New here. My 429 wildcat build

[junkman1967]

Quick question. If I cant find a Model 10 action is an Axis action just as good. I can buy a brand new rifle in 308 for around $320. I would prefer a model 10 but I figured Id ask.

[M.O.A.]

look for a stevens there the same as the model 10.

[yorketransport]

I like it! It's like a 44 Auto Mag Max!

Depending on the pressures you want to run it at, it looks like you could get around 2300 fps with a 240 gr bullet from an 18" barrel. That's not bad at all! Cool project.

Andrew

[Apache]

This will be close to the 445 Super mag.....rimless of coarse. Pretty potent number for its size. Make one really nice woods round. Good cast bullet gun too. 16" - 18" barrel would be plenty to get it to perform properly.

Good idea!

Could go bigger too....use a 444 Marlin reamer with '06 brass and have a rimless 444. No special dies or reamers needed for that one.

[junkman1967]

Yeah I had thought of that too. I have a tool and die maker friend that is going to make the reamer for me. Ive already designed and built the first design for the muzzle break, we will see how it works when the time comes.

Does the Stevens action have the barrel nut like the other models?

Thanks for all the interest and encouragement. going to start the barrel work next week as soon as I find an action.

I actually had someone work up a load with quickloads for a 230g bullet pushing it at 2550 fpm. On paper chamber pressures were below 308 pressures.

[handirifle]

Yes the Stevens has the barrel nut. I figured 2000 was mild for this round, especially considering it is not limited like the revolvers are. At those speeds you WILL have to consider bullet design. Might just have to have someone build a new bullet for ya!

This could be the start of something big. Just keep the twist rate in mind, if you decide to go up to the heavier bullets. Marlin used the 1-38 on their 44 mag rifles and when pushed to NORMAL 44 mag velocities, a 270gr bullet was about tops. However if you pushed the speeds up it will probably work.

One thing to keep in mind that a lot of small bore (under 35 cal) rifle owners never experience, is that big bore gun work best with heavy for caliber bullets. Example, the 45-70, in a modern Marlin rifle, can push the 300gr bullet over 2400fps. However, the same rifle pushing a 430gr bullet at 1800-1900fps will get better penetration on big animals, like moose or elk.

Guys have taken those guns to Africa and dropped the biggest animals on the planet with slow moving heavy bullets. I'd bet you could push a 300gr at 1800-1900 from your round, and the long 300gr, .429 bullet would plow through anything on this continent.

That would be an awesome pig gun. Keep the 265gr Hornady bullet in mind also. Hornady made it for the 444 Marlin.

[junkman1967]

Thanks for the info. Still wondering if the Axis rifle would be a good donor. I will keep looking.

I have a 1-36 twist barrel blank so we will see how that works. As far as load development I will do extensive testing to determine what loads work best for what applications such as big game, defense, or medium game such as hogs. Im excited to get everything done so that I can start testing. I am aiming for an October first firing, if work stays calm and everything else comes together.

[M.O.A.]

i dont think the axis is as easy to find parts for as the savage and stevens are, and there a newer beast that have yet to prove there selfs in my mined.

[junkman1967]

Thanks MOA I think Ill hold out for a Model 10 or Stevens, there has to be one out there

[junkman1967]

Here is a round loaded (no primer or powder) on a modified 44 mag die set.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg66/Cowboys_2008/Guns/429UltraExpress.jpg

[junkman1967]

Another pic showing overall length of 2.220 case diameter is .458 at bullet seat and .459 at bottom of case. Looks like I will ream chamber to .459 and see how that works. Since I have extra barrel to cut off I will do a test "stub" chambered and threaded to test action before I do final to barrel.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg66/Cowboys_2008/Guns/429UltraExpress2.jpg

[taylorce1]

Looks like a good short range thumper!

[junkman1967]

Thats the plan 150 yds max

[junkman1967]

Been working on the design of the chamber reamer. I will be making my own reamer. Im still unable to find a stevens 200 in 308 or a model 10 for a decent price. What is the big drawback to using the Axis action? Thanks for your input.

[LabRat2k3]

I would say the biggest drawback to me would be there are no aftermarket stocks available for the axis. The factory stock may be just fine for your build. I've never handled one so I don't know what the stock is like, but it sure seems like a lot of the guys that do own them on here would really like a better stock. Gallery of Guns shows that Davids Western Store in Chandler, AZ can get a Stevens 200 for $371 out the door, or buds has them for $330 with free shipping. So depending on what your LGS transfer fee is it's going to be close to the same either way.

[junkman1967]

I would like something with a detachable box magazine instead of the internal that the 200 has. I may just buy the axis, worst case scenario if I dont like the stock I can make a custom one for it to my liking. Thanks for the info.

[Cycler]

Anyone know who has the best deals on a model 10? I need a donor rifle. I would buy a receiver/action but I cant find one and it doesnt look like Savage will just sell those parts.
Northland Shooter Supply (a forum sponsor and he has a bannner ad on this page) sells complete Savage actions at reasonable prices. You will have to have it sent to an FFL of course

[junkman1967]

Well I got a rifle now Im just waiting for my reamer to arrive from Manson reamers. I will update as soon as I get something done.

[junkman1967]

Back at it. Updates soon. Sorry for the wait. :-)