RE: Building a rifle-need suggestions
 

eldeguello,

True, I did think of that. I wonder what would be the cheapest, reboring or a new barrel? With the use of the milling machine and lathe, I can duplicate the contour of the other barrel.

I am really confused as to which caliber to choose. One minute I think Big (at least .35), the next minute I'm thinking something smaller because it might be more useful. I know I have smaller calibers, but it still doesn't make the decision any easier. I just wonder how much use I would get out of a large bore. Although........I do love recoil, honestly. I'm not big at all, 175 lbs., but it just doesn't bother me like some people.

Hmmm.....please talk me through this guys, I am really undecided.

Thanks everyone, Kevin

RE: Building a rifle-need suggestions
 

It used to be cheaper to get a barrel rebored. It probably depends on who does it. I had two reboring jobs done by the old A & M rifle company in Prescott AZ (a .33 WCF M86 to .45/70 and an M71 .348 to .450 Alaskan), and both guns shot better AFTER they were rebored. This often happens when a smaller bore is increased significantly!

Speaking of recoil, Elmer Keith was a small guy, and he was considered "recoil-proof"!! If you shoot enough big guns, this often happens. (Particularly if you wear a huge white Stetson, a Cape Buffalo bolo tie, and smoke big enough cigars!!)

RE: Building a rifle-need suggestions
 

I'd wear the hat and tie, but will pass on the see-gars.
I think I'll just go with the new barrel, to give the old action something to look good with. I've been working on the stock for a few days now, it's looking real good. I mistakenly mentioned before that it was maple, but it's black walnut with mahogany tip and grip cap. It now has several coats of tung-oil on it. Boy, the grain is sure poppin' out. Can,t wait to satrt work on the action. We're going to take the old barrel off tomorrow...Hopefully.
Thanks again. K4evin

PS-oldeguello, what exactly is the 450 Alaskan?

RE: Building a rifle-need suggestions
 

Hi Kevin,

Just jumped in this forum again. The .450 Alaskan is a .348 Winchester case necked up to .458 caliber, (and less case taper), and designed to work through the Model 71 Winchester. It was made popular for it's ability to put a heavy bullet out of a lever action. And just for info sake...there is a .50 Alaskan.....as well. (Not to mention a .416, but we won't mention that.;)).

If you can find a copy of "Big Bore Rifles"......grab it. (Probably find some info online as well.) I have a feeling you'd be reading all weekend!:D Just put on the coffee, pick up the book, and................

Dave

RE: Building a rifle-need suggestions
 

Dave,

OK, so now you have me buying a book, I'll never get this house finished :)

So, put yourself in my shoes, I have already listed the guns/calibers that I own. What caliber/cartridge would YOU chamber this rifle for?

Thanks, Kevin

RE: Building a rifle-need suggestions
 

Hi Kevin,

You're asking the wrong person;)! If I were building a customized rifle on an Enfield Action.....it would undoubtedly be either the .338/06 or one variation or another of one of the Whelens.

Why? You already have lighter calibers. A big bore cartridge....built on a reasonable case, (like the 06 case), can be loaded to do many things. For example....in .35 Whelen or an Improved Version you can load .357 caliber pistol bullets to slow/moderate velocities and have a nice plinking, small game rifle. You can load either 180 or 200 grain jacketed bullets to intermediate velocities.....ala. .35 Remington....and have a low recoiling medium range "deer rifle". Or you can put a good 225 grain Ballistic Tip at maximum standard pressure and reach out a "long way" to touch something. Or you can take a super premium 250 or 275 grain bullet and have a "medium bore" stopper for thin skinned dangerous game. And that's just one caliber!

Now think of all the similar possibilities with the larger bores. And the larger the bore.....the easier to obtain "hard cast lead bullets with gas checks" for lower velocity plinking, hunting, etc. You can even work up greatly reduced loads with the big bores using lead round balls and turn them into a lightly recoiling "squirrel rifle"......if you like. They are just plain fun. Not to mention extremely lethal on big, tough, game with their "serious loads". They are the kinds of calibers....and velocities...that all the game of Africa was taken with.....and that continent was settled with! (The 9X's, the 9.3X's, the .350's, the .375's, and the .40's.......all at moderate to reasonable velocities.) Get the book!;) Really, you owe it to yourself!

Dave

P.S. Sorry about the money for the house......but I can't help myself!:D

RE: Building a rifle-need suggestions
 

Dave,
So you're home on a Tuesday morning too, eh?

I hear what you're saying, I am leaning towards the 35 Whelen, (today at least). It seems the most practical. Not that I'm practical.

Yeah, I'm going to buy the book if I can find a copy. Should be good reading.

I finished the stock. Just letting the oil dry for a few days now so I can wax it. Not shiney, just to help seal it. I didn't want a really glossy stock, never cared for that look personally, but I love the look of a good oiled piece of wood. That's how this turned out, just sort of a low luster. Looks really "rich."
I appreciate all of your help.

Kevin

RE: Building a rifle-need suggestions
 

Hi Kevin,

Yeah......I'm home on a Tuesday morning too. I left my job in October last year (was night shift for years anyhow) and I'm currently helping with the care of my father (Alzheimer's). My wife and I are staying here until we can help my brother (who lives immediately next door) establish and set up home care assistance resources. (My wife and I got pretty good at that.....we cared for a son with Muscular Dystrophy.) Both my brother and his wife work, (I always have my military retirement to lean on), and my wife went to work about a year ago. So I am in a unique (for me) position of having a little leeway with my time. Thus.....the comments about being semi-retired. Haven't made it back to Alaska yet....though when we resolve some issues outstanding concerning our son.....we are going back to Alaska. My soul needs room to breath!

It'd be hard to go wrong with the .35 Whelen. It's a classic, very capable, and seldom gets the attention it deserves in a "velocity infatuated" world. Considering you have a .300 Magnum already you should have your extreme range shooting needs met. And I would think living in Maine would provide a perfect setting and opportunity to put a .35 Whelen to good use. Plus don't overlook the reduced velocity pistol bullet loads for year round plinking and small game hunting opportunities. And many good loads can be found for cast bullets with gas checks as well. These bullets reloaded are not only fun to work up and cheap.....but can be very effective at anything from small to medium game particularly. And with the right cast bullets and loads...large game as well. Though I usually save my cast bullet loads for things other than large game. Just my preference, (unless we are talking really large bores).

It sounds as though your stock is turning out nicely. I like the look and feel of a satin finished stock much better than a glossy finish. And nothing feels quite as good in the hands as an oil finished walnut stock. Sounds like you'll have a rifle to be proud of when you're finished!

Dave

RE: Building a rifle-need suggestions
 

Dave,

Yeah, it sounds like you do need some breathing room. I experienced Alzheimer's when my grandfather was ill. Between that and several strokes we lost him. Very hard. I wish you the best with your son, I hope things work out well for you so you can return to Alaska. BTW- what state are you currently in?

My wife sells antique books as a hobby/extra cash type thing. Last night she mentioned a book that "You might be interested in Honey." WAS I EVER! It's called "The Hunting Rifle" by Colonel Townsend Whelen! I can't believe this book has been in my house for over 6 months and I didn't even know it. Needless to say, I was up till after midnight last night reading :)

Hey, is that book, Big Bore Rifles, written by Jack Lott?? If so, I have found a copy!

Take Care, Kevin

RE: Building a rifle-need suggestions
 

Hi Kevin,

Thank you for your support and concern both for my Dad's and Son's sake. (We lost our son November 5, 2002.) So this board does offer me therapy beyond description. But thank you again!

The book Big Bore Rifles and Cartridges is actually a conglomeration of articles by different authors. I believe Al Miller did the forward and editing. My copy is currently packed away...thus I forgot the entire title....sorry about that. For an idea of what it looks like follow:

http://www.booktrail.com/Guns_Reloading/bigborer.asp

http://www.riflemagazine.com/catalog...m?productid=76

There is a price difference between the two sites....so check them both out. Also, I believe I saw another site that had used copies available for less....though I have no idea of the shape they may be in.

Hope this helps!

Dave

P.S. The book you mentioned....is a good one. And it goes without saying nearly anything you find by Lott is a good read!:) By the way....I've never used either of the above sources (though I have heard of them)...so I can not vouch for them!