I'm ready to send off my Browning 71 to be converted, going to stay with the 450AK for now. What bullets do the best job in this chambering?
In looking over the various FP designs I suspect most are made for 45/70 velocities and I'm not sure they will stand up to what the Alaskan can deliver. I see that Swift markets a 400gr FP in their A-Frame line and would like to know if anyone has used them?

Those Remington 405 grain FP bullets can withstand up to about 2000-2100 fps. Buffalo Bore Ammunition has a premium hunting load using this bullet. Go to their web site and check it out. Another option would be to use hardcase bullets. Cast Performance should be able to help you out. Alaska Bullet Works also has some very good 500 grain FP FMJ 45 cal bullets but I don't have their web site at the moment.

http://www.buffalobore.com/

http://www.castperformance.com/

Good choice for the 450 AK. It should about 200 fps more than a hot 45-70 load. I am waiting for Dave Clay to finalize his version of the 450/50-110. I also have a 1886 waiting to be big bored. Please keep us posted. Have fun. Ming

Ming-
Thanks for the ideas! I have spoken with Dave about his conversions to the 450-110 and would consider that a better cartridge IF it can deliver 100-150fps more than the 450AK at same pressures. I'm thinking the old 450AK is a sure thing but would ream it out if the new 450-110 proves out.

I have two Alaskans in the works and had Mike Murray at Alaska Bullet Works make me some custom Kodiak 500 grn RN bonded-core bullets for the 50. It turned out when I caught him that he already had a batch of 400 500 grn FN bullets just like these in the works for BuffaloBore, so he just punched the noses differently for mine. Very nice product! Some day I'll get to actually shoot them. I know that Ed Plummer also uses and sells these on his American Hunting Rifles (AHR) site - www.hunting-rifles.com
Jeff P

You are welcome John S. I like your appoarch. The 450 AK is very potent round, especially with a light weight lever action. Both the 71 and 86 are much heavier than the 1895 Marlin and should help in recoil control. Are you putting a recoil pad on your 71? My modern 1886 has a shotgun style steel butt plate and it is no fun to shoot those 400 grainers at 2100 fps. However, I don't think it looks good with a rubber pad on it. My 50 AK 1895 Guide Gun will be done in a few weeks. It will be very light may be around 6 pounds but it will have a Decelator pad on it. I just cannot wait to shoot that "small" 50 caliber lever action. Please keep us posted of your 450 AK project. Later. Ming