any recent 445sm conversions

[bajabill]

I think Im going to do this conversion on my 44mag.  I have not read much buzz about this one in a while and was wondering if anyone has done it recently?  Any issues?  I am going to wait until midway gets the brass first, then probably get the reamer from 4d.

I need a project

[cwlongshot]

Baja,
 VERY simular to what I just did to my 45 Colt.. reamed it to a 454!! 

 Easy and nice project. I haven't shot it yet...
CW

[dk17hmr]

Graf has it in stock and its cheaper than Midway.
http://www.grafs.com/product/222277

I wouldnt mind knocking my 44 Magnum out to 445.  You can still reloading 445 in 44 magnum dies right?

[bajabill]

I am planning on using my 44mag dies, just wont be doing a full length sizing.  Typically, I dont run the case all the way in anyway with my 45-70 and I use 357mag dies for my 357max.

[cwlongshot]

I am planning on using my 44mag dies, just wont be doing a full length sizing.  Typically, I dont run the case all the way in anyway with my 45-70 and I use 357mag dies for my 357max.

 It should fit the 44Mag fine. I also load Maxi's on mt Mag dies with no problems and full FL resizing.

 Good luck with the project and be sure to post up how it goes and how she shoots when done!!  I WAS heading ot the range today.. but looks like rain so i'll hit the indoor range and they dont allow rifles, even pistol calibers. 

CW

[bajabill]

I got my brass from Graffs, thanks for that hint

I ordered the tool so it should be here in a few days, I hope, and I will be yet another step closer.

[bajabill]

The tool made it here and I had a couple of hours till I had to go somewhere, so I hid out in my room and started plungin it out.  This one took a lot more effort than my 357 max job however.  I kept on it, and got it done, new brass falls in fine.  This barrel is an extractor, so I did not have to disassemble it, that was nice.

I pushed a 270 gr bullet in a case to check the throat and touching the lands keeps a lot of bullet out beyond the canelore.  I hope to be able to test fire this tomorrow, both with 44mag and 445sm. 

[quickdtoo]

Chanting all together...Range report...range report...range report!!! 

Tim

[cwlongshot]

Chanting all together...Range report...range report...range report!!! 

Tim

 

CW

[bajabill]

I got to shoot the barrel finally, 

for comparison, I shot 44mags at the same time

44mag  125gr factory         2150 fps   1840 me
44mag  240gr, H110          1730 fps   1600 me    this is disappointing, that's at Hodgdon max load

445       240gr, H110          2120 fps   2400 me    I am impressed, and I am not at max book load yet - it is a 45-70 wannabe 


I just ran them thru the speed trap, no target work yet.  I am getting a more pronounced buldge line above the base with the Starline 445 brass than the 44mag shows.  I hope I can work this minimally in the sizing so it wont be a problem.  I did read on one site that someone was having this issue and split cases in just a few firings.  After one shot, it is just an expansion line, and not a severe thin out.

[Ditchdigger]

My 44 mag barrel was .006" oversized in the chamber also.If you put 44 mag brass in the chamber it will move side to side alot. Your 240 gr. bullets will do 2260 fps. with a near max load.The 265 gr. Hornadys will be 100 fps. slower. You now have a very deadly hog and deer gun.  Digger