I'm in Chicago for a medical conference, and went to an antique bookstore today...got a first edition by J.A. Hunter, and also W.D.M. Bell.

But in the same bookstore (O'Gara and Wilson) there was a book by F.C. Ness called "Dope on Big Bores" (published in 1947)

I didn't buy it (so it's there if someone wants it). What I found interesting was the section in one chapter about P.O.Ackley's work with the 505 Gibbs case, which he necked down to "40 caliber".
Reading on it appears he was using .416 caliber bullets made for him by Barnes in Colorado, although he wrote ".415" bore (typo?)
He even tried to interest the military in the case, as he claimed greater penetration through steel plates than the Browning 50 cal.

I mention this only because I had thought I had read most of Ackley's work, and totally missed his work on this cartridge.
By the way, the book was about large bore hunting cartridges, and not military weapons.
There was only passing reference to the Browning 50 caliber, but the book did discuss efforts to shorten the case for use as a sporting cartridge.

Looked like an interesting book, if a bit obscure.

Garrett

Garrett, you know you'll be kicking yourself before long for not taking this book too.
I've often thought that Ackley would have dovetailed in with the other inmates of these forums rather well.
Steve.

Shinzo,

I thought about that too, but after skimming through the book it just didn't grab me.

The store had some interesting books, including an original Westley Richards catalog from the 1920's. A deluxe double rifle was about 165 pounds sterling.

I'm reading Hunter's book now, and I'm enjoying the section on his encounters with Charles Cottar. Them were giants.

Garrett

I am looney enough to fully appreciate a book like that ... Shades of the .408 Chey-Tac, and glimmers of the .416 Barrett.

quote:

Originally posted by RIP:
I am looney enough

RIP, it might have been you, among others, which prompted my use of the term "inmates"
Garrett, I take your point, I'm the sort that would've grabbed it anyway & then thought about did I really need it. The Hunter books are great, I have a couple of his, Africa as she used to be "sigh"
Steve.

338-505 please

Can you spell PLASMA TORCH! Barrel erosion should take les than 500 rds. Been there and done that!-Rob

ok ok...375

actualy with the 416 Barrett bullets a 416 Rigby is a helofa versatile big bore

I would be interested if the book price is reasonable.

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

The book is called "Practical Dope on Big Bores" by Fred C Ness. A search on the Internet shows it as being available from several book stores in the $30 range.
I didn't see one listed for the O'Gara and Wilson bookstore in Chicago.

Gotcha!!

Called them this morning and bought both Ness books, they also had one on the 22. Not cheap, $70 for the pair. I read Elmer Keith's copy sitting on his davenport (yes, that is what Mrs Keith called it; and I don't go up against the woman of the house) one rainy afternoon, and asked him about a hundred questions about Ness' observations. Keith admitted that Ness had a lot of good "dope", although (obviously) not as good a read as his(Keith's) book. The next day, we went to Keith's local gunsmith Don Mihalovich's place, and I was privileged to shoot his 600NE. I think that day was when I went wrong...

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

I bet the 505/416 had something to do with the 408 Chey-Tac. I happen to have just such a reamer (505/416) and my Montana PH may be so barreled. Rob, I don't think barrel life will be any worse than something like the 220 Swift; just don't run 150 rounds in 30 minutes!

The end game with the 505/416 is 400 gr bullets at 3000 fps, mor or less. Jamison 505 brass has the same web as the 408 Chey-Tac so there is brass that can take the pressures necessary for high velocity. Lost River Ballistics makes a really nice .416 J36 bullet for the purpose. Oh yheck, I forgot; what was the purpose?

ISS,

Glad you were able to get the books.
Since I only skimmed the Big Bores tome, please let us know if you find about anything new.

Ness really loved the 505 Gibbs, and put lots of information on it from what I saw.
He seemed to think it "entirely satisfactory".

Garrett

quote:

Originally posted by tiggertate:
I bet the 505/416 had something to do with the 408 Chey-Tac. I happen to have just such a reamer (505/416) and my Montana PH may be so barreled. Rob, I don't think barrel life will be any worse than something like the 220 Swift; just don't run 150 rounds in 30 minutes!

The end game with the 505/416 is 400 gr bullets at 3000 fps, mor or less. Jamison 505 brass has the same web as the 408 Chey-Tac so there is brass that can take the pressures necessary for high velocity. Lost River Ballistics makes a really nice .416 J36 bullet for the purpose. Oh yheck, I forgot; what was the purpose?

.

Trigger . is Lost River Ballistics still in business ??

I am told they are, but their web page is down. I think they were bought. I haven't called them and can't say for sure; I'm going on someone else's word.