458 Express

458 Express

Ammunition, Brass Cases, Equipment, Bullets, Loads, Velocities

The .458 Express has a broad spectrum of reloading options and can be hand loaded to do, long range flat trajectory shooting or close up Big Five hunting with the heaviest of bullets available in this caliber. Reloading data will show the South African and American propellants used in the process with velocities chronographed.

Ammunition

New Generation Ammunition supplies ammunition for the .458 Express caliber in South Africa. Contact them at 012-644 2415

Brass Cases

Available off the shelve from PMP South Africa!!! Brass cases are made to the specifications of Professor Koos Badenhorst. I bought 30x over the counter in September 2008 just to check on the service I would receive. I was very satisfied and will continue to purchase from PMP. A good stock level is maintained at PMP (Tel: 012 318 1911) of the 458 Express brass cases. Do not hesitate to contact us for brass cases when you fail at PMP. ( info@458express.com )

Equipment

Dies

Lee makes dies for the .458 Express and can be ordered from the Lee catalogue. I also ordered a Trim Die from RCBS over the internet, this took about 3x minutes!

Shell holder

Use a shell holder for the .458 Winchester / .458 Lott.

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Primers

Readily available as it is a standard primer as used for many calibers like the .375 Holland & Holland, .458 Winchester Magnum and others.

Propellant

We will focus on the South Africa S335 for obvious reasons of comparison to the non performers mentioned in the design criteria when the .458 Express was developed originally. American equivalent propellants will also be listed and Dave Campbell wrote that he will gladly provide his reloading detail.

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Bullets

.458 diameter bullets. Use quality bullets from a well known brand like Barnes, Hornady and Norma. Read more later in this article when we talk about loads and you are also invited to read more at the www.capebuffalo.co.za domain.

Press

I use RCBS equipment.

Barnes	Norma

Dr. Gary Bauer emailed very nice pictures of the bullets used in the .458 Express.

Bullets used in the .458 Express

Pictures by Dr. Gary Bauer

With thanks to Dr. Gary Bauer - I will follow up with more detail shortly!

Woodleigh Bullets

480gr RN SN

480gr FMJ

Dzombo Bullets

475gr Solid

Barnes Bullets

450gr Triple X

450gr Solid

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Reloads

The following loads were tested and reloaded numerous times by Professor Koos Badenhorst.

Powder	Bullet (grains)	Grains	Velocity - (Fps)
S 335 (South Africa)	300 Impala	86-88	2700
	350 Spartan HP	88-90	2530
	400 Woodleigh	84-86	2420
	400 Spartan HP	84-86	2400
	425 Rhino Soft	83-85	2350
	450 Spartan PX	80-82	2250
	450 Barnes Solid Copper	76-78	2275
	475 Dzombo	78-80	2260
	475 PMP Solid Copper	76-78	2250
	500 Swift A-frame	80-81	2250
	*SAFETY FIRST!!!*

Do not reload any ammunition unless you are knowledgeable about the safety aspect and limitations of your components!

Under NO circumstances compress any loads - especially - the "ball" powders!!!

Always adhere to manufacturer specifications. Do not use inferior cheaper imitations.

The 500 grain bullets are large with a long bearing surface, it is strongly suggested that the reloaders look at the 450-475 grain bullet range. The advantage is that case capacity is not reduced as with the heavier bullets. and, construction of these bullets will allow for the same ballistic and field trial performance as the heavier bullets in the range.

The very best attribute of the .458 Express is the fact that the South African propellants work in this caliber producing velocities of 2250 fps with a very safe working pressure! Another very important aspect is the fact that the lower chamber pressure, up to 13 000 PSI less, with duplex loads consisting of S 365 and S335 is accomplished, generating less recoil. Less recoil means more control and more control generates more confidence by the hunter. Only when a hunter is in control of his rifle and does not have a "flinch", will he or she be able to focus on bullet placement and enjoy the safari. The caliber was tested on numerous occasions in direct sunlight and in shadow conditions. No bolt-action failures were experienced. Not once.

USA propellants:

450gr Swift A Frame Bullets, 77gr IMR 4064, 215 Federal primer created a velocity of 2253 fps and a group of .5 inch @ 75 yards.

S335 compares to IMR 3031. (The IMR 4064 is a happy medium between S335 & S365).

500gr Hornady, 86gr IMR 4320, 215 Federal primer, velocity off 2280 fps.

Velocities

Taking muzzle velocity and point of impact up to 300 meters as criteria, the 458 Express is on par or out performs the following six calibers.

Bibliography:

1. Cartridges of the World, 10th Edition.

2. African Sporting Gazette Volume 12 Issue 2.

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