Considering a move to smokeless

[ChrisA]

I went with smooth sizing. Didn’t want to mess with the indexing and many seem to have gone away from that. Arrowhead isn’t offering NSR’s for the 40’s though. Sizing even .0001” differently can definitely cause large ish pressure/velocity changes. These things are picky. For long range you need to size consistently to keep from having drop changes at longer ranges.

I would go with the smooth form die if I had to do it over and didn't have the NSR option. I figured engraving the actual lands of the barrel on the bullet would be most accurate but I can't shoot the difference. The bullets in the group I posted were sized with a chunk of the barrel off my first build and not the actual barrel of my newest build.

I believe the smaller diameter and softer jacket of the. 451" Fury bullets is letting the bullet obturate and fill the bore, somewhat negating the need for precise sizing and loading pressure. I think correct sizing mattered more when I was running .452 Hornady bullets that had harder jackets and terrible springback.

But I agree, consistency and repeatability are key in shooting tiny groups and predictably hitting at distance.

 

[BBob]

I initially thought a long range hot rod bolt action smokeless would be fun and easy peasy. Nope, way more involved than a centerfire

 

[travh879]

I’ve killed a half or so dozen deer with my Cva optima now and honestly have fallen in love with the absolute dumping effect I’ve had with a ML so far….

That said - I’m kicking the tires on a move to smokeless and 45 cal. That said - I’m not looking to build some 6k custom on a bolt action. I’d love an encore with a smokeless conversion but it’s still gonna be $2500ish for something like this.

I know there is the 45/70 conversion option or CVA Endura are the more “economical” options but am I missing other options?

I had a CVA Scout 45-70 converted and it's amazing for the cost. Hankins Custom Rifles did mine and he has plenty of videos on the utube.

 

[nockhunter]

I had a CVA Scout 45-70 converted and it's amazing for the cost. Hankins Custom Rifles did mine and he has plenty of videos on the utube.

What powder, load and bullets do you use? I am having a hard time finding H4198.

Mike

 

[ElDiablito]

What powder, load and bullets do you use? I am having a hard time finding H4198.

Mike

H4198 is quite available now. Natchez, Grafs, Precision and Blue Collar have it at the moment.

 

[nockhunter]

I haven't seen it locally, I don't want to pay hazmat charges for just 1lb.

Mike

 

[hillbillyfab]

If I was starting down the smokeless mz path today, I’d build one on a 400 legend frame. I’ve seen few online over the last few months that make strongly consider.

 

[Chris in TN]

If I was starting down the smokeless mz path today, I’d build one on a 400 legend frame. I’ve seen few online over the last few months that make strongly consider.

Nice. I’d love a .40 for recoil mitigation.

ETA: I’d love a fast twist .40 with saboted .358” bullets.

 

[Pickettpuncher]

If I was starting down the smokeless mz path today, I’d build one on a 400 legend frame. I’ve seen few online over the last few months that make strongly consider.

This is what I’m doing. Got all the parts in, just waiting on the machine work

 

[ElDiablito]

This is what I’m doing. Got all the parts in, just waiting on the machine work

Been seriously considering a 400 Legend for an Encore frame. Planning to full-form bullets?

Keep us updated on how you build it and how it works out.

 

[BBob]

Nice. I’d love a .40 for recoil mitigation.

ETA: I’d love a fast twist .40 with saboted .358” bullets.

Smokeless 40’s can be a little picky when it comes to finding a powder that works. The hardest part is finding one that’ll burn clean. 45’s and 50’s are easier in that aspect.

 

[ElDiablito]

Smokeless 40’s can be a little picky when it comes to finding a powder that works. The hardest part is finding one that’ll burn clean. 45’s and 50’s are easier in that aspect.

And of course - lots more bullet choices in the larger bores. Too bad no one makes a .40 sabot. Several guys are doing quite a bit with .30 SMLs now. Doesn’t interest me much since .40 is the legal min in most states I hunt.

 

[Chris in TN]

Smokeless 40’s can be a little picky when it comes to finding a powder that works. The hardest part is finding one that’ll burn clean. 45’s and 50’s are easier in that aspect.

I wonder if MMP or Harvester could be convinced to make a 40/358 sabot.

 

[Pickettpuncher]

Been seriously considering a 400 Legend for an Encore frame. Planning to full-form bullets?

Keep us updated on how you build it and how it works out.

Smooth form dies. Hankins die will take a bullet down small enough to work. Got a die made but not in hand that’ll take it down most of the way and I’ll use the Hankins die to finish it out. Using a cva scout

 

[prairieboy]

I got a cva 45-70 conversion from hanks. Shoots very well. I like the 275gr fury and n120 for about 2500fps. 300 yards is easy. Recoil isn't bad at all and i no longer even use the brake. Just easier to load powder and push a bullet in.

i have the same gun just blued, I use n110 and 225 furrys or 200 sst, best I can get its a consistent 1.25 inch groups at 100yards. It gets about 2300 fps with both bullets, I have to use a wad under the sabot or n110 is just to harsh on it.

If you dont mind id like to know your load with n120, min and max range. I believe I have read that n120 can give ignition issues in colder temps.