SMLE 45-70 conversion
- Thread starter DaveGP
- Start date
Sizing the bullet from "as cast" to .451" is .007" minimum, sure to deform the bullet. Other factors are the expander button in the 45-70 die set. Once your .458" bullet is sized to .451" , it will just drop in the case, no neck tension!!
To my mind, there are better ways to do this, none of them "cheap"
I have a Siamese Mauser in 45-70 done right with the appropriate barrel.
There are other options. Takeoff barrels in .45-70 or .458 could be used, and these would have the correct bores. There is also the option of starting with a blank.
As far as the Rhineland barrel goes, I doubt if a .45-70 reamer pilot would even enter the bore. And as pointed out above, the bore is wrong. Cartridges would essentially be wildcats and bullet selection would be limited.
As far as the Rhineland barrel goes, I doubt if a .45-70 reamer pilot would even enter the bore. And as pointed out above, the bore is wrong. Cartridges would essentially be wildcats and bullet selection would be limited.
antiqueguy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- windsor ontario
I’d find a take off barrel or a blank and go from there. One thing to take into consideration is action strength I think I’d rather use something like a P14 rather than a lee for .45-70 or .444 Marlin.
Remember just bc you know what something you build can take doesn’t mean that a future owner won’t stick a cartridge in there that might cause problems.
Remember just bc you know what something you build can take doesn’t mean that a future owner won’t stick a cartridge in there that might cause problems.
Gibbs did .45-70 conversions on both #1 Mk III and #4 Lee Enfields.
antiqueguy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- windsor ontario
Wonder how well it hold up to modern loads for modern guns though. They do stretch from .303 I’d think the bolt thrust would be more from a .45-70. The .450 Marlin has a good amount of bolt trust as well if I were to choose something along the lines of a belted .45 I’d go with the .458 2 inch American just for brass availability.
antiqueguy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- windsor ontario
Neither would the .458 2 inch American. Both are basically the same cartridge the Marlin has a longer belt while the 2 inch American can be made from any belted magnum case. Both are basically .45-70 rimless cartridges.
I have a .458x2 project getting ready for test firing. Ruger short action 77, bolt face opened for the belted magnum. Got a bag of .458 brass - ready to trim it to length.
About using a Lee Enfields for projects...
Is it a utility project being done on a budget, or is it going to be expensive? If the latter, what are you going to end up with? Very nice rifles have been built starting with a Lee Enfield. But it would be easy to wind up with an expensive rifle that is worth a lot less than the investment.
About using a Lee Enfields for projects...
Is it a utility project being done on a budget, or is it going to be expensive? If the latter, what are you going to end up with? Very nice rifles have been built starting with a Lee Enfield. But it would be easy to wind up with an expensive rifle that is worth a lot less than the investment.
These questions are relevant to most any project. A lot of projects get done just for the sake of doing them. Members here have posted photos of a wide range of projects, some utility plinkers, others smooth, sophisticated sporting rifles.
Which caliber? .45-70, .444 reamers should be no problem. .458x2 less common. I have 2 out of the three in my chest. .458x2 is made from .458WinMag. by trimming. .45-70 and .444 are commercially available, at least as available as any these days. I adapted a Ruger No. 1 take-off barrel for my M77 project. A lot cheaper than starting with a custom blank.
I have heard of .410 shotgun magazines being adapted for .444.
antiqueguy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- windsor ontario
I think the 2 inch American would be a perfect brush gun.
Lots of DCRA #4's around that were rebarreled to 308, and I have read a couple of articles where guys modified them to 45/70
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