the relevant measurement techniques and objectives there off. Your custom rifle must suit you and "fit" you like a glove, point easy and very importantly you must be happy.

I will decide on the exact type of sights at a later stage. Scope mounts and rings are not a problem for the very popular ZKK 602 action. Once again it is personal choice. I intend to do a lot off hunting with my .458 Express but also use it is my backup rifle when I guide clients, therefore iron sights is a absolute must. Many modern sights are reflective and certainly would not appeal to the purists. I want a rifle that is a working piece of art and not a showpiece stuck on the wall. You choose, read up on the different V-sights, beads and latest technology. Ask for a catalogue and photos of the finished products on other custom rifles.

It is truly an unique and very versatile caliber, used by many Professional Guides and hunters wanting to hunt with the larger calibers. In Africa on dangerous game like BUFFALO the .458 Express will be a very good choice.

Conversions

.458 Express Conversions

Top: BRNO ZKK 602

Bottom: Ruger No. 1

Picture by Dr. Gary Bauer

Lever Actions

The Ruger No.1 lever action is not only the finest in the industry but must be one of the most reliable rifles in history. Bought in .458 Lott it can be reamed into the .458 Express caliber without any problems.

Bolt Actions

The long length, 3.00 inches, of the .458 Express allows for the magazine box of the CZ 550 Safari Magnum to accommodate the .458 Express caliber. Bought in .458 Lott the conversion is no problem at all.

The BRNO ZKK 602 magnum rifles has the same statistics as the later models CZ 550's. I will use my .375 Holland and Holland Magnum action and stock to built my custom .458 Express.

Double Barrels

Most double barrels chambered for the .458 Lott will have enough steel in the chamber area to allow for the conversion to .458 Express. Ask your gunsmith to assist you and check your rifle. As the 458 Express operates at lower chamber pressures than all the other calibers mentioned above, there should be almost zero difference in the strength of your double barrel rifle after the conversion. Dr. Jan Olwagen did build a .458 Express double. An article in the "Man Magnum" magazine (South Africa) can be sourced for more detail.

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