.30-78 Single Shot Started Today

[drhall762]

I know this thread is worthless without pictures but they will follow.

I began a new project today. Started my .30-78 Single Shot build. For those of you who do not know what that is, think American cousin of the .300 Pygmy. It is based on the .30 WCF cartridge however, I have decided to use .225 Winchester brass so that I can use a .473 bolt face.

I dug through my Bubba'd action stash. These are orphaned actions that at one time were majestic rifles that some ham-handed soul got a hold of in a different time and cut up. I can find enough of them that I don't need to chop any.

This one was a strange one. An 1874 M80 Gras that had been re-barrelled to 7mm Mauser. Never heard of one.

The barrel is a Lilja 3 groove that was a custom Palma barrel but the throat is shot out.

Today I managed to get the breech cut down and at least stepped for the treads and the action. Hope to thread it tomorrow.

I have a laminated stock that is un-inletted so that will hold it all. Think I will add a trigger lug to the underside of the action and use a Timney trigger. Haven't decided on sights but that is a way off.

PTC has the reamer print on file so that part is easy. Think I'll pick up one of their uni-throaters and cut the throat separately. I intend it to be a PP Cast bullet gun.

[Frank46]

Don't know where I read about this cartridge but here goes. Back many moons ago a gent named Norm Johnson developed something along these lines. I believe he kept the rim but used a 1917 '06 enfield action upon which he built his rifles. Think one of either Handloader or Rifle magazine ran the article back when builds and how to's were their trade in stock. Other than what I have posted is about what I can remember. Frank

[drhall762]

I ran across his article in Wildcat Cartridges Vol II. That was the inspiration for the whole project.

[drhall762]

Okay here are a few pictures of the progress so far. First up is the action.
90801
Then there is the turned barrel shank.
90799
I made a brass bushing to hold the barrel in the spindle bore.
90800
Then treaded the shank.
90802
And lastly attached the receiver.
90803
Have to order my reamer, inlet the stock and cut the extractor slot. Keep me busy for a week or 2.

[Frank46]

Looks like you are using a french 1874 Gras receiver as the basis for your project. Did you have to cut left handed threads on the bbl to fit it to the action?. Looking good so far. Someone here did a 45/70 on a Gras action and I've been searching for that thread for a long time. If anyone sees it,please link it so's I can see it. I have the artiliary carbine and would make a nice single shot bolt action for pigs. Frank

[drhall762]

Yes indeed. Don't cut lefties all that often so it was a little on the slow side for me. All came out nicely. I would be interested in that thread as well.

[johnson1942]

if you want to talk to norm johnson, you will find his phone number at turtle lake north dakota. a very friendly gun smith.

[drhall762]

Thank you. I will give him a call Monday.

[Dan Cash]

Thank you. I will give him a call Monday.

Just don't call at meal time (Turtle Lake is Central Time Zone).

[drhall762]

Might be easier just to give me a time to call. I normally eat breakfast at 0630 so that would be 0730 my time; lunch is usually 1200 so that would be 1300 my time; and then again about 1700, that would be 1800 my time. Figure an hour per meal for safe siding it and then 0730 to about 1230 and again from 1430 to about 1600 my time should be good.

[drhall762]

Just a quick note that I have been HAMMERED at school. Finally some students that want to learn. I have the stock about roughed in and then it will get bedded. Updated photos will follow then.