What a BLAST!!!! I finally have a serious big-bore to complement my medium-bore .375!

It is a Left-hand Winchester Model 70 Super Express that has been re-barreled to .470 Capstick.

I didn't know what to expect recoil-wise, but I shot a few rounds this afternoon just to sight in the Burris 2.5x scope. The 10.75lb rifle was a joy to shoot off-hand, and no worse than the .375H&H in my lightweight (8.5lb) Sako at the bench.

Needless to say, it's very easy to see a .475" hole in the target with the naked eye

This will be my primary buffalo gun when I go back to Africa (Tanzania this time) for my rematch with Syncerus caffer caffer.

I have some A-Square ammo with 500gr Monolithic Solids in correctly headstamped brass, 500gr Woodleigh Softpoints and 500gr Woodleigh FMJs as loaded by Superior Ammunition (apparently .375H&H brass with the headstamp turned off or .375H&H basic brass witout headstamp(I'll have to engrave a headstamp on them for Tanzania customs)).

I've got some Barnes Original 500gr FMJs (for cheaper practice) on the way, and dies will be ordered from CH4D tomorrow. I'm also going to need some BIG bore brushes

Any helpful hints from the knowledgeable folks here? Also, has anyone used the Hornady .475/400gr bullet designed for the .480 Ruger in their .470s?

George

George,

I will relate some of my experience loading for the 470 capstick.

When I use Huntington's 375 Cylindrical brass, everything is perfect. There is no pressure and it is durable brass. Woodleigh soft points and Trophy Bonded Sledgehammer solids showed excellent accuracy. And a Hawk soft point was devastating on an elk after the Woodleigh softs failed to expand (buffalo bullets don't open up on medium cow elk).

However, I have some A-Square factory ammo (solids) and two boxes of A-Square brass. With either the A-Square factory ammo or light handloads in the A-Square brass, I get a STICK BOLT HANDLE, which ordinarily is a sign of excessive pressure. However, another forumite told me that is caused by SOFT brass. Consequently, I have retired my A-Square components ($160 worth of them).

I have loaded up some Hornady and some Speer 400 grain .475 pistol bullets. I will let you know how they work out.

By the way, who made your barrel, who installed it, did you use the factory stock, and does the barrel have a 2nd recoil lug?

[This message has been edited by 500grains (edited 06-04-2001).]

Thanks for the info, 500grains. I had seen the post about soft brass, too.

The 24" barrel is by PacNor; it is a little heavier contour than the factory .375 barrel.
There is a secondary recoil lug on the barrel, and a second mortise has been cut into the factory stock and 'glass bedded.
NECG express sights, barrel band and front sight.
KDF-syle muzzle brake with knurled thread protector for shooting without the brake.
Two "Dead Mule" stock weights added to the butt.
Kimber-style QD rings, and a Burris 2.5x scope round out the package.

The gunsmith who built it is named George Hebel.

George

I forgot to add that I fired the A-Square brand Monolithic Solid ammo with no indications of soft brass or sticky bolt lift.

One round would not chamber however; I will measure it against the others to see if there are any discernible dimensional differences.

George

500 Grains,

See that you are using pistol bullets in the 470.

I wonder if Hornady etc. realise how many 45/70 bullets are usedd in the big 45s and how many 220 Hornadies are used in the 375 H&H.

When a new shipment of Hornadies comes to Australia if you go to the agents there is box after box of 220 Hornadies and sure don't get used in the 375 Winchester

Maybe if they realised they might bring out some similar bullets for the 416 caliber.

Mike

Mike,

I use the Hdy 220's in .375 and the 200 grain .338's which were intended for the 33 Winchester.

Those light bullets intended for low velocities create a red shower when they hit jackrabbits. It is the NORMAL course for a rabbit to be literally cut in half with no entrails whatsoever between chest and pelvis when hit with a 220 hdy out of a 338. No 22-250 load even comes close.

And now for some .475's....

500gr,
Did you have a traumatic experience with a rabbit as a child? Just kidding, I can't wait to load some 220's in my .375 and go rabbit destroying, er, I mean hunting!

George...Again congrats on the 470. Sounds great! Do you have the A-Square manual? If not I can copy the section on the 470 and send it to you. Interesting comments on this caliber....and loads! By the way I just found out. I did make it (promotion)! I'll be looking for a new toy! I am at work today until 1700 hrs (773-2234)! GIA!

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"If guns are outlawed...only outlaws will have guns!

[This message has been edited by POP (edited 06-06-2001).]

Thanks, and Congratulations yourself, Fotis! I believe Saeed gave me the loads from that manual, but I'd be interested in the comments.
I just called but you were OTL. Call me at the office when you get back in.

George

Hey George,

Did you get the .470 through Gunsamerica? I noticed one for sale on that site and called, but was told it had been sold. Sure sounds exactly like the one that was listed. Glad to hear that you are enjoying it. Seems that I'm always a bit late on the good deals.

500grains,

Who built your gun? Do you have a phone number or an address where they may be contacted? I was truly impressed with the results you had with your .470 . Next problem, where to get a good left hand action. I like the Dakotas', but a bit pricey for their actions and Winchester is not producing any lefties????

BH,
Yep. The guy lived 100 miles away, so I drove down and checked it out.

George

GeorgeS,
Sounds like a nice rifle..i have never shot one but will I'm sure one of these days..It should be better than a 458 Lott and it has the cross section and thats the key to whump!

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

Bearhunter

My 470 was built by a guy named Paul Volovski (1-570-325-3608 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. eastern time). I am sure he can duplicate it for you, with modifications (2 or 3 pos. M70 safety if you like, slimmer barrel counter, etc.). He works in conjunction with a stockmaker named Rich Shoemaker who does very fine stock work. Paul's guns are very accurate and Rich's stocks are beautiful, making an excellent combination.

The process will be simplified if you start with an action already set up for 375 H&H. Then add a Blackburn magazine box and follower, Pac Nor super match grade barrel, Blackburn or Timney trigger, safety of your choice, and an English walnut stock. From there all that is needed is 200 hours of labor and you're done!

Paul and Rich are making me a 458 Lott right now. I'll let you know after I shoot some groups. However, that rifle has a regular contour barrel so I am a bit nervous about recoil.