Von Gruff inspired 400KE Lee Speed

[FrankG]

400KE based on Krag brass . 1917 LE action and Douglas barrel with Myrtlewood stocks.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/ModocWrangler/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1659_zps3rqtp5uy.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/ModocWrangler/media/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1659_zps3rqtp5uy.jpg.html)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/ModocWrangler/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1660_zps8hdwqxhb.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/ModocWrangler/media/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1660_zps8hdwqxhb.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

What are you going to do for sight on that beast although looking at the grain in the wood it is more beauty than beast.

[FrankG]

I picked up some express sights to mount on it .

[leebuilder]

Amazing workmanship!!
real beauty.

[shooter93]

I had a 35 Krag done on a Krag action and thought I'd have a 40 Krag done also but the truth is I have to many in the works now to ever get it done. Nice rifle there.

[FrankG]

Getting closer ! Stained, starting to tung oil and barreled action is all set up to d&t for sights.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/ModocWrangler/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1666_zpseolgilvx.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/ModocWrangler/media/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1666_zpseolgilvx.jpg.html)

[nekshot]

You are a very fine craftsman for sure! I like it, the only problem seeing these projects gives me more ideas for things I don't need. Is myrtle harder than maple to work with?

[FrankG]

It can be nekshot . The more figure it has the squirrelier it gets . This had some really hard spots in it from being stored high and dry over 30 years.

[taco650]

Myrtle wood, an Oregon native, NICE!!! I'll confess that you and Von Gruff have put too many ideas in my head about things I could do with my old SMLE. Curse you rascals! LOL!

400KE, haven't heard of that one. Got a loaded round to show?

[FrankG]

The left is 400KE (Kiwi Express) with 320gr , hasnt been fireformed yet, center 375-303 with 290gr and a 303 Brit with 205gr. 400 case will straighten out like 375-303 is.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/ModocWrangler/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1669_zps8nfl44jb.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/ModocWrangler/media/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1669_zps8nfl44jb.jpg.html)

[taco650]

FrankG,

Thanks for the info. Sounds like the 400KE is just a 303 blown out straight to take 40 caliber. Would you be willing to post your barrel specs, any special modifications needed, etc? Very nice stock too!

[FrankG]

Barrel OAL is 26" and .0770" at muzzle , 1.0" in front of shoulder thats 1.1875" for butting receiver. .410"x.400" bore and 1:14" twist .

[FrankG]

Done for now . Ill still add a little tung oil now and then . But its ready to start blastin !

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/ModocWrangler/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1677_zps7e30ehy4.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/ModocWrangler/media/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1677_zps7e30ehy4.jpg.html)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/ModocWrangler/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1676_zpsrpb3w7w9.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/ModocWrangler/media/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1676_zpsrpb3w7w9.jpg.html)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/ModocWrangler/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1675_zps0a45fnv0.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/ModocWrangler/media/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1675_zps0a45fnv0.jpg.html)

[taco650]

WOW FrankG!!

What kind of sights did you use? Any specs for length of pull, etc on your stock? Also, could it be made of a less pricey wood? I wouldn't mind having a nice, unfinished version in an "ordinary" hardwood. PM me with details if you feel more comfortable.

Again, very nice job!

[FrankG]

The sights are express sights . Length of pull was cut to fit me at 14- 3/4" . I used Myrtle that I had from a pile Ive had for 30 some odd years .

[FrankG]

Had some feeding issues , so made an insert to change mag to a single stack magazine from .050" stainless sheeting and original follower spring . Works like a champ !

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/ModocWrangler/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1678_zpscyaqr0ne.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/ModocWrangler/media/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1678_zpscyaqr0ne.jpg.html)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/ModocWrangler/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1679_zpskabotqwm.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/ModocWrangler/media/400%20Kiwi%20Express/DSCN1679_zpskabotqwm.jpg.html)

[Skipper]

Frank, that's about the best looking THUMPER I've ever seen!

[taco650]

Have you shot it yet?

[FrankG]

Heck ya Ive shot it and it does good here on my 25 yd mini range at home . :bigsmyl2: