Hey guys...I'm planning on doing a .45 caliber project and repurposing a barrel from another rifle. In doing a quick search (Wikipedia), I found that a .45acp uses a .451 diameter bullet, .45 colt is .452, and .45-70 is .458. I'm sure there are more examples, but my question is... are all these different diameter bullets being squeezed down the same size bore, or do they all vary depending on what cartridge the rifle is being chambered in?? Thanks.
Are all .45 cal barrels created equal?
- Thread starter Rango
- Start date
Most barrels these days are very close to their mean dimension. You've already stated the different dimensions for different cartridges.
I've run across all of those barrels that are either oversize or undersize. Usually, if they are within a half thou of mean diameter. Still, some can be up to .004 over mean. They may still be within specified tolerances, depending on the manufacturer and what the rifle builder will accept.
You don't say what your project is so giving you any sort of an acceptable answer isn't possible. You also don't mention the bore diameter of the barrel you plan on using or if you're going to cast bullets for the cartridges or just use factory ammo.
If you're going to use factory ammo, a mean diameter bore is what you need. If you're going to cast your own bullets, you just need to order a mold appropriate for the diameter of the barrel you will be using.
I've run across all of those barrels that are either oversize or undersize. Usually, if they are within a half thou of mean diameter. Still, some can be up to .004 over mean. They may still be within specified tolerances, depending on the manufacturer and what the rifle builder will accept.
You don't say what your project is so giving you any sort of an acceptable answer isn't possible. You also don't mention the bore diameter of the barrel you plan on using or if you're going to cast bullets for the cartridges or just use factory ammo.
If you're going to use factory ammo, a mean diameter bore is what you need. If you're going to cast your own bullets, you just need to order a mold appropriate for the diameter of the barrel you will be using.
The plan is to make a bolt action in .45acp. I'd be using factory ammo. I figured a .45 Colt barrel from an H&R would work well because there's plenty of meat at the chamber end for cutting threads. I guess the more specific question is, will it really matter that you're pushing a .45acp bullet down a bore that was originally meant for a slightly bigger one?
I agree, so would I
I was just looking at the Rhineland Arms Mauser 45 ACP conversion kit when I stumbled across this post. It looks like a pretty easy conversion with their kit, but they unfortunately don't ship to Canada.
I'd love to see photos of your project and progress. A little bolt action rifle in 45 ACP seems like it would be a hoot!
Cheers!
I've an older rifle Magazine with an article concerning this conversion. The article claimed that the easiest one to do was a model 1889 Mauser... There's no modifications required to the bolt. A block of wood is inserted into where the magazine would have been... It's slightly concave. Drop a loaded 45 round on to the concave spot, close the bolt... let her buck. I've managed to source a sawed off Bubba'd 1889... now I just need to source the time to do it.
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
I used a Special Interest Arms kit for my .45 APC Lee Enfield build. The barrel is a Shilen .451" bore with 1 in 16 twist which is standard for .45 auto & Colt. Shoots nice with cast, but tighter with jacketed bullets. (I blame that on the button rifling in Shilen tubes.) Tons of fun fer whacking pest critters & plinking out to 100 yds or so. 
Attachments
This project is still in the planning and parts gathering stage. I'll definitely take some pics once I get started though. I did do a 9mm bolt action a few years ago. I saw those Novem 9mm rifles from Special Interest Arms and decided to build my own instead of going through the hassle of trying to get one into Canada. I'll post some pics of that one when I get a chance.
