Most all around successful .458 bullets for 10ML-II use.

[artjr338wm]

This question applies to bullets fired using SABOTS ONLY!

As I am getting prepared for deer season by double checking my zero and practicing as well, a question came to mind. Because historically bullets of .458" diameter shoot more accurately out of a 10ML-II than bullets of smaller .451-.452" diameter, I began to wonder just how many .458 caliber bullets weighing 325 grains or less, have been shot enough to be considered as solid performers out to a maximum range of 300 yards in terms of accuracy and terminal performance on deer. Then to narrow the selection even farther, reduce the potential bullets to those of a spitzer, semi-spitzer or polymer tipped designs only.

So far the only .458" bullets of spitzer/poly tipped bullets I know of that have a well earned reputation for both acceptable accuracy and terminal performance on deer out to 300 yards are:

#1<>The famous 300 grain SS .458" Barnes Original
#2-<>The Hornady 325 grain .458" FTX

My present hunting load is:

325 grain .458" Hornady FTX
68 grains H-4198
Harvester Black CR sabot
Federal 209M primer

I chose to use the .458" 325/FTX over all the other bullets I had tried, because doing so simplified everything for me, although cheaper, the biggest reason I chose the FTX over the BO, was availability.
I can get the 325/FTX OTC at both my local Cabela's and BP pretty much at will, the BO is M/O only and much harder to find in stock.
Now I'm fully aware (as I'm sure others reading this are) that both Hornady and Barnes make other pointed designed bullets in a .458" diameter, Hornady's 250 grain .458" GMX and Barnes makes IIRC at least two all copper .458" bullets of a pointed design both at 300 grains or less in weight, but I don't know if any of those bullets let alone any others unknown to me, are on par with the BO or 325/FTX performance wise.

Has anyone shot either the 250 grain .458" GMX or similar Barnes bullet or any other .458" sub 325 grain bullet and been successful with it out to a maximum range of 300 yards?

Thanks,
Arthur.

[lwh723]

I've had a few customers shoot my 310APB with good results in 50cal guns, but with so many other options for the 50cal, it really hasn't caught on. In my opinion, the BO and 325FTX are really the list when it comes to 458cal bullets in the 10MLII.

[oldsnow]

.458 Hornady 250 grain Mono-Flex
dougsmessageboards.proboards.com/thread/14354/stayed-hormady-monoflex

[artjr338wm]

Thanks a great deal as I haf completely forgotten about the 250 Monoflex. Will orfer dome this day. Where do you usually buy yours?

Thanks again best luck this deer season and be safe,
Arthur

[oldsnow]

Sept 19, 2014 9:13:46 GMT -5 artjr338wm said:

Where do you usually buy yours?
Arthur

Mid-Way USA, or Mid-South Shooters.

[southarkrob]

I have only used 300 GR 452 XTP's out of my MLII and have killed a lot of deer with this combo... What are the advantages of using a .458 Bullet?? Thanks for the help. Rob

[oldsnow]

Sept 19, 2014 18:56:36 GMT -5 southarkrob said:

What are the advantages of using a .458 Bullet?? Thanks for the help. Rob

Accuracy maybe.

[artjr338wm]

Oldsnow, just ordered a box of the 250/458 Hornady Monoflex bullets. Had a heck of a time finding them in stock. Can hardly wait for them to get here. Will shoot with Harvester Black CR sabot. Not 100% sure, but will likely use H-4198, unless I find compelling info to try another powder or go duplex. Will post my results when done.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[GMB54-120]

I stocked up on the 325gr FTX when i was getting them for under $35/100. Great bullet for the price.

[artjr338wm]

Sept 19, 2014 21:57:48 GMT -5 GMB54-120 said:

I stocked up on the 325gr FTX when i was getting them for under $35/100. Great bullet for the price.

If you would be so kind ad to share with me your favorite loading using the 325/FTX, as well as the group average accuracy yor getting.
Thanks,
Arthur.

[GMB54-120]

I shot them mostly in my Knight 52cal with 91grW BH209 but in the Savage 63gr of Reloder7 was a nice semi mild load. I never got past just using iron sights at 50 yards but the groups looked very promising. I hardly shot my Savage 50 after getting the Pacnor 45.