SMLE 45-70 conversion

[antiqueguy]

I've been told that the Pattern 14 can be used, but it requires the 45/70 rim to be turned down a bit tp ensure proper feeding.

Think I’d rather make it feed then turn the rim down on every cartridge case. When it comes to making a really good sporter it involves more than just cutting down a stock or replacing a barrel. I watched a thread a little while ago on another forum where someone made a .404 Jeffery on a standard length Mauser action and that involved a lot of work.

 

[woodchopper]

well now I am going to have to check out the barrel blanks I have in my bin....

I know I have a blank for a 44Mag build but now I need to look at that other 45 blank is it .451" or .458"

 

[dan belisle]

I've seen a 45-70 done on a Siamese Mauser. Also a converted SMLE. Had a weird magazine with a delrin insert if memory serves. - dan

 

[daddylonglegs]

I had a Lee Enfield #5 Jungle Carbine converted to 45-70 using a Shilen Match grade heavy 458 barrel. It held 4 cartridges in single stack modified original 10 round mag. As far as the Lee Enfield not being a very strong action, I would have to disagree. I worked up a load of Reloader 7 under a 540 gr. hard cast bullet that chrono-ed at 1725 fps. and shot 3 shots into 1/2" at 100 yds. That load was 5 grains over Ken Waters' absolute max load for Ruger #1 rifles. No pressure signs and the only thing that stopped me from loading hotter was the substantial recoil (as well as the wonderful accuracy I was getting) The gun would also shoot milder loads with 350 gr. jacketed bullets into nearly the same hole at 100 yds. I bought the gun from the original builder, and the only change I made was to replace the original crappy trigger with an adjustable single stage sporter trigger which I got from Bits of Pieces in B.C. The original builder came to realize his error in selling the gun, and I sold it back to him after I had my fun with it.

 

[antiqueguy]

well now I am going to have to check out the barrel blanks I have in my bin....

I know I have a blank for a 44Mag build but now I need to look at that other 45 blank is it .451" or .458"

.44-40 smle

 

[DaveGP]

Now to decide - 450 Marlin or 458x2......

 

[tiriaq]

With .450 Marlin, you are tied to one specific proprietary cartridge. With .458x2, you have more availability of brass that can be adapted. At least .458WinMag is more common.

 

[antiqueguy]

With the .458x2 you can make brass for just about any belted magnum some might need to be inside necked turned.

 

[DaveGP]

I’m leaning toward the 458x2 - but a plus to the 450 is available factory loads

 

[antiqueguy]

I’m leaning toward the 458x2 - but a plus to the 450 is available factory loads

In my mind the biggest problem with factory ammo is look at the situation we’re in now you don’t know when you will be able to get what you need.

 

[DancesWithEmptyCasings]

Following

 

[bearhunter]

I've seen a 45-70 done on a Siamese Mauser. Also a converted SMLE. Had a weird magazine with a delrin insert if memory serves. - dan

I've converted a couple of Siamese Mausers to 45-70, it's pretty straight forward gunsmithing, including modifying the feed rails so that the cartridges feed properly from the magwell.

I've also converted a couple of Pattern 14 Enfields and one M95 Austrian straight pull, which had to be used as a single shot, unless I turned the OD of the case rim to fit properly under the extractor and fit into the enbloc.

They all shot well and pressures could be increased substantially to the point of causing case splits if care wasn't taken.