Stevens magazine modifications

[Con]

Guys,
Has anyone managed to modify a Stevens 200 inline magazine box (for 308Win) to feed and function with a WSM or derivative?

Some mates here in Australia have been fiddling with a 45cal on the WSSM and the results look good to date with ballistics not quite upto 458WinMag, but beyond a 45/70.

If I can get the magazine box to feed ... I'm considering rebating the rim to 0.473", re-cutting the extractor groove and trying one through a Stevens 200.

Here's an idea of what the cartridge looks like and what I need to get feeding.

The 458JCE is second from the left, next to the 243WSSM case ... then a 458Lott and a 223Rem.
http://www.australianhunting.net/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=92065.0;attach=596 76;image

Cheers...
Con

[GaCop]

In a short action, you may get it to feed. Only one way to find out..............good luck!

[JCalhoun]

Sounds like a fun project.

[GaCop]

Keep us informed on your progress.

[Con]

Well, it seems a 308 inline box (unmodified) will work with a 458x2" ... they go in with some effort and feed out reasonably well. Might try making up a flat follower though.

I just need to get some 458JCE dummies to test. Decided against the rebated rim ... so much easier to swap a bolt face on a Stevens. ;)
Cheers...
Con

[jglover_81]

I took a standard long action mag and slowly tweaked the feed lips until I could get my wsm cartridges to feed. Before I bent them I could push the round into the mag but it was tough and the bolthead wouldn't pick it up. Do it in slow steps to not bend them too far and it should work just fine!!

[dwm]

What did you use to bend the mag? I tried this once and it wasn't pretty.

Please explain ...

[jglover_81]

I used a pair of vice grips to hold the side I was working with and used channel locks to tweak it a little at a time