CPA 44-1/2 Hunting Weight

[Tatume]

Hello Folks,

My 45-70 CPA Stevens 44-1/2 has a #2 contour part-octagon barrel that works very well for target work (Baldwin rear sight and Lyman 17A front, or Lyman Junior Targetspot telescope). However, at 9.6 pounds (without the Lyman scope) it's a tad heavy for carrying afield. I'm thinking of asking Gail about making a new barrel for me in 348 Winchester. I would like to taper the barrel and reduce the weight of the rifle to eight pounds or less. Before I start a conversation with her, I want to ask you guys if any of you has a lightweight 44-1/2 rifle?

By my calculation, I can get 3/4 pound just by reducing the barrel length four inches. I'm willing to shorten the barrel if I have to (the 45-70 barrel is 28" long). I'd rather get most of the weight from tapering the barrel though.

Also, I could lose a little weight if I drop the octagon portion and make the entire barrel round, although I like the appearance of the Golden Ratio "half" round barrel.

Anyway, my question is broad and general. About how light can these rifles be? What is the lightest you have seen? Any comments are welcomed.

Thanks, Tom

[country gent]

I have one on order right now a shillouette model in 40-65 win. Its due in end of January early Febuary :). Im not sure how light they can go, I would call Gail and explain what you want to do and why. Im sure she has seen it all and will be more than willing to help you with the project. When I ordered mine Gail and The gentleman I talked to over several days were more than helpfull and informative. But take your time and thnk it thru so it dosnt end up getting ahead of my rifle being finished LOL.

[johnson1942]

i love my 44-1/2 in 45/70. you really got me thinking and i realize i want to do what you do. what cal. options do i have in changeing to a shorter lighter barrel with out changeing any thing else. im anxious to see where this post goes.

[country gent]

Johnson, a buddy was looking at 38-56 for his rolling block, can be formed from 45-70 cases and uses the 45-70 extractor. Not as big a issue in the CPA as new extractors are available. Look at the calibers offered by CPA to get a rough idea

[Tatume]

Johnson, a buddy was looking at 38-56 for his rolling block, can be formed from 45-70 cases and uses the 45-70 extractor. Not as big a issue in the CPA as new extractors are available. Look at the calibers offered by CPA to get a rough idea

I don't think the extractor is going to be an issue with switching from 45-70 to 348 Winchester. The nominal rim on the 45-70 is 0.608" and the 348 Winchester has a 0.610" rim. I can't imagine 0.002" in diameter will matter much (actually only 0.001" at the extractor). The rim thickness of 0.070" is the same for both cartridges.

[Tatume]

i love my 44-1/2 in 45/70. you really got me thinking and i realize i want to do what you do. what cal. options do i have in changeing to a shorter lighter barrel with out changeing any thing else. im anxious to see where this post goes.

I'll certainly share all information as I get it. As I said in my original post, and to which Country Gent alluded, I'll talk to Gail and Paul shortly. I just want to get as much preliminary information as I can before I bother them. I'll keep the group posted with anything I learn.

[country gent]

I wasnt sure about the rim on the 348 and didnt look it up Yes it should be close enough to work very well. It should make a very nice second barrel and set up. Had a boss who used a 348 for deer in michigan up to around 2008. He had everyone on the look out for ammo for him towards the end. He swore by it for deer hunting.

[Boz330]

Finding brass might be the biggest problem, that is one of those calibers they only run once or twice a year. I've been trying to find some WW 45 70 cases for 6 months as popular as those are there aren't any.

Bob

[Tatume]

Finding brass might be the biggest problem, that is one of those calibers they only run once or twice a year. I've been trying to find some WW 45 70 cases for 6 months as popular as those are there aren't any. Bob

Midway has 348 Winchester cases in stock right now.

[Tatume]

Being afraid of the current climate we gunnies live in, I went ahead and ordered 200 348 Winchester cases and the reloading dies. I don't like ordering stuff for a rifle I don't already have, as I still have 50 rounds of 358 Winchester ammo I loaded in anticipation of a Browning BLR that was never delivered. But I'm confident Gail will come through. I sent her an email and will probably hear back in a day or two. I'll let you guys know.

[Boz330]

Being afraid of the current climate we gunnies live in, I went ahead and ordered 200 348 Winchester cases and the reloading dies. I don't like ordering stuff for a rifle I don't already have, as I still have 50 rounds of 358 Winchester ammo I loaded in anticipation of a Browning BLR that was never delivered. But I'm confident Gail will come through. I sent her an email and will probably hear back in a day or two. I'll let you guys know.


Good thinking, when I see anything I want and it is available I jump on it. Anymore if you snooze you lose.

Bob

[bigted]

aint it the truth!

[Tatume]

Today I talked to Gail Shuttleworth about the new barrel. The main question that remains unanswered regards rifling twist rate. My plan is to use 250 grain flat-point cast bullets with gas checks for almost all of my shooting. I would like to be able to also shoot 250 grain jacketed or solid copper bullets occasionally (Hawk or Barnes). My choices are 1:10, 1:12 and 1:14 rifling. I'm leaning towards 1:10; what do you guys think?

BTW, with the tapered 24" barrel Gail said I can expect about 1-3/4 pounds of weight reduction over my 45-70 with 28" barrel. It should be a very handy hunting rifle! I could go with an all round barrel, and reduce weight some more, but I like the looks of the part octagon barrel.

[bigted]

just my observation is with my 38-55 i had built ... the 1 in 14 inch twist does vell with jacketed and case 300+ grain boolits as well as zings in those little 220 grain hornaday bullets into as small a group as i can hold over a bag at 100 yds. the 300's do about as well. if bp is a thing to be considered i would go no faster then the 14 inch twist.

[Jon K]

The 250 doesn't need a fast twist...10/12/14 are faster than needed.

Jon