Author Topic: Maybe a dumb question, but here goes (Read 531 times)

handirifle · « **on:** August 19, 2004, 07:29:50 PM »

I've wondered off and on if, using the "barrel stubbing" concept if one could convert a barrel, say a Green mountain muzzle loader, to a breach loader for BP cartridge work.

Being somewhat uninformed on these matters, yet still liking to dream it seems like it "should" work.

I think of this cause I like the octogon barrels and their prices. Since they take pretty hefty BP charges, would it stand up to breech loader pressures (BP only) of say a 45-70? Seems like one could take the ML barrel, thread it and insert it into a stubbed and threaded pre-fitted chamber section of a donor barrel. It could then have the chamber reamed to the appropiate caliber. Is this hair brained?

zrifleman · « **Reply #1 on:** August 19, 2004, 08:33:13 PM »

handirifle--I'm told this is exactly why Green Mountain stopped production on some of the muzzleloader barrels--fear of someone using the ML barrels for cartridge guns. The steel is not rated for cartridge gun pressures and possible smokless loads. This is too bad beacause some of us wanted the 45 cal 1-18 twist to build ML slug guns. So give this idea up as a bad idea.

Ramrod · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2004, 01:30:42 PM »

It sure sounds hair brained to me. If you want a barrel capable of accepting a 45-70 round, which is commonly loaded with smokeless powder, and way hotter than the original blackpowder shells, get one from a MODERN barrel outfit, and save yourself the worry of a MAJOR lawsuit if someone gets hurt with it.

handirifle · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2004, 05:25:12 PM »

It was just a thought and in doing so it would have NEVER been loaded with smokeless, as I pointed out, it would be BP only, but it was just a thought.

I don't think those barrels are as weak as one might think, but I have no doubt it is not as strong as a modern smokeless barrel. The whole point was for a BP barrel, but if I went another route it would be just as cheap to go with a Sharps replica.

Thanks for the feedback.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2004, 02:53:37 PM »

Handirifle,

I believe that Green Mountain makes black powder cartridge barrels. Take a look at their site. Track of the Wolf offers gusnmithing services in their catalog for fitting the barrels to your action or they will provide the action (If I read the catalog correctly)

-WH-