straight walled cartridge options?

[Winny94]

I live in a state that only permits deer hunting with straight walled cartridges. I'm wanting to get a barrel for my current rifle, but not sure if it's even possible (any straight walls that can be fed from AICS pattern mags?)
If anyone has done something similar, what cartridge did you go with? (Action has interchangable bolt heads)
Would really like a cartridge capable of 225-250 if at all possible. A lot of field edge hunting.

 

[Adam B]

350 legend is your best bet, otherwise a 45 raptor does nice work on deer.

 

[hlee]

Does a 35 Whelen count as straight walled, or are we talking 45-70 straight walled?

 

[jcmullis2]

45-70 will getter done. A fella at the range was getting decent 2-3 moa groups at 200 yards with that cartridge. You’ll get better accuracy than he did. He was shooting a scoped hand cannon Ruger Blackhawk.

 

[seanh]

I forget which cartridge it is but there is one that's basically just a straight wall 308 case in 45 caliber.

The 45-70 struggles in a bolt action and I don't think it'll work in your aics mag.

If your okay with buying another gun, get you a sharps style rifle. You pick one up for less than people are paying for Scopes these days.

450 Bushmaster would work for you though in that gun.

 

[Adam B]

I forget which cartridge it is but there is one that's basically just a straight wall 308 case in 45 caliber.

45 raptor

 

[Winny94]

Does a 35 Whelen count as straight walled, or are we talking 45-70 straight walled?

Has to be straight, straight. I'd do a 300 hamr if it were possible to shoot those soft shouldered rounds

 

[seanh]

45 raptor

Yep, that's the one, thanks.

Definitely a cartridge consider for somebody who reloads... A lot of good bullets available for this.

 

[Adam B]

there is factory ammo for a 45 raptor

45 Raptor Ammo for Sale | MidwayUSA

Shop 45 Raptor at MidwayUSA! We carry a wide selection of 45 Raptor at the best prices!

www.midwayusa.com

45 RAPTOR HUNTING & SNIPING AMMO Rifle & Gun Ammunition

45 RAPTOR HUNTING & SNIPING AMMO Field Proven rifle and gun ammo. Maximum firepower bullets. Best ammunition for rifles and guns for sale. Buffalo Bore. Strictly big bore. Strictly Business.

www.buffalobore.com

 

[BurnOut]

I've recently begun playing with a 45 Raptor, and something to note is that if you want to, sizing .458 projectiles down to .452 (45 Raptor diameter) is pretty easy with Lee bullet sizing dies. I do it in two steps (.454, .451).

Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to get to the range with it yet, so I can't comment on how it shoots.

 

[Chief_Rick]

I've not hunted with one but the .50 Beowulf thumps on both ends!

 

[Adam B]

as far as straight wall cartridges go for deer hunting in most states because of case length regulations the 45 raptor is king ballistically.

 

[TheOfficeT-Rex]

I've not hunted with one but the .50 Beowulf thumps on both ends!

Can confirm. Nothing says "get down" like a 420gr solid.

Would I lob them at 200 yds.... ehhh.... I find my AA upper is a more "minute of engine block" type rifle.

 

[Winny94]

I've recently begun playing with a 45 Raptor, and something to note is that if you want to, sizing .458 projectiles down to .452 (45 Raptor diameter) is pretty easy with Lee bullet sizing dies. I do it in two steps (.454, .451).

Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to get to the range with it yet, so I can't comment on how it shoots.

The 45 raptor is looking like the best option, but since you mentioned bullet options; (pardon my ignorance), it seems most .451 options are sold, but a lot of load data for the 460 (same cartridge, different rim) reference .451. Is there any difference in using .452 bullets?

 

[Adam B]

I use 460 load data as a starting point, I have used 452 with no issues

 

[seanh]

If you decide to go with the 45 Raptor take a look at the Lehigh bullets

45 Caliber (.451 - .454) - Handgun Bullets - Metallic Reloading - Graf & Sons

www.grafs.com

 

[Adam B]

these would be wicked

LEHIGH 45(.452) 300gr HV BULLET EXT PENETRAT 50/bx - Graf & Sons

Xtreme Penetrator L'audace, l'audace, toujoursl'audace.Audacity, audacity, always audacity.Aphrase that rings true to us here at Lehigh. Audacity to create new products, audacity to redefine terminal performance, audacity to deploy modern manufacturing processes. Audacity has led us to...

www.grafs.com

 

[Winny94]

If you decide to go with the 45 Raptor take a look at the Lehigh bullets

45 Caliber (.451 - .454) - Handgun Bullets - Metallic Reloading - Graf & Sons

www.grafs.com

these would be wicked

LEHIGH 45(.452) 300gr HV BULLET EXT PENETRAT 50/bx - Graf & Sons

Xtreme Penetrator L'audace, l'audace, toujoursl'audace.Audacity, audacity, always audacity.Aphrase that rings true to us here at Lehigh. Audacity to create new products, audacity to redefine terminal performance, audacity to deploy modern manufacturing processes. Audacity has led us to...

www.grafs.com

Ive actually seen a few videos of guys loading up muzzleloader bullets designed for the smokeless muzzleloaders too. Seems like bullet options are plentiful

 

[Adam B]

yes, you can use the lehigh MZ bullets as well

 

[Gustav7]

This guy had no problem taking the long shots with a straight walled cartridge....

 

[hlee]

This guy had no problem taking the long shots with a straight walled cartridge....

View attachment 7420259

Sure, but we don't all have Hollywood prop and special effects departments on call...

 

[Gustav7]

Sure, but we don't all have Hollywood prop and special effects departments on call...

You should check out a long range SASS match sometime and see how many props they have lol...

Plenty of guys holding 1-2moa out to 400-600yds with a quality Sharps or Hi-Wall

 

[Adam B]

You should check out a long range SASS match sometime and see how many props they have lol...

Plenty of guys holding 1-2moa out to 400-600yds with a quality Sharps or Hi-Wall

I agree, my dad shoots sass and he hits the Buffalo at that distance all the time.

 

[hlee]

You should check out a long range SASS match sometime and see how many props they have lol...

Plenty of guys holding 1-2moa out to 400-600yds with a quality Sharps or Hi-Wall

Standing, off hand?

 

[sremmal]

I have used a 450 Marlin built on a Rem 700 action with DBM. Harvested a doe at 294 yards a couple years ago using Hornady 325 gr FTX ammo.

 

[myers129]

If you go 45 raptor you can get premium bullets from arrowhead sporting goods in the 300gr flavor. I’m just finishing up a large frame AR that will use the 300 X-LD from arrowhead. I am hoping to get 2250-2300 out of my 18” tube and it will have enough thump to ethically kill at 500yds. The bullets are expensive but I only intend to use them to smack some steel at distance and hunt.

 

[Gustav7]

I agree, my dad shoots sass and he hits the Buffalo at that distance all the time.

Local guy who sold me my rifle was showing me a nice 8" 5-shot group he had at 600yds out of his 32" 45-70... pretty wild lol..

Standing, off hand?

Ahhhh getting nit picky are we... I'm sure SOMEONE could do it lol

 

[Winny94]

I have used a 450 Marlin built on a Rem 700 action with DBM. Harvested a doe at 294 yards a couple years ago using Hornady 325 gr FTX ammo.

Where did you find the blank?

 

[Eric_F]

Go 350 Legend or 450 Bushmaster. Factory ammo and guns available for both, and they're more than adequate inside 200.

 

[sremmal]

Where did you find the blank?

I had the complete rifle built by Bohman Arms. Ed used a Douglas barrel.

 

[fdkay]

I live in a state that only permits deer hunting with straight walled cartridges. I'm wanting to get a barrel for my current rifle, but not sure if it's even possible (any straight walls that can be fed from AICS pattern mags?)
If anyone has done something similar, what cartridge did you go with? (Action has interchangable bolt heads)
Would really like a cartridge capable of 225-250 if at all possible. A lot of field edge hunting.

Thumper For Sale $1,875.00 MagPul Hunter (OD Green) #8 | Bohman Arms

 

[IowaGeologist]

350 Legend has worked well for me here in Iowa, but using an AR platform though. I would imagine they feed from a 223 MDT poly mag or 223 Accurate Mag just fine. Also have taken a couple deer with a 450 Bushmaster, but not sure how they would work out of an AICS with the rebated rim.

 

[Hondo1]

.458 win mag.......... Go big or go home

 

[LimaKilo]

Winny94:
What action & bolt face diameter are you currently using?

 

[Winny94]

Winny94:
What action & bolt face diameter are you currently using?

Short action and i have .473 and .540 bolt heads

 

[LimaKilo]

Ok,

working with around 2.85 - 2.90" max COAL and .473 or .540 bolt face, I'd say best options might be these:


.473 Bolt face
--------------
.45 Raptor (.308 Win necked up to .452)


.540 Bolt face
---------------
.458×2" American (.458 Win Mag shortened to 2")
.450 Marlin

.450 Marlin is basically a commercial version of the .458x2-inch American with a wider belt.

Personally, I might go with the .458 American as I think Hornady is the only manufacturer for .450 Marlin brass,
and I'm not a big fan of their brass. .458 American on the other hand can be easily made from pretty much any belted magnum case, if you don't mind going the wild cat route.

You might find this interesting:

.450 Marlin

Hope this helps!

 

[Earnhardt]

If you go 45 raptor you can get premium bullets from arrowhead sporting goods in the 300gr flavor. I’m just finishing up a large frame AR that will use the 300 X-LD from arrowhead. I am hoping to get 2250-2300 out of my 18” tube and it will have enough thump to ethically kill at 500yds. The bullets are expensive but I only intend to use them to smack some steel at distance and hunt.

Do NOT use a thin jacket muzzle loader bullet in a .45 Raptor...
The thinner jacket peels off as the bullet enters the rifling in the barrel
Then fun things happen
Ask me how I know

On a lighter note...how ya been man?!
Is this CMC?

 

[LimaKilo]

Winny94:
One good option I forgot to mention would be .450 Bushmaster. This is basically a .284 Winchester shortened and necked up to .452" and would work with the .473" bolt face you have. This caliber has also a good selection of factory ammo, if you feel that is important.

Many of the rimmed cartridges mentioned by others would be great, however getting them to feed reliably would be difficult (if not impossible) in the action & magazines that you are using.

 

[MK20]

Why not just get a 44 marlin lever gun?

 

[Winny94]

Why not just get a 44 marlin lever gun?

I already have the rifle, so just a barrel change is cheaper, faster, easier, and better vs buying another rifle.

 

[Winny94]

Winny94:
One good option I forgot to mention would be .450 Bushmaster. This is basically a .284 Winchester shortened and necked up to .452" and would work with the .473" bolt face you have. This caliber has also a good selection of factory ammo, if you feel that is important.

Many of the rimmed cartridges mentioned by others would be great, however getting them to feed reliably would be difficult (if not impossible) in the action & magazines that you are using.

are you thnking the 450bm would feed better than a 45 raptor? I would think theyd be very similar.

 

[LimaKilo]

I don't think there is much difference with feeding - the main advantage with .450 BM is ammo availability.

 

[Prebanpaul]

Jesus, I live in Ohio, straight walled cartridges only. I have a Thompson center encore, with a EABC 26 inch fluted heavy stainless barrel, in 45-70. On top of it, I have a burris xtr2 SCR reticle. I shoot at Thunder valley and regularly shoot out to 600y with this gun. I have shot approximately 19 deer with this gun. I have shot them from 20 yards to an actual laser range found 258 yard shot. Not one deer has gone more than 25 yards. I shoot them with the 325 FTX. You know what I don't have. I don't have feeding issues. I don't have accuracy issues. I don't have hard to find brass issues. Its simple to reload for. Its super accurate. I have a muzzle loader barrel to put on the frame if I have not tagged out yet. I can also take it to other states that might have issues with Ar15's. Its a great Bear gun as well. Ohhhhhh yeah super lite weight so great for carrying around in the woods.

 

[Winny94]

Jesus, I live in Ohio, straight walled cartridges only. I have a Thompson center encore, with a EABC 26 inch fluted heavy stainless barrel, in 45-70. On top of it, I have a burris xtr2 SCR reticle. I shoot at Thunder valley and regularly shoot out to 600y with this gun. I have shot approximately 19 deer with this gun. I have shot them from 20 yards to an actual laser range found 258 yard shot. Not one deer has gone more than 25 yards. I shoot them with the 325 FTX. You know what I don't have. I don't have feeding issues. I don't have accuracy issues. I don't have hard to find brass issues. Its simple to reload for. Its super accurate. I have a muzzle loader barrel to put on the frame if I have not tagged out yet. I can also take it to other states that might have issues with Ar15's. Its a great Bear gun as well. Ohhhhhh yeah super lite weight so great for carrying around in the woods.

Thats quite nice for you - you know what this option doesnt offer? A ~$450 savings.

 

[Prebanpaul]

No sure what you mean; I bougth the muzzleloader for $425 used. Which you can find just about any where and added the barrel for $229 on close out. so at 700 dollars I have two guns basically. Not sure where a $450 dollar savings comes into play. I will send you a pic of this years harvest.

 

[Winny94]

No sure what you mean; I bougth the muzzleloader for $425 used. Which you can find just about any where and added the barrel for $229 on close out. so at 700 dollars I have two guns basically. Not sure where a $450 dollar savings comes into play. I will send you a pic of this years harvest.

I can get a 45 raptor barrel for $300. $700-$750 minus $300 is $400-$450

 

[143lrsd]

45-70 will getter done. A fella at the range was getting decent 2-3 moa groups at 200 yards with that cartridge. You’ll get better accuracy than he did. He was shooting a scoped hand cannon Ruger Blackhawk.

The 325g, 45/70 works well out to 200.

 

[Prebanpaul]

When I hit steel at 600 it rocks it. Those encores are full house power. 26 inch barrel vs 18-20.

 

[143lrsd]

When I hit steel at 600 it rocks it. Those encores are full house power. 26 inch barrel vs 18-20.

I do love the longer barreled 45/70 but, at least for the time being, this little 16" does the job it was intended for out to 200 without issue.

 

[LimaKilo]

Yep, .45-70 is a great cartridge.

OP's question was "any straight walls that can be fed from AICS pattern mags?" and .45-70 is not really an option here. (If you want a bolt action that will feed .45-70, you're looking at converting a Mosin-Nagant, Lee-Enfield or Siamese Mauser).

I mentioned .45 Raptor, .450 Bushmaster, .450 Marlin and .458x2" American as options - all have their pros and cons. Personally I'd go with .458x2" American.