Author Topic: Quick and Dirty Magnum (Read 516 times)

Bill Kermit · « **on:** October 18, 2005, 03:32:22 PM »

I need to obtain a cheap 458 Winchester Magnum. Can a Handi 45/70 Govt be chambered to 458 Winchester Magnum? I know it can handle the high pressure bottleneck cartridges, so I assume a 458WM would be a piece of cake, right? Or, would the barrel be too thin in front of the chamber to handle this cartridge? Hmmmm...

MSP Ret · « **Reply #1 on:** October 18, 2005, 03:37:54 PM »

Why do you have to make it a .458 Magnum? Why not just use the 45-70 with some Garrets cartridges or load some 45-70's to that level yourself?....<><.... :?

Bill Kermit · « **Reply #2 on:** October 18, 2005, 03:56:19 PM »

Quote from: MSP Ret

Why do you have to make it a .458 Magnum? Why not just use the 45-70 with some Garrets cartridges or load some 45-70's to that level yourself?....<><.... :?

It's not for hunting and I've got to get 'er cranked up to near 2200fps with a 500 grain bullet. I'm afraid to push the 47/70 that high. Would I be able to achieve that with a 45/110? I don't know, but I think the 458Wm would be easier. I've looked at 458WM rifles and they're a bit costly.

JPH45 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 18, 2005, 05:04:51 PM »

Care to enlighten us as to why you would need a non hunting 500 grain 458 caliber bullet at 2200 fps??? You can't get there with a 45-70 case, it simply don't have the powder capacity. Plain and simple, don't like that, oh well. If a 2200 fps 500 grain bullet is what is nessicary then a 458 Win Mag or 458 Lott is what is needed and you need a different rifle.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 18, 2005, 06:19:34 PM »

Quote from: Bill Kermit

I need to obtain a cheap 458 Winchester Magnum. Can a Handi 45/70 Govt be chambered to 458 Winchester Magnum? I know it can handle the high pressure bottleneck cartridges, so I assume a 458WM would be a piece of cake, right? Or, would the barrel be too thin in front of the chamber to handle this cartridge? Hmmmm...

You know what happens when anyone does this...dotcha???

No...you can't get there in a Handi rifle without more problems than it's worth...my suggestion...buy a used bolt gun in this caliber...or rebarrel one...you'll be better off in the long run...

Mac

Bill Kermit · « **Reply #5 on:** October 18, 2005, 06:19:51 PM »

JHP45, you're right, I can't get there with a 45/70. And that's why I want a 458WM. But being tight and having a certain affection for Handi-Rifles, I thought perhaps I could do it on the cheap and with more fun. It was a dumb idea. I'll dig deep and find a factory chambered 458WM rifle for plowing through concrete blocks and assorted bricks and such. Big heavy fast bullets turn blocks back into raw material in short order. Back to my 348 project. Thanks folks. :-)

MSP Ret · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2005, 01:32:35 AM »

.348?, did you say .348!!!, I want a Handi in .348!!! Let me know how it works out, the cost, the gunsmith, everything!!! Thanks!....<><.... :grin:

Bill Kermit · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2005, 07:00:01 AM »

Quote from: MSP Ret

.348?, did you say .348!!!, I want a Handi in .348!!! Let me know how it works out, the cost, the gunsmith, everything!!! Thanks!....<><.... :grin:

I figure it will cost about $700 or so. That includes the cost of a new Handi-Rifle. The gunsmith was recommended by folks on this board, here's the link: http://home.earthlink.net/%7Eoregunsmithing/index.html . I don't expect to get to it for at least a year. I've got two other projects and one gun at the gunsmith now. And, of course, there's the question of money. When I do it I'll give you all the details.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2005, 07:51:02 AM »

Thanks Bill, I will be waiting to hear all about it. I'd love to have one, however the $700 seems a bit to much for me to spend....<><.... :cry: