How much pressure would be prudent with a 450 Alaskan built on a Siamese Mauser? All the data I can find is for a lever gun in 450......I'm thinking that the Mauser can handle more pressure??? Anyone have any load data for the 450 Alaskan in a Mauser action??? Any info or cautions from the gunsmiths on board would also be appreciated!

Thanks,

Mark

The Siamese Mauser actions usually top out around 40,000 - 43,000 CUP.

Lee Martin
www.singleactions.com

>The Siamese Mauser actions usually top out around 40,000 - 43,000 CUP.<

Can you clarify that, Lee? Why only 40 to 43 Kpsi?

I'd have to check, but I believe that 40,000-43,000 is what is stated in Frank Dehaas' book "Bolt Actions". It is likely though that a Siamese Mauser could handle pressures in excess of this range. Let me do some digging and try to clarify that number.

Lee Martin
www.singleactions.com

I'm trying to find info also without my library at hand. The Marlin 1895 levergun handles the 450 Marlin at 44k psi...surely the Mauser will bump that up?

A siamese Mauser in good shape ( whatever that is) can take a heck of alot more than 45,000psi. They were reported made of the same steel and heat treated the same as the Arisaka! I did destructive testing on Arisakas years ago and they hold together well after a 1917 Enfield is toast!
However, I can tell you that before your done, you will have delt with more problems than it's worth. The number of Siamese mausers out there that won't feed reliably is legendary! I've seen lots of them that were in reality single shot rifles with a magazine. I built one in 45-70 and never again! I'm still debugging it! Does it work, you bet,! Does it feed and eject properly, sometimes!While the mag box is specifically designed to feed rimmed cartridges, it's really difficult to get work with anything other than the 30-40 krag. You may even need to make a follower specifically for the 348/450 alaskan. I'm negative on the Siamese Mauser but the 450Alaskan is probably a better match to this action than a 45-70 IMHO. Good luck finding parts and have fun with the rimmed extractor( I did). I'd probably suggest you consider building this on a P-14 action instead. It will still be problematic, but at least you can get parts.-Rob

[ 01-10-2003, 00:15: Message edited by: Robgunbuilder ]

DeHaas does state that in his opinion, the Siamese Mauser should be operated below 45,000 psi. He gives some good reasons for this based on lug size. His method of using a file to test strength of material leaves something to be desired. He considers that these actions are probably made from the same steel as the Arisakas.