cutting the chamber

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Shiloh folks: my rifle is 'in the works' now, and I have a question regarding the chamber of my 45-70. Is the chamber cut so that a bullet can be seated out of the case, thereby proving more powder capacity? I lthink this throat is called 'free bore' or 'leade'. In any event, that is how I wish my chamber cut.

[gunlaker]

I would go with the standard factor chamber, it's a proven match winning design. If you want to seat a bullet out for more capacity try a Bufalo Arms tapered Money bullet. My .45-70 shoots the 459530M4 bullet quite well. I can hit 1284 fps in a 34" barreled .45-70 using a lightly compressed load of OE 1.5. I've used that load on gongs to just short of 900 yards with excellent results.

Chris.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Thanks for that : I guess my question really is: how is the factory chamber cut?

[Kurt]

Unless Shiloh has changed their reamer since I had my .45-70 build the case neck dimensions are .482" into a 45 degree transition at the chamber end into a 2 degree 30 minutes lead angle with .050" free bore.

[Lumpy Grits]

I also say stay with the standard chamber.
BACO sells several moulds with reduced front driving bands, just for this reason.
Gary

[Clarence]

Don't get a freeborn. It's a good way to ruin the resale value and make load development more difficult. Listen to the other posters.

Clarence

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Thanks all, for the advice.

[bruce m]

the option of the 2.4" and 2.6" cases allow more powder.
keep safe,
bruce.

[bobw]

At a minimum I'd have them put a 7 degree leade in it while they are cutting the chamber. Then you can shoot ppb's a little easier . You are the one who wants more powder space but cheaper brass. Just shoot patch to bore paper patch bullets and forget greasers altogether. bobw

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I have just had a note from Lucinda suggesting the same, bobw...so it will be done.

[Perentie]

Could a 45-70 reamer be used to extend the chamber to 2.4 by removing the rim cutter?
Just a thought.
Not really a support question but I thought while on the topic I would ask.
Keith

[bruce m]

keith,
the gun would go bang o.k.
if you are sizing the brass you might work the brass more than using a correct reamer.
once the brass is fireformed, and it would have to form around 0.2" in front of the rim, if you are not sizing, you would probably not know the difference.
could the reamer be reground for the 2.4" case at a reasonable price.
if so you could consider making it for a case 0.010" shorter than 2.4" and never have trouble with short brass.
keep safe,
bruce.

[desert deuce]

Uggg, the chamber is The Heart and Soul of a rifle. If you don't really care what happens after the bullet leaves the muzzle then it doesn't matter much what you do to the other end of the barrel.

If you care about accuracy, nothing is more import than who chambers the barrel, how and with what. Because if that is not done correctly nothing else matters.

[Perentie]

Thanks Bruce and D.D.
I will leave it as is and P.P. or B.Seat.
Keith