Mr. Eales,
Thank you for your participation in this discussion. As always, you've added to the level of knowledge we have of the subject being discussed. A few pertinent facts have been overlooked by all, though.
When the Winchester line of short magnums was introduced, the most common rifle converted to them was the model 98 Mauser so the newly developed rounds were made to fit the magazines of Mausers. The .458 was the largest caliber produced. Doubles were not a practical consideration so many .458's were made.
The round, in the Winchester model 70 took Africa by storm. None other than Harry Selby used a .458 to replace his famous .416 Rigby and has never gone back. Jim Carmichal has written it is the most common round seen in African dangerous game rifles. African safaries were within the reach of many Americans back then so the .458 had a practical purpose for existing. It's eventualy being chambered in doubles was an attempt to provide a usable double for which ammunition available.
The reason so many Americans who will never hunt Africa have them is they are fun. Blowing up stumps is always fun. Many Americans have rifles chambered to rounds totaly impractical for American use but are fun to play with. When I lived in Alaska, I spent about ninty days a year in the woods with a .375 H&H. I left Alaska 3July93 and I still have that .375. Georgia white tails only rarely bite hunters and are handled nicely by anything bigger than a .22. I don't need a .375 but I love that rifle and use it once a year just for the memories it brings.
I hope this tome has helped you understand a little better why so many of us have .458's. Thanks again for your particpation
