Author Topic: 500 Jeffrey on P14/M1917 action (Read 626 times)

Double D · « **on:** September 07, 2003, 10:59:23 AM »

Any gunsmiths here who have actually worked with the 500 Jeffrey who can tell me why I shouldn't put a one on a P-14 action?

I have lathe, skill, reamer, barrel, action, brass and dies oh yeah and time.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 07, 2003, 06:48:12 PM »

Well DD what are you waiting for. Either no one here has worked with the 500 Jeffries or they have no reason you can build it.. I've not worked with the caliber(would bet not many have) so have no input. Let us know how it goes. I don't really believe with all the materials you'd already gathered that anything said here would have too much effect anyway!! Good luck! PS--- What are you planning on shooting with that baby howitzer?

Double D · « **Reply #2 on:** September 08, 2003, 08:22:13 AM »

Oh, yes Gunnut, the project is almost a given. The real question putting it on the P-14 action. I was looking for anyone to tell any reason they know why I shouldn't use that action.

I could always put the barrel on a Martini action I have over here and make a 577/500, sell the dies and brass for a substantial amount of money and send the loaner reamer back.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 08, 2003, 06:24:30 PM »

DD
Jump to the alternate a 577/500! That wouldn't be any easier would it?? The P14-17 actions are the largest of the military actions(other than some anti-tank rifles from WWI). There was some talk at one time of some of the Eddystone bolts fatigueing when used in heavy calibers but I have not seen any eveidence of that having occurred. I have heard of some stress cracking of the receiver rings. The cause was not a certainty but was attributed to overzealous tightening of the barrels when manufactured but I've never seen thing in any of the oprdinance refurbishing reports nor have I seen this.. All my experience indicates they are extremely strong and reliable action although a bit ugly.. I have a Winchester made piece rebarreled in my callow youth to a 300 WinMag, long throated. It was an attempt to gain power without resorting to a 300 Weatherby.. It routinely digests handloads that are bombs in other rifles with ease and the empties have been reloaded as many as 7 times. It shoots almost any load into less than an inch and will keep a cumulative group of most loads on a folded dollar bill. If your going to have a problem it will be feeding. The metal is there to feed that behemoth round but you will have some work to do.. but you knew that. Good luck and keep us up on your pregress.
Jerry