Springfield 1903 - 458 Winchester Magnum

[rcathey]

I picked up another 1903 sporter a while back.

This time, it's rebarreled to 458 Winchester Magnum.

The maximum pressures of 30-06 and 458 are within a couple thousand PSI, or closer depending on the measurement method.

From a felt recoil viewpoint, 458 seems pretty dang hot for the 1903 action.

Anyone have any thoughts on that? Ever seen one?

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[oldfoneguy]

Yes have fired one once, not pleasant and not a go to range gun. Had the opportunity to try it a second time later that year and politely refused. That rifle wasn't used again after that 2nd time and was sold within 2 years time.

Your dealing with a 45-70 size 500gr+ bullet travelling at over 2100fps so hell yeah it's going to kick. The average 30-06 load is a 150gr to 180gr bullet leaving the barrel at higher velocity but with 1/3 of the 458's mass. Very different animals

[browningautorifle]

I shot lots of 45/70 and it wasn't bad. I like the big guns at the time but still didn't build a .458 for exactly the reasons mentioned. They can be punishing. Unless you need it for cape buffalo, I wouldn't have one. There are better platforms than an M1903, too light and too vicious. It wants a heavy platform to absorb recoil.

[rcathey]

Sounds like the safety factor is at an acceptable level.

I can't imagine I'd spend much time shooting the rifle anyway at $5/round but good to know I could. Might have to pick up a box and fire one off just to say I have.

Thanks for the input, guys!

[CINDERS]

I felt more comfortable shooting my friends 45/70 in 336 Marlin than I did my own 444 Marlin in 336 by the 5th round out of it you just wanted to put the rifle down.
Of my friends 460 WM after 2 rounds one had reached the limit plus I once shot it from a bench rest so I could say I had done it! But I'm not keen to reacquaint my self with it anytime soon.

[ArtPahl]

I have four Remingtons chambered for belted cartridges: A 1903 in .358 Norma Magnum and A3's chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum, .30/.338 Magnum, and .338 Winchester Magnum---no .458. I don't hunt anymore but do take one or another to the range occasionally. But, when I do, it's usually a pretty short day!

In the late 1960's, a friend "needed" a .458 so I got a Mauser barreled action for him from the old Herter's outfit. While in the process of putting it together for him, I set it in a scrap military stock and fired a 510 gr. soft point factory load. I then took 2 aspirins and laid down!

[rcathey]

I then took 2 aspirins and laid down!

Yes, I do believe I'll enjoy the idea of having a 458 much more than actually shooting one!

[butlersrangers]

You can always load the .458 case with 300 grain Hornady jacketed soft points and a stout .45/70 smokeless load intended for modern rifles.

That would give you a powerful, yet tolerable & affordable, hunting round for your 1903 Springfield.

[RCS]

Years ago my friend bought a Ruger No 1 single shot in 458 Win, always down-loaded it including lead bullets too.

He never fired a factory 458 cartridge.

Also fired another friends Ruger No 1 single shot in 375 H&H with reloads equal to factory loads and really liked
that rifle, Wish I could find the 100 yard target

[MAC702]

Pshaw. Bolt-actions are so old-fashioned.