450 Bushmaster build

[mattri]

7062

Have built a few rifles using the old 110 style actions but hadn't done anything with an Axis before.

Picked up a 223, swapped the bolt and obviously the barrel.

Everything was pretty straightforward, not sure I love the recoil lug in the stock or the Axis bolt but it is what it is and old donor Savages are getting harder to find.

Plan for the rifle is twofold:

1) inexpensive deer rifle as it meets reqs here. Will put a basic scope on it and if it is reasonably accurate with factory ammo good to go.

2) a platform to work with the 450 Bushmaster. I think this round has a lot of potential in heavy for caliber loads, possibly even subsonic. I went with a 1:16 twist so I can work with heavy cast bullets.

Should be fun either way, will post results.

[Underhammer]

Hope that it shoots as good as it looks!

[GaCop]

Definitely want to hear an accuracy report. How well are rounds feeding from the magazine so far? I've been toying with the idea of building a Bushmaster.

[mattri]

Will do, hopefully accuracy is acceptable with factory ammo and it will at least justify itself as a hunting rifle but to honest working with the heavy cast bullets is what really interests me.

Just have the original 223 mag so far so its a single shot for now. I've heard any mag for a .473 round will work but haven't picked one up yet. All I've found so far are new ones for $40-50 and that seems high.

[Underhammer]

https://up.picr.de/38252806ov.jpg
I think the picture says it all.
If you don't use the spacer, the 'bullets' will move forward and nose dive........sometimes.
But, you also have to move the spring forward, or they still want to nose dive.
Not simple, just wish they would make a Bushmaster Axis.

[mattri]

7063

Got a chance to run out after work for a few test rounds. Just sighting down the barrel and adjusting the scope got me on paper so I moved out to appr 50 steps. Was just laying in a field shooting off a bipod but so far pretty happy.

Ammo was Hornady 250gr FTX. Recoil was noticeable but not unmanageable.

Had the 223 mag in and was using it like a follower while single feeding.

Underhammer- thanks for the pic and the description of your mag mod, very helpful. What did you use for a spacer? Once I source a mag I may pick your brain a little more.

[Underhammer]

"Underhammer- thanks for the pic and the description of your mag mod, very helpful. What did you use for a spacer? Once I source a mag I may pick your brain a little more."

A scrap piece of plastic.

The Hornady FTX shoots best in mine. Nice target.

[mattri]

7205

[mattri]

300gr Hornady XTP Mags over IMR4227 @ 300 yards this morning.

[GaCop]

300gr Hornady XTP Mags over IMR4227 @ 300 yards this morning. That's some fine accuracy at 300 yards!

[mattri]

Thanks, its pleasant to shoot which really helps.

[Nickelgl]

Is that a Rhineland arms barrel ?


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[mattri]

Yeah it's been great so far.

[Nickelgl]

I was going to order one next week thanks


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[mattri]

I lent my GO gauge out but should have it back soon, youre welcome to use it if you like.

[GaCop]

Yeah it's been great so far. Rhineland makes a great barrel. Mine is a breeze to clean. Even after 48 rounds of cast bullets the bore looks like it hasn't been fired. Running a wet patch thru the bore leaves a light gray color on he patch. Jacketed bullet loads show no evidence of copper fouling.

[red caddy 51]

You 'bushie boys seem to be having a good time. I went .458 SOCOM with an Excaliber barrel, mostly for the better, wider choice of bullets at the time. (Now it's a tossup)

Mine is averaging .9 MOA out to 350 yds. (longest range I have access to right now) Better with longer/ heavier bullets. The .458 Axis is a bit tighter than my Marlin 45-70 guide gun, but not a good woods gun what with the long bull barrel, muzzle brake. Oddly, my AR .458 is shooting right with the bolt/lever guns, at shorter distances, but the direct impingement gas system just eats recoil, adjustable gas block is required as I'm getting recoil shy, in my old age...

Paul in floriduh

[mattri]

Sounds like a shooter!

When I first started looking at building a big bore thumper style I looked at the 450 BM, the 458 SOCOM, 50 Beo etc. I liked that the SOCOM used the 458 bore and the bullets available but having a shoulder bars it's use for hunting here (IA).

I also wanted to start casting for this project as it seemed a good fit and was fortunate enough to find Accurate Molds and their extensive catolog, this is the mold I ended up going with and while I'm still in the load development stages I'm very happy with it so far:
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-400A-D.png (http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-400A-D.png)

[GaCop]

You 'bushie boys seem to be having a good time. I went .458 SOCOM with an Excaliber barrel, mostly for the better, wider choice of bullets at the time. (Now it's a tossup)

Mine is averaging .9 MOA out to 350 yds. (longest range I have access to right now) Better with longer/ heavier bullets. The .458 Axis is a bit tighter than my Marlin 45-70 guide gun, but not a good woods gun what with the long bull barrel, muzzle brake. Oddly, my AR .458 is shooting right with the bolt/lever guns, at shorter distances, but the direct impingement gas system just eats recoil, adjustable gas block is required as I'm getting recoil shy, in my old age...

Paul in floriduh I've been playing with 405 grain cast from Missouri Bullets that have been resized to .452". Still a work in progress but, result so far are very encouraging with accuracy good enough to bust hogs out to 150 yards.