A
couple of years ago, I discovered and reported that the .458 Barnes
Original Spitzer Soft Point along with Vihtavuori N120 powder proved
to be a spectacularly accurate, and comparatively flat-shooting
combination out of the Savage 10ML-II when used with the smooth-loading
Orange .458 / 50 MMP sabot. Since that time, many Savage enthusiast
have learned the same thing. I've had sub 1-1/2 in. groups at 220
yards with this load-- some folks have reported even better. One
of the seminal articles discussing this combination appears here:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/barnes_original_300grain.htm
.
The
Savage 10ML-II can keep the Barnes Original above 1600 fps to well
past 275 yards.
The
Barnes Original #457010 SSP with a published BC of .291 was, and
is a spectacular bullet out of the Savage. The Savage can drive
this bullet at 2300 fps will little trouble, handily exceeding conventional
velocities of the .45-70 Government this bullet was marketed for,
as indicated right on the box. It shoots accurately, and penetrates
far better than conventional thin-jacketed pistol bullets. One problem,
though-- Barnes could not possibly foresee the demand, and Barnes
quickly sold out of them. Another run was scheduled and completed--
those bullets sold out as soon as they were made. All the while,
Barnes has been gaining traction as the most innovative bullet manufacturers
in the world today, with their "Triple Shock" bullets
becoming a huge hit around the world with hunters and becoming factory
loaded product in Federal Premium Ammunition, and so forth. As much
as Barnes tries to be all things to all people, they naturally cannot
neglect their centerfire rifle and pistol customers either. And,
they haven't.
As
of this writing, January, 2007, Barnes has yet another run of the
Barnes Original #457010 SSP scheduled for this month. He who hesistates
is lost, so if you want some . . . the best bet is to get your order
in directly with Barnes right now.
From
Ty Herring at Barnes:
As
you mentioned we are well aware of how well the .458 cal 300gr SSP
is working for the Savage ML owners and we are making the largest
run ever of this particular bullet. With that said, the demand is
at an all time high and I don't expect them to last long. Get your
order in right away!
Ty
Ty Herring
Barnes Bullets
Customer Service Director
P.O. Box 215
American Fork
Utah 84003
Tel 801-756-4222
1-800-574-9200
An example of a 2300 fps Barnes Original
that I recovered by digging half-way to China: 285 grains left,
or "95% weight retention" in this instance.
Contact: Randy Wakeman, 12362
S. Oxford Lane, Plainfield, IL 60585
