The Accurate Reloading Forums
400 whelen on 1903 Springfield

This topic can be found at:
https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4711043/m/5231073691

22 January 2014, 07:23
Snellstrom
400 whelen on 1903 Springfield
Thought I'd post pictures of my 400 Whelen, sorry the photo quality is poor but you'll get the idea.
1903 Springfield action, 2 position wing safety, Timney trigger, Shilen 23.5" barrel, NECG sights, Warne bases, Gunsmith Kevin Weaver.




22 January 2014, 08:08
RyanB
Does that work with stripper clips?
22 January 2014, 08:14
Snellstrom
It would when I don't have the scope on it.
22 January 2014, 08:36
MJines
Nice looking rifle. Congrats. How can anyone not love a Springfield's lines.


Mike
22 January 2014, 12:12
dgr416
Awesome gun,Elmerkeith,would be proud
23 January 2014, 03:51
mart
I like a lot. Good job. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I have enjoyed mine.

Mart


"...I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprize, and independance to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks." Thomas Jefferson
23 January 2014, 05:46
RIP
Townie would have a big grin over that rifle. tu2

Does it use the Michael Petrov reamer and RCBS dies (designated "G&H") to match?
CH4D dies called "400 Whelen JGS" also match that same reamer.

Townsend Whelen introduces the 400 Whelen September 1, 1923 issue of AMERICAN RIFLEMAN:







If you look at the drawing in Townsend Whelen's 1 SEP 1923 cartridge drawing:

Shoulder angle = 16 degrees and 40'
Shoulder diameter = .455"
Neck-1 = .431"
Neck-2 = .430"
Max brass length = 2.467"
Bullet diameter = 0.409"

Well, as Michael Petrov has said, the .400 Whelen has evolved over the years.
Yep, maybe fifty different wildcats comprise the 400 Whelen. nilly

Here is that other article provided by scholar and 400 Whelen Resurrectionist Michael Petrov:












Loaded with modern bullets and powders, the 400 Whelen will be an elephant rifle, and all-around big game rifle,
beyond Townie's well thought out but modest assessment in 1923.
23 January 2014, 06:13
jeffeosso
pretty cool stuff


#dumptrump

opinions vary band of bubbas and STC hunting Club

Information on Ammoguide about
the416AR, 458AR, 470AR, 500AR
What is an AR round? Case Drawings 416-458-470AR and 500AR.
476AR,
http://www.weaponsmith.com
23 January 2014, 06:29
Snellstrom
RIP
I did use Michael Petrov's reamer for this project and I must say many thanks to him for the generous "loan" of it for my project.
I hope to eventually stock it in a classy looking "period" stock like the G&H style. The composite stock will get me by for awhile.
Right now it's shooting 300 grain Hornadys with 58 grains of IMR 4895, CCI large rifle primers and correct stamped brass from Qual Cart trimmed to 2.485". A pussy cat load but it is fireforming them nicely. I'm using the CH4D dies marked "G&H".
Over the last couple years I asked plenty of questions on the .400 Whelen subject and thanks to you all I finally built it.
I've been shooting it open sights but will mount a 2-7 Leupold Vari-x II on it when my quick detach Warne rings show up. I'm already impressed with the rifle.
23 January 2014, 06:34
npd345
was just looking at Elmer's 400 today. It, as well as many of his other guns, are on display at he Cabela's in Boise.

quote:
Originally posted by dgr416:
Awesome gun,Elmerkeith,would be proud

23 January 2014, 06:49
waterrat
That's a cool rile for sure!!

You fellows have got me thinking hard about a 400 Whelen,,I've got a pre-64 30 Gibbs that's got the throat about shot out and would be a good donor.

Maybe I'll put plans on hold until after my work season,,

Jim


I tend to use more than enough gun
23 January 2014, 07:43
Bill/Oregon
Snellstrom: Whose stock is that? I'm not a huge synthetic fan, but I really like its lines.


There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
23 January 2014, 08:07
surefire7
A cool rifle indeed!

But this article gets me to thinking of a 350 G&H instead! I have read before that Leslie Simpson had favored a 35 caliber, 275 gr. bullet at 2500 fps, but that was about it information wise.

Thank you RIP for copying the T. Whelen article about Simpson's idea on the perfect medium general purpose rifle (for that time period, bullet construction, available powders, etc.).
23 January 2014, 08:25
Snellstrom
quote:
Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Snellstrom: Whose stock is that? I'm not a huge synthetic fan, but I really like its lines.

Bill
I'm embarassed to say that I don't know the make of the stock. I saw it on E bay and found out it was for sale by a Division of Wildlife guy locally so I bought it face to face and he said he got it from Cabela's.
I too liked the lines and fit of the stock, my "smith" Kevin Weaver bedded, painted and textured it. It has a "tacky" "grippy" feel to it.