New here. My 429 wildcat build

[junkman1967]

Im new to the site so let me first say hello. I am in the process of building a savage action based wildcat rifle. My cartridge is based on a 30-06 case cut down to 1.85 inches with a 44 Magunm bullet for an overall length of 2.220. I decided I wanted a 44 caliber (or as I call it a .429) but didnt want a standard 44 or a .444 Marlin. So I built something in between. I chose the Savage action for its durability and the fact that I can use a 308 action rebarreled for my round and then switch to another caliber fairly easily. I am currently looking for a Savage rifle or action to use and I was told this was the place for info and help with this rifle. I look forward to learning from folks here and imparting some of my knowledge also. Since I cannot post pics I will post a link to some pictures of the rounds as soon as I upload them.

Picture from l/r standard 308 case, the 429, and a standard 44 mag

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

[M.O.A.]

that sounds like a real thumper i would like to know more about it.

[junkman1967]

I originally wanted a 44 Mag rifle but didnt like the ones out there. I got to thinking how about something with a little more thump? I started digging through my old brass and grabbed a 06 case and cut the neck off. I measured it and figured with a little work I could make a decent hog gun. I settled on a case length and made a case trimming arbor to cut them to the 1.850 dimension. I then selected a 240g JHP bullet and flared the case and seated it to a nice round number (I think better in round numbers LOL) hence the 2.220 dimension. I ordered a barrel blank from Nurmrich 23 inches long and 1.215 diameter (will be cut down to 18 inches long or maybe shorter with a brake) I then decided that the Savage action was ideal because of its ease of head spacing and versatility. So here I am with a barrel blank deciding if I should look for a receiver or buy a complete rifle in 308. Im thinking the later as I can then switch barrels if I want to. I call the round for this project the 429 Ultra Express and my goal is a 100-200 yard gun max with a MV around 1800-2000 fps.

[bootsmcguire]

I had this very same idea about a year and a half ago, but I figured that some neck reaming was going to be needed so kinda stalled the idea. Keep us up to speed. Very interested in this.

[junkman1967]

I was thinking some neck reaming would have to be done, but after seating the bullet the diameter of the neck and the base were not that far off. I will ream the chamber +.001 over the neck diameter and fire form the cases most likely and set the headspacing off the case mouth. I will let you know how it goes. I have the 23 inch barrel so if I screw up I have some room to cut and re ream. First I will thread the barrel and then go for the reaming and see how it goes. Stand by for updates soon.

[handirifle]

The 44 mag will get around 1600-1700 from a 16" barrel and a 240gr, so 1800-2000 can be done without much effort. I would bet that since using the Savage action, should you desire, could push upwards of 2400. That is 444 Marlin speeds, but at higher pressures than the Marlin can take. What would be the real advantage of your round would be to push the 300gr .429 at your 2000 speed. Now that clearly puts you into deer, elk, black bear, hog, and probably moose territory, inside of 150yds.

Sounds like a neat round. If I did it, I would have based it on the belted magnums, but your idea, I think is better. More brass, short actions on and on and on. Probably less feeding issues as well. Keep us posted.

[243LPR]

Sounds like the Auto-mag on steroids.

[junkman1967]

Im hoping it will turn out to be a nice little brush gun

[Gmac5]

Just thinking , how are you gonna headspace,like the auto mag?

[handirifle]

I was thinking some neck reaming would have to be done, but after seating the bullet the diameter of the neck and the base were not that far off. I will ream the chamber +.001 over the neck diameter and fire form the cases most likely and set the headspacing off the case mouth. I will let you know how it goes. I have the 23 inch barrel so if I screw up I have some room to cut and re ream. First I will thread the barrel and then go for the reaming and see how it goes. Stand by for updates soon.

This was an earlier post by the OP

[junkman1967]

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.

[M.O.A.]

go to the top of this page and click on the nss icon that will take you to the NSS post and he has some for $285 W/O accutriger and $350 with accutrigger even has target actions from $500 to $540

[bootsmcguire]

I had wondered at one time about using 240 Weatherby Brass since it should fit in a SA, uses the 308/30-06 (.473") Bolthead, and could headspace off of the belt. Only real downside is brass availability.

I think the real limiting factor is the bullets. I had been doing some reading on a 44 WSM and a 44 WSSM and the big problems those gents were having was pistol bullets at high rates of speeds turned them into Varmint bullets as they tended to "blow up" upon impact.

[M.O.A.]

take a look at the 358 hoosier its a new wildcat based off the 358 win. its bad to the bone and legal to hunt with here in indiana

[handirifle]

I had wondered at one time about using 240 Weatherby Brass since it should fit in a SA, uses the 308/30-06 (.473") Bolthead, and could headspace off of the belt. Only real downside is brass availability.

I think the real limiting factor is the bullets. I had been doing some reading on a 44 WSM and a 44 WSSM and the big problems those gents were having was pistol bullets at high rates of speeds turned them into Varmint bullets as they tended to "blow up" upon impact.

If you search more for bullets made for the 444 Marlin, rather than the 44 mag, you should see a better selection of stronger bullets. Even Barnes has an all copper bullet or two.

[handirifle]

take a look at the 358 hoosier its a new wildcat based off the 358 win. its bad to the bone and legal to hunt with here in indiana

Unless the OP is in Indiana, it would be a lot easier to use the 358 Win. If he does live in Indiana, and I were him, I'd use his new creation. The bottleneck rounds may not stay in favor with the state.

[bootsmcguire]

If you search more for bullets made for the 444 Marlin, rather than the 44 mag, you should see a better selection of stronger bullets. Even Barnes has an all copper bullet or two.

That is probably true, I was just relaying what those guys were having issues with in regards to high speed 44 calibers, and that was their complaint. I will do a bit more looking on my own and see what I can dig up in that respect.

[junkman1967]

I live in AZ. Im more or less building this as a proof of concept project. If I do any hunting with it I will probably hunt feral hogs. I know I could have gone a different route and used something already designed, but whats the fun in that? Wildcat rounds for me are an exercise to see what you can do when others say it cant be done.

[bootsmcguire]

I sure does sound like a fun one, I am seriously looking back to this idea again. Like you said, just because you can.

[junkman1967]

Hopefully I'm successful. A guy I work with wants me to build one for him if mine works out well and another guy asked if i would build an AR based version lol