I need to build a 40+ caliber rifle

25 July 2010, 10:26

I have a left handed stainless Ruger MKII chambered in 7 Mag that I have absolutely no use for. It's CRF so I want to build it into a .40+ caliber rifle.

I don't want to bother trying to machine the action to fit a longer than 2.5" case so I figure that I can build this in 458 Win mag or the new 416 Ruger mag.

Are there any other factory chambering (with readily available brass) that I should consider?

Frank

"I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money."
- Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953

NRA Life, SAF Life, CRPA Life, DRSS lite

25 July 2010, 11:24

capoward

Frank the smart choice would be the 416 Ruger if you're looking for factory loaded ammunition.

If you reload, then why not do the 458 AR...Properly head-stamped brass is available and it'll match 458 Lott ballistics at lower pressure levels. Or step up to the next level and build a 470 AR… Properly head-stamped brass is available and it’ll match 470 Capstick ballistics at lower pressure levels.

The 50 MDM is still some months away or I'd recommend it as the third alternative.

25 July 2010, 11:52

JBrown

quote:
Originally posted by Fjold:
I have a left handed stainless Ruger MKII chambered in 7 Mag that I have absolutely no use for. It's CRF so I want to build it into a .40+ caliber rifle.

I don't want to bother trying to machine the action to fit a longer than 2.5" case so I figure that I can build this in 458 Win mag or the new 416 Ruger mag.

Are there any other factory chambering (with readily available brass) that I should consider?

458 Win mag

I would go with the 458 as it is readily available and it works.

Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry
Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure.

-Jason Brown

25 July 2010, 12:11

RDB

416 Ruger would be my choice. I'd like to build a new rifle on that one myself.

25 July 2010, 12:59

boom stick

factory ammo?
425 WR?

My 470 AR was a 7 Mag Ruger Mk II

25 July 2010, 18:39

jeffeosso

458 winmag
450 marlin
416 ruger
470 AccRel
458 AccRel

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

25 July 2010, 18:43

Hasher

416 Taylor.

25 July 2010, 18:49

MARK H. YOUNG

Frank,

I think the 4-5-8 will take the least fiddling. Another practical choice might be the 416 Taylor. It is not available otc but Superior will load it in headstamped appropriate brass. Both of these rounds will take no bolt face modification and the magazine boxes should work fine. The Ruger cartridges will take quite a bit more work.

Mark

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25 July 2010, 19:03

ColoradoMatt

Another vote for the Taylor.

Matt
FISH!!

Heed the words of Winston Smith in Orwell's 1984:

"Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right."

25 July 2010, 19:59

eezridr

458 Win Mag

25 July 2010, 21:40

300magman

Not trying to hijack the thread but could he use the original factory stock if synthetic if he did go with .416 ruger or .458 wm. Just curious because I have a similar decision to make with my ruger.

25 July 2010, 22:30

Snowwolfe

Bought a similar rifle considering the same build and will agree with either the 416 Ruger or the 458 WM. Have a 416 stainless Shilen barrel ready to go on it at some point.
Have to disgree with some of the comments though, IMO the introduction of the Ruger effectively killed off the Taylor. It is a good round but it offers no advantages over the Ruger.

Scott King (check the left hand forum) just had a Ruger rebarreled to 458 WM. Might want to ask him how it turned out as it did require a little work on the rails.

25 July 2010, 23:47

jimatcat

+1 .416 taylor.... 350 gr cast/check at 2250 in a 20" shilen bbl...

26 July 2010, 05:15

p dog shooter

I bulit a 416 taylor on the same action. Now I would build a 416 ruger. Just for the fact one can get a bit better vel and it a factory round.

26 July 2010, 05:20

buckeyeshooter

another 458 vote.

26 July 2010, 05:50

Charles_Helm

quote:
Originally posted by eezridr:
458 Win Mag

This.

26 July 2010, 06:01

DuggaBoye

What is your intended goal for the rifle--

one-gun-safari,

up-close thumper-- etc?

26 July 2010, 06:19

Fjold

Thanks guys, it's all clear as mud now.

quote:
Originally posted by DuggaBoye:
What is your intended goal for the rifle--

one-gun-safari,

up-close thumper-- etc?

The goal is to own and shoot a 40+ caliber rifle.

I shoot a 375 H&H now for everything but as I've learned here on AR the 375 H&H is really a small bore and only suited for gazelle sized game and the tiny ten with solids.

Since I plan on hunting in Africa a few more time I thought that I should get a good medium bore for Buffalo and the like.

26 July 2010, 06:48

DuggaBoye

quote:
Originally posted by Fjold:

The goal is to own and shoot a 40+ caliber rifle.

Since I plan on hunting in Africa a few more time I thought that I should get a good medium bore for Buffalo and the like.

Ok, with that in mind and your 1st post asking about off the shelf--

.458
.416 Ruger

.416 Taylor

(I like and as mentioned-brass and ammo are

"available")

and the of course AR family as mentioned--

(no experience for me with them --yet)

or if you want something a tad "unique"

(less available)--

.425 Express or

your own version of a 2.5" .532 belted-cased 470 or 510.

ALL depends on who's doing the work and what you want to spend.

26 July 2010, 06:57

Hammer

.

Years ago Bill Atkinson converted a left-hand Ruger 77 originally in 7mm Remington Magnum to 458 Lott for me.

He used the original laminated-wood stock and added a cross-bolt.

He lengthened the magazine and bolt throw.

Used a Shilen select-match grade barrel.

Used a New England banded front sight and rear peep sight and mounted a Ruger #1 scope rib on the barrel for use with a scout scope and conventional rear sight.

A barrel band for the sling was added.

It all worked out very nicely.

.

26 July 2010, 07:55

Fjold

quote:
Originally posted by Hammer:
.

Years ago Bill Atkinson converted a left-hand Ruger 77 originally in 7mm Remington Magnum to 458 Lott for me.

He used the original laminated-wood stock and added a cross-bolt.

He lengthened the magazine and bolt throw.

Used a Shilen select-match grade barrel.

Used a New England banded front sight and rear peep sight and mounted a Ruger #1 scope rib on the barrel for use with a scout scope and conventional rear sight.

A barrel band for the sling was added.

It all worked out very nicely.

.

I was toying with the idea of the Ruger No.1 quarter rib also and I'll need the banded front sight and sling swivel.

I saw an article a couple of years ago in Shooting Times (?) of converting the M77 to 375 H&H, I just didn't want to do all the extra work when there are 2.5" cartridges available.

26 July 2010, 08:04

Brando

458AR or 470AR...Just check out the load data on Ammo Guide and just choose which you like better. Also your Ruger will look near factory stock except for the larger diameter barrel.

26 July 2010, 09:56

Nakihunter

I am surprised that no one has suggested the 404jeffery. Any reasons why not?

26 July 2010, 10:10

Idaho Sharpshooter

I think it may need some frame rail, magazine box and bolt throw massaging...? That extra .350" or so OAL increase might be an issue.

Rich
DRSS

26 July 2010, 10:57

Snowwolfe

quote:
Originally posted by Hammer:
.

Years ago Bill Atkinson converted a left-hand Ruger 77 originally in 7mm Remington Magnum to 458 Lott for me.

He used the original laminated-wood stock and added a cross-bolt.

He lengthened the magazine and bolt throw.

Used a Shilen select-match grade barrel.

Used a New England banded front sight and rear peep sight and mounted a Ruger #1 scope rib on the barrel for use with a scout scope and conventional rear sight.

A barrel band for the sling was added.

It all worked out very nicely.

.

You also must remove some metal to enlarge the opening of the action. It isnt as easy as the articles lead people to believe. I have personally bought the larger box and looked at it side by side with the standard length action. You cant just switch out the magazine box, the action has to be milled and opened up on the bottom. Then you have to open up the stock as well to accept the longer box.
Doable, yes. Easy, maybe for a good gun smith.

27 July 2010, 04:34

Fjold

quote:
Originally posted by Snowwolfe:
You also must remove some metal to enlarge the opening of the action. It isnt as easy as the articles lead people to believe. I have personally bought the larger box and looked at it side by side with the standard length action. You cant just switch out the magazine box, the action has to be milled and opened up on the bottom. Then you have to open up the stock as well to accept the longer box.
Doable, yes. Easy, maybe for a good gun smith.

That's why I'm not looking to build a 416 Rem or my favorite the 404 Jeffrey. Fitting the cartridge to the standard length action is so much easier.

29 July 2010, 08:08

mauser93

Take a look at Idaho's post...he may well be onto something. If he is, you'll know it soon enough.

My thought: forget about all of the wildcats and rifle looney stuff. .458WM. Plentiful, and after all these years finally a fine and reliable caliber.

29 July 2010, 08:22

Fjold

I think that I have decided on the 458 so now I have to buy a barrel.

I do not want a light weight gun. I'm thinking at least 10 lbs unloaded with open sights and I may add a mercury recoil reducer to the butt.

I'm thinking a 24" barrel but what contour/muzzle diameter? (I want to fit a barrel band and a banded front sight)
What twist?

29 July 2010, 08:34

DuggaBoye

Whose barrel do you want?

might I suggest:

www.pac-nor.com

458 Rifle (.458")

3 groove 13" 14"
6 groove 8" 22"
8 groove 10" 14" 15"

8 groove 18" 20" 22" 26"

29 July 2010, 12:34

buffalo

My vote goes for a 458 AccRel..No doubt.. Much better than the 458 Win - even beats the Lott. You can always download it if you want less power. You can easily form UltraMag brass or buy from QC with correct headstamp. I am going that route with my 458 AR rifle being finished in about a months time..
Regarding barrel I have chosen a 1-10 twist barrel (a Border Barrel) and I would advise you choose the same twist.

31 July 2010, 23:30

Fjold

quote:
Originally posted by buffalo:
My vote goes for a 458 AccRel..No doubt.. Much better than the 458 Win - even beats the Lott. You can always download it if you want less power. You can easily form UltraMag brass or buy from QC with correct headstamp. I am going that route with my 458 AR rifle being finished in about a months time..
Regarding barrel I have chosen a 1-10 twist barrel (a Border Barrel) and I would advise you choose the same twist.

I see more factory guns with either a 1:12" or 1:14" twist that's why I asked. With the 458 WM I don't plan on shooting heavy bullets in it.

Is a .700" muzzle diameter on a 24" barrel enough or should I go larger?

01 August 2010, 02:33

J.D.Randell

And you're going to be using this on woodchuck and possum, or what? I'm a big fan of .458 Win. Mag. because I own one. A most popular caliber in Africa for DG. -- That's not what I'm doing. I saw it at a gun show and fell in love.

02 August 2010, 07:01

Fjold

quote:
Originally posted by J.D.Randell:
And you're going to be using this on woodchuck and possum, or what? I'm a big fan of .458 Win. Mag. because I own one. A most popular caliber in Africa for DG. -- That's not what I'm doing. I saw it at a gun show and fell in love.

I'm going to shoot it. I'm taking my second trip to Africa next year and I'll be using my 375 H&H for Buff but maybe in the future it will be my elephant gun.