.22-10-45
03-26-2015, 01:50 AM
I have a Watson .450/.400 3 1/4" N.E. circa 1902 on a Farquharson action. The Krupp barrel is proofed 60gr. Cordite/.400gr. jacketed...the heavy loading. I am not so much concerned with the strength of action..but with the walnut stock. Proffesional done repair through wrist with engraved escutchions & ends of bolt..looks like it was there since day 1...however, when I recieved rifle it was mid winter..very low humidity & a small narrow crack opened up on 1 side in checkering at wrist. My professional stock making friend installed threaded rods accraglased & "dog-bone" shaped inlets for accraglass across crack..all work done under tangs so not to be seen..even crack in checkering is not visible..unless you knew where to look. But now i'm "gun shy"..pun intended..want to stay away from hard kicking loads..even though that wrist is probably stronger now than when new. Using a 300gr. P.B. cast, I have tried 5744, TrailBoss, IMR4198, 3031 & SR4759..all had heavy recoil..some severe even with start loads. I was wondering if any of you experts could tell me if I could use a fast burning powder like Unique, Red Dot, Blue Dot, Herco, or 700X in this huge case with safety? I'm not looking for a hunting load..only a mild acccurate target loading for 50yd. to 100yds. Thanks!