Stevens 44 1/2 in blackpowder?

O

ohwoody

New member
I have a Stevens 44 1/2 22lr rifle that I want to convert to a blackpowder cartridge.The 22lr barrel is shot out.I know I could have it relined,but I have a Stevens 44 that is already going to be relined. A gunsmith friend of mine said the action was strong and he could convert the rimfire to centerfire.

I was thinking of a 38-55 barrel from Green Mountian, but finding brass in may be a problem.What other options do I have for the 44 1/2 action?
I am wanting to shoot blackpowder with avaible brass that the action can handle.
 
I really like my little Winchester Single Shot .38-55 and think the caliber a good choice for BPCR scheutzen or midrange target. It is kind of light for metallic silhouette (Which is why I was sighting in a .40-65 today.)

I found .38-55 brass in stock at Midway. They now carry Starline in both "modern" 2.082" length and original 2.125" as well as Winchester. Consult with your gunsmith on chamber length so you can match up the brass.
http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/Bro...oryId=7577&categoryString=652***670***9013***

The only thing more authentic to the model of rifle might be .32-40 which is much harder to come by. Buffalo Arms sells .32-40s made by necking down .38-55 because there is no other source. I guess you could chamber in .32 Winchester Special which you could make out of .30-30 if the supply dried up.

But I really think the .38-55 is perfectly feasible and a great shooter.
 
What is wrong with .30-30 itself? They made the 44 1/2 in both .30-30 and .30-40, and that would solve the problem of finding cases. I would load light, but if the rifle is in good shape, accidentally throwing in a factory load would not matter.

Jim
 
I have a 44 Stevens in 32-40 and it is a delight! Brass can be formed from any with the same head size - 25-35, 30-30, 32 Win Spl, 32-40, 38-55. I usually form mine from a stock of 32 Win Spl I have. A single pass through the die will suffice.

I would really like a 38-55. If I had a 44 1/2 action sitting around it would probably be my first choice. Post a pic when it is done...

Good luck. Joe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top