44 Auto Mag on Model 11 platform
I am looking to build a "kid friendly" 44 / 45 bolt action for Southern Michigan deer hunting. It needs to be a straight walled pistol cartridge s.a. .44 Magnum or .357 Magnum, but I want a rimless cartridge that would work off the .308 bolt head.
I am very familiar with the 450BM, I think it's the best thing that's ever happened for deer hunting around here, but it also has a bit of a recoil and somewhat heavy for young kids and small ladies.
Someone suggested I look at the old (now almost obsolete) .44 Auto Mag.
I guess it uses a shortened ..308 case and .429 inch bullets. and is essentially the same dimensions and ballistics as the 44 mag but has a rimless case. (hence, my interest).
I'm "sold" already, but am wondering:
1. what you all think
2. assuming I can get a reamer made to chamber the blanks, what should I be looking for as far as blanks go? What is the caliber? .44??? Who might make barrel blanks for such a thing at about 20-22 inches?
Thanks in advance