500grains,

I was doing some reading on nitroexprss web site and saw the 600 NE on the Belgin action. You thought it might be a 10ga action. What action would work. I have a 2 nice SxS Spanish 10ga's and and some extra $$, does Dinnis Olson do this kind of conversion? I would like a 600 regulated for around 1850fps.

Do you think that this would hold up?

505ED

i owened a 700 nitro....just sold it last week.......those better be some damn big actions cause the 600 would chew on them things and spit them out usually 577....600.....700 guns are built on actions specifitly designed just for them.

505ED,

Some guys have had disasters with shotguns built into double rifles, so it is necessary to be doggone sure that the action is strong enough before starting the proejct. Then when the machine work is done, the shotgun action must be re-hardened to take it up to standards needed for nitro express cartridges (Merkel does with with their 20 ga. shotgun actions used on their 470 NE and 500 NE doubles).

Lots of DRs made on shotgun actions work out just fine. And some of them shoot off face a lot or just rattle apart. Keep in mind that the 600 NE has tremendous thrust and will test the strength of any action.

As to the particular action used by Mr. Olson, I do not know, just that it was a Spanish 10 gauge. I am sure he would not build them if there was a strength problem. If anyone else were doing the conversion I would be suspicious about it.

The next cheapest .600 NE after Dennis Olson is a double rifle from Butch Searcy. Last I checked, about a year ago, those cost $19K. Maybe more now. From there you go to a Heym DR for $30K.

Or if a single barrel could satisfy you, there is always the Farquarson route.

If you want to consider using your own shotguns as a basis for this conversion, send them to Mr. Olson for evaluation. He lives in Plains, MT.

Finally, I would suggest that you regulate for the standard load of 1950 fps, otherwise you will basically have a wildcat on your hands. Often a lighter load will regulate well enough in a double.

500grains,
I've seen quite a few 600's regulated for the tropical load. (100grains of cordite at 1850), Jon at gunsport in Odessa had a fine 600NE so chambered.I've also seen a few of the underlever Jeffery rifle stamped for the tropical load.

This would just be a fun gun for me. I have a Searcy in a 577 that I just aquired, and have a opp to buy a Greifelt & Co 470 at an attractive price, so this would not be a go to africa and sort things out kind of rifle. If you have Dennis info PM me I would like to contact him.

Thanks
505ED

505ED,

Not to be argumentative, although the tropical .600 load was in factory guns, the ammo makers now load only the standard 1950 fps load, and it has been that way for some decades.

Also, if the rifle is ever to go hunting, low velocity may result in less than desired penetration.

Did you buy that .577 NE Searcy from the gentleman in Arkansas advertising it on gunbroker.com? I spoke with him and he as a very nice person to deal with. And I handled that rifle at SCI when it was in the white - nice gun. The price was right too.