Author Topic: Possible rebarrel project for old Hopkins and Allen Rifle (Read 602 times)

Kmrere42 · « **on:** March 08, 2006, 10:29:13 AM »

Hi,

Spring is almost here and I am thinking of a new project rifle. I have an old Hopkins and Allen takedown falling block rifle in 44wcf (44-40) and was thinking of several calibers to add new barrels for. Obviously the 45Long Colt is a first shoice and possibly a 38-40.

I would like to make a new extractor so I can change to a smaller case head.

I would really like a 32H&R and possibly a 22 Hornet.

The frame is probably cast steel and the 32 at normal pressures should be fine but I would like some opinion to the hornet idea.

This is a plinking project and short range huntng <150yds.

Looking forward to any replies,

Paul

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 08, 2006, 12:17:53 PM »

A lot depends on the action in question.. Some where not truly falling blocks but were actually pivoting block actions, more like the reminton rolling block. Also be aware it is not likely to be made of cast steel. More likely cast iron.. and later case hardened for wear resistance..What caliber was the rifle originally?

Kmrere42 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 08, 2006, 04:14:21 PM »

Hi Gunnut69,

The origional caliber is 44wcf - 44-40. Although the bore is a little pitted the rifling is clean and sharp. The action is a falling block and is nice and tight. I intend to keep pressures on the light side. I am just not sure how much thrust the hornet case head pushes back on -vs- the larger 44-40 case head even at 13,000 cup.

Any ideas???

Paul

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 08, 2006, 06:39:10 PM »

The thrust on the bolt will be the pressure (PSI) x the area of the casehead. That means that if the hornet is used it would generate less thrust on the block than the 44-40 even with the 44 loaded to lower pressures. If I were doing such a convertion I would use the 218Bee instead of the Hornet. I dearly love the hornet but the bee brass is much longer lived and is also readily available.. Both are rimmed rounds but the bee brass is much thicker and will last considerably longer..

kombi1976 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2006, 01:21:49 AM »

Have you thought about 25-35?
I'm unsure as to the availability of brass but you can really get it to fling 60gn & 75gn bullets and with a 1/10 twist it's push the heavier 110gn and 120gn bullets well enough too.
Just a suggestion.