stevens 44 1/2 in 40-65 win

[blackbahart]

found a rebuilt 44 1/2 ,was recolor case hardened ,barrel relined and new wood .Found some dies and brass on the way and will slug barrel to figure out what bullet to use

[sharps4590]

It's still a 44 1/2 and given how few they made, good score!!!

[Chill Wills]

It looks great. Are you sure it is chambered for 40-65 Win. based on the the Winchester 45-70 case necked down to 40? ....which is the old 1886 Win lever round?

(You may know all this)....
We are led to believe that the original Stevens 44-1/2 action was not wide enough to handle a case rim of that large in diameter. The CPA company started making reproductions of this great action BUT, redesigned the action wider to handle the bigger cases.

Might you have a CPA action under there? OR, might the chambering be for a different 40 cal round?


I am just speculating here based on the info in your post.
BTW - CPA is a great source of info and parts for Stevens rifles. Good people too.

[blackbahart]

It looks great. Are you sure it is chambered for 40-65 Win. based on the the Winchester 45-70 case necked down to 40? ....which is the old 1886 Win lever round?

(You may know all this)....
We are led to believe that the original Stevens 44-1/2 action was not wide enough to handle a case rim of that large in diameter. The CPA company started making reproductions of this great action BUT, redesigned the action wider to handle the bigger cases.

Might you have a CPA action under there? OR, might the chambering be for a different 40 cal round?


I am just speculating here based on the info in your post.
BTW - CPA is a great source of info and parts for Stevens rifles. Good people too.

this rifle is an original action and barrel ,barrel is stamped 40-65 .I removed the barrel and inverted a 45-70 case and rim fits the recess and just finished doing chamber cast and from the 40-65 win spec drawing it matches

you got me wondering and had to do the cast ,at least I now know the bore is .406 to the bottom of the grove .So my 40-65 win brass is correct and it never hurts to check up on things
Pic of chamber cast beside 45-70 cartridge
Cheers Peter

[marlinman93]

The concern Chill Wills is referring to is the small thread area of a Stevens 44 1/2 action, and the large base diameter of cartridges based on the .45-70 case, like your .40-65 Win. The 44 1/2 has a .875" major thread diameter, and the shank is .830" at the base area of the chamber. So the barrel has .330" larger diameter, and that means sidewalls at the base are only .165" thick when a 44 1/2 is chambered for these large diameter cartridges.
Most people limit the chambers to either the smaller .40 caliber chamberings, or .38-55 chamberings. Doesn't mean your 44 1/2 is going to blow up, but it does mean you should stick with mild loads in it.

[blackbahart]

yes I see now the concern .It is thin and I was only planning to run light ,low recoil loads any way .
Thank you Chill Willis and you Marlinman for bringing this to my attention ,no disrespect intended just didn't know what was being said and now I understand
Cheers Peter

[Chill Wills]

yes I see now the concern .It is thin and I was only planning to run light ,low recoil loads any way .
Thank you Chill Willis and you Marlinman for bringing this to my attention ,no disrespect intended just didn't know what was being said and now I understand
Cheers Peter

Peter, we are not just good, we are very good!
What is that .406" barrel twisted ?
What kind of fuel are you going to use?

Keep use posted.

[blackbahart]

looks like the 40-65 case is at the outer limiy for rim size in this 44 1/2 stevens ,in order to insert cartridge the hammer has to be a full cock or the case will not pass .Still haven't fired it as the weather has gone to **** and working on a lee speed in the shop anyhow
Looks like I may use up a few blanks to make a 357 max,and a 38-55