Hi all, is there a source for 4 bore cases? It looks like I might be able to turn down some 20mm cases, but my big lathe doesn't do the best jog on small things. My cross table is too big to allow the use of the dead rest to support the other end.

Is 4 gauge ammo considered a destructive device?
the NFA says certain shotgun shells are exempt, but doesn't give a list.

try the old western scounger.he had some loaded rounds for around $90 if i remember right.i think he is on line to.
hope this helps
muskrat

Butch Searcy has made 4 bore cases (and has made a 4 bore double).

I bet you could bridger bullets to make them.

Lar-I could do them with my cartridge spinner lathe and a 4 bore resize die.Would the firing pin
on your 4 bore be strong enough for the 20mm
primer?What are the dimensions for the 4 bore case.Ed.

I tried old western scrounger. He is out and said to be prepared to "PAY" if I found any.
I was thinking of modifing the 20mm cases for a large rifle or 209 shotgun primer.
Ed, thanks for the offer. I'll try to do some on my large lathe. If it doesn't workout, I'll send a box your way. I did pickup a very small lathe that needs rebuilt It should work fine as a cartrige lathe when finished. The biggest thing I need is a chuck or something, the head is threaded, maybe I can find a 3/4 jacobs chuck to put on it?? It's an old Craftsman, gear driven, power feed. It should be nice when finished. My gun room is still in box's in the garage, so I'll have to try and find a micrometer to measure the chamber. The walls in the basement are finished now, just waiting on carpet. I'm glad the insurance company is paying for this. Someone suggested a custom mold maker in Australia that makes a 4 bore mold in Bronze.

Give Thad Scott a call. He will probably know.

His shop in tiny Indianola, Mississippi has the largest selection of fine firearms I have ever seen, including 4 bore, 8 bore and a host of others.

www.thadscott.com

The chamber is 1.05". I turned a case out of a 20mm case and cut at the sholder for 3.4". It looks like it should work fine in my Flare gun. It's a WW1 German, dual lugs, under lever, looks pretty beafy, should be fun to shoot with 1/4lb slugs. I guess the original 4 bore cases were 4 1/4". I think if I can make an extended tail stock, I'll be able to hold the cases on center better until I get the small lathe working.

On another note, I got a reply from Ross Seyfried on loading for my 16 bore pinfire Howda. He suggested a round ball and around 2 drams of Black only with no Nitro substitutes.

http://www.drake.net/index.html
You might give this guy a try as he seems to have quite a few 4 bores for sale. He also has more neat stuff than anyone should be allowed to have!
C.G.B.

Just a thought would a 1" or 25mm Flare case work?
The would be made of aluminium but take the 209 shotgun primmer.

urdubob

www.rockymountaincartridge.com - not listed on the website, but they can make them.

In case you need an authenticly African 4-bore to shoot them in - check out...
http://www.drake.net/html/vintagerifle.html

There is a nice 600 NE double there too.

Brent

That's a cool looking rolling block. When I get better at gun building, I may have to try one. First will be a 22 Hornet baby falling block for my son though.

Gentleman, please don't forget Alan Myers, IMHO one of the best gunsmith when it comes to the old big bores. He makes you a 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 or 8bore rifle to fit, and makes ammo also. You can contact him at: gooseguns@talk21.com.

Who knows quality or comercial name of Brass used for turned cases?

Pantanal

Get ahold of John Saunders in Melbourne (or around there) He owns, owned Imperial Cartridge Co. and they made a run of 4 bore Cartridges for a couple of rifles they made. I bought about 20 of them a few years ago and I would think he still has some as he made a few hundred.

Some one from Aus. should be able to fill in the details but if not I will try to run him down.

Next week Huntingtons will be shipped 15 pieces of 4-Bore brass. They are $40.00 ea. Send check to them or to me for what ever quantity you want. Just finished a run of 200 700 N.E. and 100 4-Bore.