.458's through a .451 barrel?

Tyroma

Tyroma

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Hey Gang...

I am working on a 45-70 rifle project. I just realized the the Shilen barrel that I have, and wanted to use, is a 45acp barrel, with a bore diameter of .451.

I think I know the answer to the question, but just want to confirm: would it be unwise to use this barrel for 45-70 .458 diameter bullets? Would the extra 7 thou make it too tight? I would only be using cast.

If it won't work out, I'll build the same gun in 45acp...but I'd rather do 45-70.

Thanks
 
The question is what action is it on? The pressures will rise, and you would also have to have a custom pilot for the reamer. Cast boolits could be OK, as they could be sized down to maybe .454 prior to loading. Jacketed could be an issue, and you don't know what the next owner will do.
 
you have three problems if you are going to 45-70; on a strong gun a cast bullet will probably crush down but I doubt that it would be very accurate. Also if the chambering reamer has a pilot on it, I would expect the pilot to be too large for the bore of your gun. Finally, the twist rate will probably be too slow for most 45-70 bullets .

cheers mooncoon
 
Years ago I wanted to shoot heavier bullets in my 45 Colt in a Ruger single action. I cast some 330 grain gould bullets in wheel weight material. I sized them down to pistol diameter and lubricated them. I used a starting load of 20.5 grains H110 powder. The recoil was stiffish but not whippy like a 44 mag. The brass either dropped out of the cylinder on our it's own or needed a bit of fingernail to come out. And it was incredibly accurate.

Edit; I am estimating the muzzle velocity to be in the 1100 to 1200 fps but it was a starting load and by the way the brass came out of the cylinder, pressures were low.
 
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Buy a couple bags of 460 Rowland brass (Starline) and run the 45ACP reamer in a bit deeper. Power will be approaching 44mag. Better suited for a bolt rifle.

The 460 Rowland case is a 45ACP case, made about 1/10" longer, with a thicker web.

You can load the Rowland from mid-power 45ACP all the way up a 230 gr at 1400fps. (Over 1000 ft-lbs!)
 
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If you are casting bullets, just cast them to fit the barrel and change the dies to something like a 45LC to get the diameter of the 45-70 small enough to hold the bullet.

I think the reamer pilot will be the real issue.

If you have a 308 bolt head, there are several wildcats based off a cut down 308 Win case.... tons strong for a cast bullet that is 452 cal.

Jerry
 
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