The Accurate Reloading Forums
585 GMA Express testing sled
29 April 2006, 19:21
Timan585 GMA Express testing sled
I did the barrel work on this 585 GMA and wanted to test fire it, but no stock.
I just felt ungood about sticking it in a tire to do it.
It took about 30 minutes and oddly $5.85 worth of stuff from the hardware store to make my pine adapter board for my B/A sled. I usually use the sled for testing my titanium barreled actions.
This 585 is one brutal piece of iron, I didn't weigh the sled and the sand bags, I'd say the whole rig weighs 20lbs just a guess, you can see where it started at the edge of my deck and where it ended up about 3 feet back, BANG! just echos thru this valley that we live in, 10 bucks a shot what kick in the pants it to touch this baby off, going to build one of my own in my spare,spare time just so I can shhot woodchucks off my deck with it, they will bite if cornered in a garage under some some shelves, my dad found that out.
TIMAN
Stuart Satterlee
29 April 2006, 19:36
TimanI'm having some trouble with the bucket of photos so it's going to be three of the same.
can't seem to get it to move to the next photo,
oh well, figure it out later, have a 7mm-08 to get chambered.
TIMAN
29 April 2006, 20:01
jeffeossothanks for sharing!!!
www.custombrassandbullets.com can supply brass, i believe. Neal is working with Jamison to supply 585 cases for the various monsters
jeffe
29 April 2006, 22:08
boom stick22wrf...
at least he has his priorities straight. his guns come first!

29 April 2006, 22:40
Bill/OregonTiman: What a hoot! Thank God for guys like you and Jeffe and others on this forum.
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
30 April 2006, 01:04
boom stickthat rig makes it look like a cannon (it is)
30 April 2006, 03:55
woodsracerMay I ask a question? Ed Plummer emailed me pics of the .450 Rigby, the .500 A-Square, and his new .585 GMA. To my eyes, it looked as though the .585 GMA case is based off of the .600 Overkill. Am I correct, and if not, what case is it cased on?
Also, how does it compare to the Nyati?
THANKS in advance, this stuff is too cool!!!
I love the string method that you have engineered (Ha-Ha!), just

and give a PULL.

My dad did that with a .303 British after he had a "dud" round.

"They who would give up an essential Liberty for Temporary Security, deserves neither Liberty or Security." ---Benjamin Franklin
"SIC SEMPER TYRANNUS"
30 April 2006, 18:16
TimanYea 22 it's on the list, oh yes the wonderful list. That dang deck was completely refinished July of 05.
Woodsracer,
I've been talking with Mike Roden about it, he said the case is it's own desgin. Mike said it's a 650gr bullet at 2300 fps. There was an article buy Bob Boatman in P.S. published last fall. Bob says in his article that shooting the 585 GMA is an out of body experience combined with a sudden flash of white light. I don't know who made the brass for it. The brass is head stamped 585 GMA Express, I'll ask Mike who the brass maker is, Mike said he had a couple thousand cases made for it.
TIMAN
30 April 2006, 19:44
woodsracerI told y'all wrong about the email from Ed Plummer, it was his own caliber, a .585
AHR, not a GMA.
Now, I'm even more confused.

Timan, I was looking closely at your rig. I noticed that you had double square bridges, and what appears to be a side swing M-98 safety. Who manufactured the action? In case you haven't figured it out, you have my total attention.

"They who would give up an essential Liberty for Temporary Security, deserves neither Liberty or Security." ---Benjamin Franklin
"SIC SEMPER TYRANNUS"
30 April 2006, 21:45
GrandpasezGma cases I have are same base as Nyati,
just the rim isn't rebated as much as
Nyati I have.These are basic cases, and
Bruce made the big run of cases. And they are
good in the base with primers centered and
good radius in the corner.Ed
MZEE WA SIKU
Thanks for the info Hubel458 the brass for this looks good to me, no rebate and a nice radius on the rim makes for better feeding.
Woodsracer, that action is a GMA ARV with a .750 bolt, it's their big one. The Barrel is a Krieger with integral sights and sling swivel machined by GMA, the safey is the military flag style that flips over the top, This rifle will not be scoped so they went with the flag safety. I personally would have a three position scope or not, I think the 3 pos. is a little more handy to opperate and quicker into full battery.
TIMAN
01 May 2006, 19:26
500grainsI hope you did not make that dog pull the trigger.

01 May 2006, 22:34
woodsracerquote:
Originally posted by hubel458:
Gma cases I have are same base as Nyati,
just the rim isn't rebated as much.....
Ed
That alone sounds great, as I hate rebated rims almost as much as I hate belts.

quote:
Originally posted by Timan:
Woodsracer, that action is a GMA ARV with a .750 bolt, it's their big one.
I should have figured! A .585 GMA on a GMA action!
Timan (or Mr. Hubel), how much does the cases cost, and what about reloading dies?
This caliber sounds more appealing to me than the .585 AHR with it's rebated rim and belt.

"They who would give up an essential Liberty for Temporary Security, deserves neither Liberty or Security." ---Benjamin Franklin
"SIC SEMPER TYRANNUS"
01 May 2006, 23:04
RobgunbuilderWhen I talked to Mike a few years ago he said the .585 GMA was made on 585 Nyati basic brass. If I remember correctly, untrimmed you might get a 3.2 inch case. It would deliver a 750 gr bullet at 2600fps or so at max. Of course the .600OK-2 is a 3.2 inch case also, but launches a 900 gr bullet should hit the same velocities. Don't think I want to fire that one without a doubled -up PAST Pad.-Rob
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers to do incredibly stupid things- AH (1941)- Harry Reid (aka Smeagle) 2012
Nothing Up my sleeves but never without a plan and never ever without a surprise!
02 May 2006, 01:47
new_guyHere are your lost photos Timan.
Looks like the right makings for a very interesting rail-gun. Do you shoot the VLD bullets in that thing?
The only easy day is yesterday!
Dang, Stuart! First of all that's too beautiful a place for a machine shop and secondly, you need to make that in a rail mounted version!

Rusty
We Band of Brothers!
DRSS, NRA & SCI Life Member
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02 May 2006, 02:21
boom stickwith a gun like this its a shame deer dont have 1/2" plate armor...
02 May 2006, 02:23
boom sticki say mount it on your car for a big surpize for the next guy who gives you the finger while driving...try to use the engine block as a backstop so you dont rip through the next three cars or buildings

02 May 2006, 02:49
The MetalsmithSo....just a question, do you have a place to mount wheels on that sled?? That thing's a cannon!
"Molotov Cocktails don't leave fingerprints"
-Dr. Ski
02 May 2006, 03:47
woodsracerquote:
Originally posted by new_guy:
Here are your lost photos Timan.
That integral sling mount is cool (no ugly band).

"They who would give up an essential Liberty for Temporary Security, deserves neither Liberty or Security." ---Benjamin Franklin
"SIC SEMPER TYRANNUS"
02 May 2006, 06:35
jeffeossoquote:
Originally posted by Timan:
Mike said it's a 650gr bullet at 2300 fps. ...TIMAN
jamison is making the "585 basic" for the trex, 585 nyati, and GMA, and FAR cheaper than bertam.
I realize this isn't a fair comparison, as the GMA is making low low pressure...
650 at 2300? That thing is making NIL pressure.. the 550 express can do that with 665gr casts.

jeffe
02 May 2006, 20:26
woodsracerquote:
Originally posted by jeffeosso:
quote:
Originally posted by Timan:
Mike said it's a 650gr bullet at 2300 fps. ...TIMAN
jamison is making the "585 basic" for the trex, 585 nyati, and GMA, and FAR cheaper than bertam.
I realize this isn't a fair comparison, as the GMA is making low low pressure...
650 at 2300? That thing is making NIL pressure.. the 550 express can do that with 665gr casts.

jeffe
Jeffe,
I've been looking at shoulder cannons, even though I don't truly even need my two Rigbys.
I have compared the .505 Gibbs, the .550 Magnum (the Big Brother to the Express), and the .585 GMA. What I have noticed is that there are far more bullets in .505, and then even the .585 caliber has more than the new .55 cal (mainly because of the .577 Nitro Express). FWIW, I DID actually email Barnes requesting Solid and X-bullets in .55 Cal and linking to both the .550 Magnum and the .550 Express sites to show the need, here is the response:
quote:
Hi Jeff
This is most interesting. Thanks for the comments and patronage. I'll pass it along!
We Aim to please, reloading is a great hobby, enjoy it.
Ty Herring
Barnes Bullets
Customer Service Director
P.O. Box 215
American Fork
Utah 84003
Tel 801-756-4222
1-800-574-9200
Fax 801-756-4222
Email: email@barnesbullets.com
http://www.barnesbullets.com
Now, I have emailed Barnes with several requests, and this was the first time that Ty had ever noted "This is most interesting." Just thought that I'd let you know!

"They who would give up an essential Liberty for Temporary Security, deserves neither Liberty or Security." ---Benjamin Franklin
"SIC SEMPER TYRANNUS"
02 May 2006, 21:31
jeffeossoThanks for the Barnes Data.
Here's the bullets you can shoot, TODAY
Alaska Bullet works, 700gr magnum groove, 700gr Express groove, 650gr, all bonded core jackets
Customcastbullets.com - 665 and 715gr, any hardness you want
Hawk - 700 and 650s, but these are "grenades"
Bridger solids
and more coming.
PA Bullets as well.
CH4D - Turned Solids
I would LOVE a 600gr TSX for the 550s ... minimum order 10,000!!
I hear more solids are on the way
jeffe
Stuart,
Thanks as always for the pictures - and in particular for the idea. If I build anything much larger that my last project rifle, I'm going to need something like the above to test fire my rifle. Tying them to a tree is getting old....
Incidentally, would it be possible to use something like this test firing platform to work on filing express sights down? It doesn't look like the action would move much so I'd expect a decent zero. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Jason
"Chance favors the prepared mind."
02 May 2006, 22:45
woodsracerquote:
Originally posted by jeffeosso:
Thanks for the Barnes Data.
I would LOVE a 600gr TSX for the 550s ... minimum order 10,000!!
I hear more solids are on the way
jeffe
Now, if more people would take interest and spend a few minutes and send an email, you might get your wish for some .550 TSXs.
Should we request boat-tails? 
"They who would give up an essential Liberty for Temporary Security, deserves neither Liberty or Security." ---Benjamin Franklin
"SIC SEMPER TYRANNUS"
I will have the first .550" 700gr BARNES banded solids in 2 to 3 weeks to test fire. You need to contact Tim Jansen at Barnes and talk to him about the X or TSX. I will post some more when I get the bullets.
RNS
RNS
03 May 2006, 16:24
tiggertatequote:
Originally posted by Tex21:
Stuart,
Thanks as always for the pictures - and in particular for the idea. If I build anything much larger that my last project rifle, I'm going to need something like the above to test fire my rifle. Tying them to a tree is getting old....
Incidentally, would it be possible to use something like this test firing platform to work on filing express sights down? It doesn't look like the action would move much so I'd expect a decent zero. Any ideas?
Thanks,
It won't really work that way because a fixed platflorm will have a different point of impact than a free-recoiling shoulder fired rifle. From the shoulder, the barrel movement while the bullet is traveling in the barrel will have the muzzle pointing somewhere else upon exiting.
"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
03 May 2006, 20:24
woodsracerquote:
Originally posted by RNS:
I will have the first .550" 700gr BARNES banded solids in 2 to 3 weeks to test fire. You need to contact Tim Jansen at Barnes and talk to him about the X or TSX. I will post some more when I get the bullets.
RNS
RNS, do you happen to have Tim's PERSONAL email address???
Glad to see that Barnes is steping up to the plate on this interesting new caliber!

"They who would give up an essential Liberty for Temporary Security, deserves neither Liberty or Security." ---Benjamin Franklin
"SIC SEMPER TYRANNUS"
quote:
Originally posted by tiggertate:
quote:
Originally posted by Tex21:
Stuart,
Thanks as always for the pictures - and in particular for the idea. If I build anything much larger that my last project rifle, I'm going to need something like the above to test fire my rifle. Tying them to a tree is getting old....
Incidentally, would it be possible to use something like this test firing platform to work on filing express sights down? It doesn't look like the action would move much so I'd expect a decent zero. Any ideas?
Thanks,
It won't really work that way because a fixed platflorm will have a different point of impact than a free-recoiling shoulder fired rifle. From the shoulder, the barrel movement while the bullet is traveling in the barrel will have the muzzle pointing somewhere else upon exiting.
Correct, but I would think it would be a good way to work up an accurate load.
The only easy day is yesterday!
03 May 2006, 23:37
tiggertateYes, I misunderstood your point. Kinda like a Ransom rest for cannons, eh?
"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
Something like that.
Thanks for the good thoughts; I don't have enough experience with open sights to realize the POI might change if hard mounted to something vs. shoulder firing.
Still though, I need something like Stuart's rig anyhow as a safe test firing platform.
Thanks all,
Jason
"Chance favors the prepared mind."
04 May 2006, 04:51
tiggertatequote:
Originally posted by Tex21:
Something like that.
Thanks for the good thoughts; I don't have enough experience with open sights to realize the POI might change if hard mounted to something vs. shoulder firing.
Still though, I need something like Stuart's rig anyhow as a safe test firing platform.
Thanks all,
The Caldwell Lead Sled will do the same thing without the extra work of inletting for different guns. Just buy a couple bags of shot and use what you need. It makes a decent rest for regular rifle shooting, too. But I like what Timan did too, pretty cool.
"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
04 May 2006, 05:07
Hog KillerThe Lead Sled, works great. But do not waste money on bagged shot just too weight it down.
Get wheel weights (cheap/free) and put them into a stout bag(s), or sew up some old cut off pants legs. That is what I did for the C.L.S. that the "Band of Bubbas" use. Works just fine.
Hog Killer
IGNORE YOUR RIGHTS AND THEY'LL GO AWAY!!!
------------------------------------
We Band of Bubbas & STC Hunting Club, The Whomper Club
04 May 2006, 05:16
tiggertateNot to mention they make great grape shot from a 1.5" bore

"Experience" is the only class you take where the exam comes before the lesson.
Thanks new guy for working out the pictures for me. I suppose the sled would be ok for filing sights in. It would need a better yanker, like a cylinoid setup. After playing arund with this thing I think how much fun would it be to shoot a 75mm or 105mm or a 155mm now thats a big bore rail gun. Those artillary guns are just great big rifles. The German 88mm, that was so feared AA gun turned tank killer thats a 1.5 pound projectile at 3700 fps, it's like a giant 22-250. I would be willing to bet a 88mm bullet at 3700 fps would do to a cape buffalo what a 22-250 does to a praire dog. A very quick chamois maker. Bang, splat, chamois. Whatever.
TIMAN