Opinions & Suggestions on New firearm?

[1doug]

the rums have a .532 diameter head the 45-70 has a .608 head. the problem is getting a bolt head and extractor that the will accept the rim. It can be done however i dont know how cost effective it would be.

d-a

[kbb468]

d-a, i am not too familiar with the dimension numbers but I probably should be before I waste everyones time with my project. The other thought I had or was given on a diff forum was to do a 458 win mag. But once again I am not sure if this will even work with an Savage action or will it?

Thanks to everyone for thier suggestion/comments.

[Black Diamond 408]

The 458 win mag is the same head size as 300win mag, ect. Fits in most bolt action magnum rifles. Your feeding problem will also go away. Then you can run the speeds up even higher than a 45-70 case. This would be the best option as the brass is more durable than a 45-70. Another idea, open up a 375 rum to 45 cal, more case capacity. Remember recoil is also increasing.

Dave

[sambo3006]

You might be suprised at the accuracy of a Marlin 1985 lever action in 45/70. I have one that shoots Hornady 300 gr HP's at 1900 fps into clover leafs at 100 yds. I bought it used in new condition from a guy at a gun show and he gave me the recipe for his pet load. First 3 shot group went into a 0.47" ctc ragged hole at 100 yds with a Burris 1.75-5 scope. I have never even tried a different load in it.
I talked to a Marlin rep. He said he hears that all the time for the big bore Marlins and he thought it might be because they don't produce nearly as many of them as the 30-30's and the tooling for rifling the barrel probably doesn't have much wear on it.
Sounds like you want a bolt gun but if you have never hefted a Marlin lever action you might want to try it at a gun shop.
Have fun with your project!
Sam

[kbb468]

What would be the ideal barrel length and twist for shooting 300-350gr jacketed bullets for a 458 win mag? I would like to push the 350gr bullets no less than 2200fps.

[Roll-Yur-Own]

The 458 Lott is a bett choice than the 458 Win Mag. And, you can shoot 458 win mag ammo in a 458 Lott. Just NOT the other way around.

The action of choice for this is a pre-64 winchester or one of those new Empire rifle actions. If you don't care about controlled round feed you can build one on a rem 700 mag action since it is only a 375 H&H necked up to 458.

The 458 Lott is THE caliber of choice by most Pro hunters in Africa because of its reliability on Dangerous Game.

If you do go with a 45-70, the Ruger #1 would be my choice if it would work.

[Black Diamond 408]

Kbb;

My rifle has a 22" bbl, i belive its a 14 twist. I was pushing the 350gr bullets 2300fps. They pack a whallop! its a 7# rifle with no brake.