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Post by edge on Jun 15, 2007 19:58:54 GMT -5
Ok, I had a machine come free @ 3:30 today and I had not written any programs for my breechplug  So I scrambled to write them at the machine. Not perfect, but close. My Handi-rifle, for those that don't know is a plain Jane 45-70 with a synthetic stock. Left is 45-70 case, right is my breechplug with module.  Once again, left is 45-70 case, right is my breechplug with module  Here we have the 45-70 case on the left, the module in the center, and the breechplug on the right.  If I get a chance to shoot it will be Sunday, so if I don't sign back on by Monday or Tuesday then you will know that it did not work  The breechplug is made from Ampco 45 which is a tough copper alloy. The breechplug is a tight press fit, tighter than I had hoped, but time did not allow for machining a new one ;D It requires a fair amount of effort to remove, and upon firing I HOPE that I will be able to remove. This will be my indication if this option is viable or not......I am leaning toward some modification already  The module is a cut down 45-70 case with the primer pocket cut out to accept a 209 primer. About 1/2 of the primer sits in the module and the rest fits into the breechplug. Naturally the breechplug sports a vent bushing as most of mine have for the past few years  edge. |
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billc
Eight Pointer
Posts: 164
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Post by billc on Jun 15, 2007 21:06:56 GMT -5
Best of luck! Can't wait to see your next post.
Bill
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Post by chuck41 on Jun 15, 2007 22:47:17 GMT -5
A really interesting project. Is this legal for use during the muzzleloading season in your state? Since you can still put a factory 45-70 round in it by simply removing the plug, I wondered if that would disqualify it.
I will be really looking forward to hearing how it works out.
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Post by edge on Jun 16, 2007 7:35:42 GMT -5
chuck41, the plug is not field removable, at least I doubt that it will be. The only thing that a warden would see is the module and a tiny hole of light....assuming it were not loaded Before firing, it can be removed with a range rod and a couple of hard whacks with the palm of my hand. I assume that once it is fired that the brass will expand and require a mallet to take it out....but we will see after I test it. edge. |
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Post by dave d. on Jun 16, 2007 8:10:14 GMT -5
:)goodluck bud can't wait to hear your result's.will your 14 twist and new sabot's be coming along also?
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Post by MountainMan on Jun 16, 2007 10:41:29 GMT -5
Awesome!!!
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Post by jims on Jun 16, 2007 12:14:08 GMT -5
Always interesting projects coming from edge.
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Post by oldsnow on Jun 16, 2007 22:13:28 GMT -5
Edge why a 290 primer and not the rifle primer?
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Post by KerryB on Jun 16, 2007 22:26:28 GMT -5
The old 209 definitely has plenty of fire..............  |
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Post by edge on Jun 16, 2007 22:54:37 GMT -5
Two reasons for the 209 primer.
First, since most loads that anybody has used are ignited with a 209 there is no need to reinvent loads.
Second, the 209 primer is nice and long and extends through the module and into the breechplug. This keeps things much cleaner.
edge.
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Post by edge on Jun 17, 2007 15:25:50 GMT -5
Well I shot it today and I lived to tell about it Well I sort of shot it, I rushed around on Friday making the plug and forgot to cut down some cases for the primer modules. I had the one sample in the pictures, but that one was not bored properly and was only for measuring purposes. I had some full length cases that were bored for a 209 but they needed to be cut to length. STRIKE ONE I cut one down with a hacksaw and figured that I could trim to length on my case trimmer...wrong, it does not open enough for a rimmed cartridge, so I had to grind and file it by hand. I was determined to shoot so I just made one and would pop the primers out for each shot. I had a few 200 grain shockwaves, some machined sabots, and a few 250 shockwaves for sabotless. First up was the 200 grain shockwaves, and they did not like 62 grains of 4198 but did like 55 grains of 2015, which is probably fairly slow. I did not try a wad since I left them at home along with most of my accessories! STRIKE TWO. No problem, I'll try the machined sabots. Right there in the case marked 8mm......wrong, these were the sabots for the 505 Gibbs barrel, and in the case I had a few special ones but stupid me bored them for a 30 caliber bullet for the other Savage project rifle at home. A 1:20 twist can't stabilize that long of a bullet. STRIKE THREE. Oh well, I still have the 250 grain 45 caliber Shockwaves to shoot sabotless. Here is where I really get annoyed, the H&R barrel is undersized compared to my Shilen barrel so these bullets almost slid down the bore. In frustration I took out a pair of pliers and squeezed the bullets out of round just enough to make a Not Too snug fit and to my surprise they went off, but did not group great. STRIKE FOUR. Well the breechplug worked fine, but did not take as much effort to remove as I had hoped for, and that has me a little concerned for a Break-Open rifle design. In something like a Ruger #1 or a bolt action I think that this type of a breechplug may be just the ticket, but something that could open I'm just not real sure about this design. I'll try it at least one more time and see if it continues to hold the chamber walls, and to get back and test the machined sabots. edge. |
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Post by ma on Jun 17, 2007 15:51:12 GMT -5
Interesting! Could be a feasible way to make a .45. |
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Post by chuck41 on Jun 17, 2007 16:23:09 GMT -5
Interesting! Could be a feasible way to make a .45. Did I miss something? I thought it was a .45 |
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Post by wilmsmeyer on Jun 17, 2007 19:46:54 GMT -5
No, you didn't miss anything. However this is an attempt to convert a centerfire rifle to a muzzleloader using engineering and ingenuity.
Quite a project. I'm under the impression that this gun can be shot as a 45-70 when the module/plug is removed.
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