M70 Safari Express 458WM

[SJB358]

I just went and acquired a few of the powders I was getting low on (RL22, RL19, H4198, and Retumbo) and after I bought the powder, I started looking around to see what the store had for M70's. Well, they just happened to have a M70 Safari Express in 458WM. WHAT A RIFLE fellas! It wasn't as heavy as I thought it was going to be and the fit and finish was very good to my eye. The barrel looked to be floated. Probably had about 1/32" or so of gap on each side of the barrel channel and the bottom metal and blueing was EXCELLENT. The price at this place was 1200.00, which isn't horrible for a very nice Safari kinda rifle. When thrown up to the shoulder, the Express Sights came right to my eye and I imagined a big buffalo at the end of them! Pretty cool stuff.

I could see one of them in my future. I was very impressed with the balance of such a heavy barrel and nicely shaped stock, making the rifle seem very packable. It also had a very nice Pachmayr recoil pad on it which I would assume would do nothing but help the recoil. Anyhow, just thought I would share some of my day dreams with you all. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

Funny you should mention that, Scotty; there were two in the local gun store recently. They may still be there. One was in 375 H & H, and the other was a 458 Winchester Magnum. They were well built and very attractive. They were certainly attractive and well balanced.

 

[JD338]

Scotty,

So did you buy it? A 458 Win Mag would be a nice step up from the 45-70 and would position you perfectly to go on that Brown Bear hunt.
Hey, I am just trying to help you justify this rifle and satisfy your RADD condition. That is what friends are for. :mrgreen:

JD338

 

[Woodycreek]

I'm glad I didn't go with you Scotty.

 

[BK]

I was in one of my big boy toy stores a while back and they had a .375 brother of the rifle you were looking at on the used rack. I was sorely tempted... and also seriously broke. If it's still there next time I fly home, I may be walking out with it. I'd also walk out with a .416 if they had one. I might have to do a little talking myself into on a .458. Can't see a .458 being a good long range elk stomper.

 

[Woodycreek]

This is what I was drooling over today. Brand new Cobra right off the truck!

 

[DrMike]

Sweet, Brian.

Kurt, that 416 Remington would be a serious piece of work.

 

[SJB358]

Scotty,

So did you buy it? A 458 Win Mag would be a nice step up from the 45-70 and would position you perfectly to go on that Brown Bear hunt.
Hey, I am just trying to help you justify this rifle and satisfy your RADD condition. That is what friends are for. :mrgreen:

JD338

No sir, did not buy it. Trust me, I thought a little about it. It was a very nice rifle. Just not sure I would want a 458 Magnum. Maybe if I ever was serious about hunting Africa or something, but right now, the 45-70 really covers down on alot of game for me. I have wanted to see one in 375 H&H for awhile, but they are as scarce as truthful politicians around my parts. Scotty

 

[SJB358]

Funny you should mention that, Scotty; there were two in the local gun store recently. They may still be there. One was in 375 H & H, and the other was a 458 Winchester Magnum. They were well built and very attractive. They were certainly attractive and well balanced.

That is one thing that gets me is how well balanced and lighter feeling they really were. I was very surprised at that. I always thought they would feel a little clubby at nearly 10lbs but that was not the case at all. It wouldn't take much for me to cave if there was a nice 375 around. I think that would be the king of the M70's in my safe, and heck, I already have a set of dies, cases and 260gr PT's for the 375! Scotty

 

[DrMike]

That is a perilous condition for someone with RADD. It is a bit like the drunk that ties up his horse in front of the saloon! You had as well give in to the malady immediately, Scott.

 

[FOTIS]

I have a feeling it would have been adopted were it a 375 Holly!

 

[JD338]

I have a feeling it would have been adopted were it a 375 Holly!

I agree, Holly would be home. :grin:

JD338

 

[Guy Miner]

Scotty - about 25 years ago I lived near, and shot with, a fellow who bought a .458 Win mag Model 70. It was a very purposeful, handsome rifle. He bought it for his trip to Africa. Killed some big game over there using Winchester factory 500 & 510 gr ammo.

He'd planned to sell it upon his return home, but couldn't make himself do that, so he worked up lesser loads with 350 & 400 grain bullets that he used on whitetail and black bear... Also just took it to the range and used it for fun. He knew it wasn't the "best" gun for such mundane chores, but told me that every time he took it out of the gun case, he remembered his once in a lifetime African hunt. I thought that was pretty cool.

He also let me shoot it a few times - at the time it was the most powerful hunting rifle I'd ever fired. Loved it! Those old 510 gr Winchester "blue nose" soft points were pretty brutal, but his handloads were much easier on the shooter.

Still, for me the .375 makes more sense... Regards, Guy

 

[SJB358]

Scotty - about 25 years ago I lived near, and shot with, a fellow who bought a .458 Win mag Model 70. It was a very purposeful, handsome rifle. He bought it for his trip to Africa. Killed some big game over there using Winchester factory 500 & 510 gr ammo.

He'd planned to sell it upon his return home, but couldn't make himself do that, so he worked up lesser loads with 350 & 400 grain bullets that he used on whitetail and black bear... Also just took it to the range and used it for fun. He knew it wasn't the "best" gun for such mundane chores, but told me that every time he took it out of the gun case, he remembered his once in a lifetime African hunt. I thought that was pretty cool.

He also let me shoot it a few times - at the time it was the most powerful hunting rifle I'd ever fired. Loved it! Those old 510 gr Winchester "blue nose" soft points were pretty brutal, but his handloads were much easier on the shooter.

Still, for me the .375 makes more sense... Regards, Guy

Guy, your story almost sounds like a set up. I know it true, as you have said it before, but it couldn't be baited any better. Man, could you imagine showing up down in a Virginia hunt club and someone sees you thumbing some 458WM cartridges in your rifle... :twisted:

Hey, you fellers just stop! Man, I have never seen such a bunch of enablers! Son of a gun! AH- I give up! Back to the reloading bench! Scotty

 

[Woodycreek]

You hang around the club a few more seasons and you could actually see that happen :lol: We had one Guy that used a 338WM BAR and drop alot of deer with it.

 

[ldg397]

I was in your same dilemna about 3 months ago. Walked into a pawn shop and saw a beautiful Model 70 458WM Super Express with controlled round feed not a scratch looked brand new. I had been looking for that exact rifle in 375H&H for awhile with no luck. Difference this one was only $895 (Going rate for controlled round feed is the $1100 like the one you were looking at he had it priced like it was a push feed) included two boxes of 500 grain barnes solids and he would take $300 down and $100/month until paid off. Dreaming of Africa myself I just couldn't walk away. I have only $300 left to pay off on that rifle and it is killing me. If nothing else it is going to sit in my safe every day from here on out reminding of that one item on my bucket list that hasn't been checked off.

I also rationalized I could use the same bullets as my 1895 guide gun you guys made me buy. (thank you by the way for that advice).

 

[Woodycreek]

I was in your same dilemna about 3 months ago. Walked into a pawn shop and saw a beautiful Model 70 458WM Super Express with controlled round feed not a scratch looked brand new. I had been looking for that exact rifle in 375H&H for awhile with no luck. Difference this one was only $895 (Going rate for controlled round feed is the $1100 like the one you were looking at he had it priced like it was a push feed) included two boxes of 500 grain barnes solids and he would take $300 down and $100/month until paid off. Dreaming of Africa myself I just couldn't walk away. I have only $300 left to pay off on that rifle and it is killing me. If nothing else it is going to sit in my safe every day from here on out reminding of that one item on my bucket list that hasn't been checked off.

I also rationalized I could use the same bullets as my 1895 guide gun you guys made me buy. (thank you by the way for that advice).

I wish I could find a deal like that on a nice big bore. Think I know someone that has a great load for the 45-70 and 500 grainers :mrgreen:

 

[SJB358]

I was in your same dilemna about 3 months ago. Walked into a pawn shop and saw a beautiful Model 70 458WM Super Express with controlled round feed not a scratch looked brand new. I had been looking for that exact rifle in 375H&H for awhile with no luck. Difference this one was only $895 (Going rate for controlled round feed is the $1100 like the one you were looking at he had it priced like it was a push feed) included two boxes of 500 grain barnes solids and he would take $300 down and $100/month until paid off. Dreaming of Africa myself I just couldn't walk away. I have only $300 left to pay off on that rifle and it is killing me. If nothing else it is going to sit in my safe every day from here on out reminding of that one item on my bucket list that hasn't been checked off.

I also rationalized I could use the same bullets as my 1895 guide gun you guys made me buy. (thank you by the way for that advice).

You got a great deal on that rifle. It is a grand rifle, without a doubt. I am in no big hurry, so I will keep the temptation down a little. Can't wait to see it when you have it paid off. It sounds like a looker.

Your welcome for the Guide Rifle. I fell for the same thing a couple of years ago! Don't regret it one single bit!

Brian, I guess it would be perfect for those MONSTER deer we have down here! I imagine those DGX's out of a 458 might get their attention! :twisted: Scotty

 

[FOTIS]

Scotty - about 25 years ago I lived near, and shot with, a fellow who bought a .458 Win mag Model 70. It was a very purposeful, handsome rifle. He bought it for his trip to Africa. Killed some big game over there using Winchester factory 500 & 510 gr ammo.

He'd planned to sell it upon his return home, but couldn't make himself do that, so he worked up lesser loads with 350 & 400 grain bullets that he used on whitetail and black bear... Also just took it to the range and used it for fun. He knew it wasn't the "best" gun for such mundane chores, but told me that every time he took it out of the gun case, he remembered his once in a lifetime African hunt. I thought that was pretty cool.

He also let me shoot it a few times - at the time it was the most powerful hunting rifle I'd ever fired. Loved it! Those old 510 gr Winchester "blue nose" soft points were pretty brutal, but his handloads were much easier on the shooter.

Still, for me the .375 makes more sense... Regards, Guy

Pretty much what I do (did) with it. Yes I launched 350 TSX's at 2800 fps and 500 gr Hornies at 2300 fps. Now that is punishment from a #1 let me tell you!

But 95% of my shooting was fun shooting.
300 gr cast at 1200 - 1600 fps and my favorite 144gr .459 caliber lead balls at 1000 fps with unique! BTW no resizing required and 22 LR recoil!

Talk about freaking other members in the range out!