458 Winchester Magnum Lever Action

[SJPrice]

I am considering a conversion of a 300 Wni Mag BLR to 458.  I would appreciate any thoughts or comments?

[DC]

I guess my first question is, why do you want to do it?  It would seem that the Browning is worth more unmodified and if you sell it you can buy a rifle designed for the cartridge.  The other thing to consider is the length of the cartridge.  If you have a magnum length action and box, the 458 win is a standard length cartridge and may move around in the box creating feeding problems.  I don't know if that is true, but it is something to consider.

[376Steyr]

Numerous years ago, Guns and Ammo magazine did a project to convert a 338 BAR semi-auto to 458.  IIRC, they had a dickens of a time getting the thing to feed reliably.  I suspect you'll have a similar problem with a BLR.  If I was considering such a project, I'd start with some 458 dummy rounds and see  if they would even begin to feed from the magazine into a 300 Win BLR chamber.

[Buckeye]

I am considering a conversion of a 300 Wni Mag BLR to 458.  I would appreciate any thoughts or comments?

I think its a great Idea...and it could be done..the 300win. and the 458 have the same OAL.. the only trouble I see is with the Mag. can those fat 458 rd.s fit in the 300mag. mag. ??
If you have access to a BLR in 450 Marlin you can see how it was made. But you can't use the 450M mag (Short Action).I'm sure the conversion can be done..But you may want to look at the 450 M in the BLR .It is a bruiser...

[SJPrice]

Thanks for the feedback.  I will start with trying the 458 rounds in the 300 Win Mag and see if they will start to feed.  As for the why, I guess I do not have a real good reason other than to see if I can.  I like the way the BLR handles and I like the way a lever action functions.  Add a set of express sights and some good low power glass in QR rings and I suspect you would have a fine handling big bore.  What if any are thoughts on barrel length.  I would lean toward a 20 inch mediam heavy barrel but would like to hear others thoughts and why. 

[LEO]

I don't see why it wouldn't work, you may have to tinker with the magazine some but that shouldn't be a problem.  As far as the BLR and BAR I don't think the feeding problem would be as big of an issue because you don't have pressure curves and bolt speed and all the other things associated with semi-auto feeding.  The other issue would be the forearm and barrel bands but once again not a real problem just a modification, and maybe you could use the ones for the 450, I don't know.  I think it is probably a workable project, I don't know about the cost but then again sometimes the cost is not so much of an issue when it is something we really want.  Let us know how it turns out.

[totallycustom]

seems like you may also be able to get ahold of a 450marlin barrel and then set back and rechamber, that could cut the barrel costs a little. They should both be the same .458 cal i think.

-TC-

[Cat Whisperer]

I am considering a conversion of a 300 Wni Mag BLR to 458.  I would appreciate any thoughts or comments?

COOL idea!  If it works, it's lots cheaper than a good double rifle!

[tanoose]

Why not,its been done in the M1 Garand  both in 338 and 458 winchester magnums , custom made by McCann industries.Sells for $2500.00

[K.K]

Great idea! I'd make sure it works EVERY TIME before I took off to the veldt, though.

[handirifle]

Over at Savage shooters.com there are a few that have converted the bolt 300 WM to 458's and have no feeding problems.  If I remember correctly, the 458 WM is just a straightened 300 WM case.

[bigdoggy]

The McKann Industries is a converted Garand and ends up being a 5 shot semi automatic. Pretty slick looking  with the grey laminated stock shown on their web site. To look at it, just go to         McKann industries. com.

[Blackhawk44]

SJ, go for it.  I've considered the very same project for a number of years.  I've had a .458 M70 for years and always enjoyed it but not nearly as much as my BLR's.  The only things that truly held me back were lack of rifle, lack of sponsor and lack of money.  It would be wonderful to see how you progress.  I understand the Z-Hat Customs has done a number of BLR conversions.  You might check with them.