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Not to be confused for the similarly-named .458 African Express cartridge.

The .458 Express is a large caliber hunting rifle cartridge of South African origin.

History[]

Professor Koos Badenhorst noticed that cartridges in the .450 inch range, such as the .458 Lott and .458 Winchester Magnum, were failing to deliver the desired velocities that are needed for critical backup work by professional game hunters in South Africa.

The high temperatures of the African bush proved to be a detriment to compressed loads, especially if lesser-quality South African powders, such as the S321, were used, causing dangerous chamber pressures and for bolt actions to get jammed.

In 1998, with these challenges in mind, Badenhorst went to work designing a cartridge that would be reloaded well within the safety limits of a bolt action rifle, as well as being able to fit in a magnum bolt action. For testing purposes, he used a BRNO ZKK-602 rifle, due to its effectiveness and reliability.

In 2000, Badenhorst's new cartridge, the .458 Express, was introduced, with the first rifles chambered for it being made.

Design Details[]

The .458 Express cartridge, designed specifically for the action of the ZKK-602[1], uses a straight-walled belted casing that is rimless. It measures 3 inches in length, longer than other hunting rifle calibers that use .458 inch diameter bullets. It has a case capacity of 7.19 grams (111 grains), allowing for lower and safer working pressures (up to 13,000 PSI less) and reduced recoil.

It was designed to work with South African propellants, producing muzzle velocities of 2,250 feet per second (685.8 meters per second) and more. The lower recoil allowed the user greater control over their weapon.

With a 500 grain (32.4 grams) bullet, true 2,150 ft/s muzzle velocities could be safely attained in the extreme conditions of Africa. A wide variety of reloading options allows the .458 Express to attain muzzle velocities up to 2,700 feet per second (822.96 meters per second), depending on the projectile.

.458 3" Rimmed[]

A variant of the .458 Express using a rimmed casing, designed around the same year that the original was introduced. Developed for use in break-open express rifles.

Measurements[]

  • Overall Length: 3.75 in (95.3mm)
  • Case Length: 2.96 in (75.3mm)
  • Mouth Diameter: .484 (12.3mm)
  • Head Diameter: .511 in (13mm)
  • Head Length: .114 in (2.9mm)
  • Groove Diameter: .503 in (12.8mm)
  • Groove Width: .035 in (0.9mm)
  • Rim Diameter: .570 in (14.5mm)
  • Rim Thickness: .066 in (1.7mm)

Gallery[]

External Links[]

References[]

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