It kills me that the 4-bore round is a soft-point. Like it'd make a bit of difference!
I think it looks pretty funny, but that's the way it came (it should come as no big surprise that I haven't the rifle to go with the cartridge), but at the modest velocity it travels at and with the awe inspiring momentum, I think it'll keep going just fine, even if it sheds a few ounces en route.
I have no experienced advice or help to offer, but as a big proponent of 'bigger is better' I really have to take my hat off to you!
Doubt that I'll be going much bigger than this...unless I get a chance to pick up a .470NE or .500NE double at some point, but I, too, like the big ones...what little bit they may lack in velocity, they more than make up for with confidence boosting thump.
I really don't imagine that you'd have any trouble getting the round approved for the Big 5 in Africa. 99% of the fellas I know that've hunted them have used either .375 H&H or .416 Rigbys. One Particularly good friend of mine, now guiding Buffalo hunters in Australia, has taken Leopard, Cape Buff & Giraffe with a .50 roundball. Nooooot forseeing many issues with ANY centerfire starting with a 4!
Despite the more than adequate performance, I have heard that it is very difficult to get most cartridges approved. Unless I'm afforded the opportunity to hunt something larger than Cape Buff. (in which case, I should be able to afford a more appropriate stopper), I'll probably just stick with my little 'ole .375H&H, as I shoot it well...and it holds more than one.
One quick question: Other than it not being a rimless, belted casing, how h=far does it deviate from the dimensions of a .458 LOTT?
Would loadings for this cartridge possibly work for you? I know the LOTT produces around 62K psi in full loadings, but would reduced load info be any use?
It's .45in. longer, and 8 thousands smaller at the base (so still quite a bit larger). The loads might be suitable, do to the larger capacity, but with the dimensional and pressure differences I don't want to take the chance. BTW, A-Square's "Any Shot You Want" manual is a valuable resource for most of these large cartridges (including the Lott & .450NE, amongst others).