I have an increasing itch for either a .50-70 or a .50-90. So, a couple of questions:

1. What is correct groove diameter for a .50-70?

2. Does anyone supply an inexpensive barrel blank (round is fine) with that diameter bore?

Take a look at Green Mountain BPCR barrels. They are 4140 alloy steel, correct dimensionally, and the price is right. They may be had in original Winchester octagon profiles (button rifled) or Sharps octagon profiles (cut rifled). Judging from my .32-40 button-rifled barrel you can spend a lot more money and maybe not get any better accuracy.

Thank you, Don, I'll take a look there.

I hope they can also supply round profile barrels. I am a lot better at fitting barrels than at re-cutting Ruger No. 1 forends to octagon (even though I did start out commercially 45 years ago as a stock-maker. Guess it's just because I hate doing wood-work.)

Green Mountain Barrels are .508 Bore .500 Grove total .508 .004 per side >500 BMG are .512

quote:

Originally posted by concho:
Green Mountain Barrels are .508 Bore .500 Grove total .508 .004 per side >500 BMG are .512

Thanks,Concho. With your info, now I know more closely what size moulds to make or buy....and throat diameter to specify on the reamer.

Contact Brownells ! http://www.brownells.com They will have reamers and free info in their site , ask any question and they will answer !Manson Makes reamers for lead ,I have one for an original 45/90 1886 Winchester That I purchased at a auction , Got a new barrel from Brownells Made by Green Mountain , Their barrels are repo's of the originals . I strongly recommend them for any replacement .

Thanks for the last bit of info,Concho. Sorry I didn't get back earlier but have been having a bunch of tests.