450 Marlin BLR

4fifty8

4fifty8

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Reloading .450 Marlin BLR

  • original design for Marlin lever rifles 43,500 psi max pressure
  • followed Hodgdon reloading guidelines using H4198
  • moderate load no excessive pressure signs could increase
  • BLR action at least as strong as Marlin action
  • accuracy not too bad 400gr Barnes Buster@2000 fps mv
  • 450M takedown shown here with Leupold VX-Freedom IER Scout 1.5-4x28mm

https://i.imgur.com/5zVIhSC.jpg / https://i.imgur.com/dk4Klw6.jpg / https://i.imgur.com/akE0huz.jpg / https://i.imgur.com/Y02XFUF.jpg / https://i.imgur.com/PWfZpv0.jpg
 
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Got a 325 WSM mag for my 450M BLR TSX spitzers & 500gr chamber ok as shown. Going to get around to developing 500gr load probably ~1800 fps mv near max pressure.
 
4fifty8 said:
Got a 325 WSM mag for my 450M BLR TSX spitzers & 500gr chamber ok as shown. Going to get around to developing 500gr load probably ~1800 fps mv near max pressure.
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So the 325wsm mag allows a longer oal but still fits your rifle just fine? Interesting, can you explain the differences between the mags?
 
300gr TSX using 325 WSM magazine

  • 300gr TSX / H4198 / Hornady brass / CCI 200
  • round doesn't fit 450M magazine feeds/chambers ok from 325 WSM magazine
  • moderate load higher mv possible

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4fifty8 said:
No crimp. Increased OAL possible using 325 WSM mag to load TSX spitzers & 500gr RN for example.
Click to expand...

I can't believe I never saw this thread until today. I instantly ran out to a local gun shop and bought a 325 WSM mag to test! It is a game changer.

Previous to this I have done most of my 'past book OAL' testing with a 450 marlin mag with the front spacer removed. It worked fine but definitely had feeding hang ups. A couple quick function tests and the 325 WSM mag is FAR superior. I'll have to order another one or two of them.
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Left to right:
- 450 marlin mag with CamPro 300gr FCP FP (Trailboss light load)
- 450 marlin mag with front spacer removed (my old solution), Barnes Original 300gr Sem-SP (bottom), Nosler 300gr Ballistic Tip Hunting (top)
- 325 WSM mag with Woodleigh 325gr Hydrostatic Stabilized Projectiles (capped)

I hopefully can help spread this PSA to other 450 marlin BLR owners because OAL pushing spitzers is one of the really cool parts of the platform and hopefully people can find out about it faster than I did.
 
Hornady 500gr RN w/o deep seating feed from .325WSM mag no excess pressure signs at ~1725 fps mv could load faster likely ~2000 fps mv at near max pressure.

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400gr Swift A-Frame results today

  • VX-Freedom 1.5-4x28mm repaired quick turnaround & re-installed
  • 400gr SAF / H4198 / Hornady brass / CCI 200
  • OAL as shown feeds ok from .325 WSM BLR mag
  • same powder charge as 400gr Buster same mv & 100m POI
  • low pressure load higher mv possible should perform fine as is ;)
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Alliant 2400

  • today tested 2400 / 405gr CamPro reduced load for my .450M Ruger No.1-S
  • 100m POI close to Buffalo Bore ammo 500gr@1625 fps mv zero - bonus!
  • accuracy ok good for low cost plinking do more shooting đź‘Ť
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