Savage Target Action 400/408 SML

I built this 400/408 McGowen on a Savage Target Action using a 209 bolthead and Savage bushing breech plug with primer seat. Only took it out once and fired 7 shots mainly to check ignition and primers. Everything worked as planned and it shot pretty decent at 100yds. These were sabotless loads using knurled up 200gr SST's. To keep it simple I went with straight charges instead of a duplex. It was a cold day on the range.

http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...psdwiil4ao.jpg

http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...pssadexpad.jpg

http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...psl3rkdmem.jpg

http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps1tbdyjqp.jpg

Action was bedded, third screw installed in stock and blasted finish by a local gunsmith here in PA.

These are 240gr Cutting Edge Bullets I shot yesterday. Next trip I will be switching to a duplex load to tighten things up. The CEB's do put a hurtin on deer.
http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...psgy9wtjot.jpg

My mouth is watering.

I put a WCE 4-16x50 on the gun and tightened the action screws which were loose. Its shooting a bit tighter now.
http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps24v6o7m7.jpg

Group is slightly bigger then a nickel.
http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...psomic4rhn.jpg

Wow.......that's awesome !!!!
I really like this.

Very nice rifle, great shootin'! Where can I learn more about this caliber?

Dougs Message Board. There are a few of us shooting it currently with some loads that were developed a few years ago by others. I know of three others right now waiting on barrels. You can get .392/400 pistol bore which requires a full form sizing die or a 400/408 bore which just requires a slight knurl on the bullets. I plan on building another for my son soon on a Stevens 200 action. He's a lefty and the safety on the Savage/Stevens will be convenient for him. With just one shot the bolt on the wrong side won't matter much :)

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Originally Posted by 45omega

Dougs Message Board. There are a few of us shooting it currently with some loads that were developed a few years ago by others. I know of three others right now waiting on barrels. You can get .392/400 pistol bore which requires a full form sizing die or a 400/408 bore which just requires a slight knurl on the bullets. I plan on building another for my son soon on a Stevens 200 action. He's a lefty and the safety on the Savage/Stevens will be convenient for him. With just one shot the bolt on the wrong side won't matter much :)

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Op,
Where did get your barrel, and bolt head from?

can you please post a pic of a regular bullet with a knurled one.
Thks

Bolthead is $80 at smokelessmz.com
Luke at smokelessmz ordered my barrel.

Top left is 240gr Cutting Edge's (annealed) some Barnes 195mz's and 200gr SST's on bottom.
http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...psw9rx9fk3.jpg

I just shot this doe the other night with my Rem700ML 400/408 McGowen with a 240 Cutting Edge Bullet. Shot was around 80yds right into front shoulder. Pencil entrance and a nice exit. This makes the 3rd deer I have shot with them and it hammers them.
http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...psu8e2nm54.jpg

Exit
http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...psskgajb75.jpg

Im curious about the duplexing and the need for it with todays primer/powder choices.
Way back when there were few good powder choices, there were a few and possibly more
than a few guys tinkering around with powder mixtures. Usually it consisted of some warmer
stuff nearer the primer just to get the fire lit quicker. But im somewhat surprised by what you
said regarding it and the possibility its still taking place.

Duplexing just adds a little extra insurance for ignition. There are single powder loads that work.

op, thanks for posting the pics,
How much effort does it take to knurl the bullets? what is your process for it pls?
I called Luke and left message few days back for savage muzzleloader barrels, but never heard back from him.
what was the rational behind going with te 400/408 mcgowen barrel?
I saw that the new 458 mcgowen barrels are tight and the bullets will need to be resized.

I lock one file in my vise. I then place bullet on the file and take a 2nd file and roll. Check the fit to the bore and if not tight enough slightly roll again. Once you get the feel it goes quick and you will know how much pressure and rolls back and forth it takes. I know my bore is between .400 and .401.

I already have way too many .45 smokeless guns. I wanted something different so I built the .40's.

If the current .45 McGowen barrels are tighter you will just need a Swinglock smooth sizing die to size the bullets. No knurl will be necessary as it adjusts to size for a perfect fit. You could get lucky and it takes the .451 Parker bullets without sizing also. Its hit or miss what the actual bore size will be.

That sounds easy enough.
looks like going with a smaller bullet and then knurling it maybe more economical than resizing.

I ordered a .45 cal barrel from Luke.

can you buy the SSTs or barnes mz bullets in bulk without sabots?