Converting a RB to 357 max

[mag44uk]

I have a couple of rolling blocks in 43 Egyptian.
How feasible is it to rebarrel one into 357 maximum?
I guess the problem area would be the extractor?

[Jedman]

I think it would be a safe choice. Your talking about using a full sized No. 1 action right ?
Most have square threads on the barrel shank but some have V threads also I don't know what you will have with a 43 Egyptian ? The extractor is a reletively simple design and could be TIG welded to add metal then reshaped to what you need. Would you use a shorter barrel and make it look like a carbine. Numrich has barrels for the Star rolling block that are prechambered to 357 mag. And I believe the shank is large enough for your action.

Jedman

I just noticed that you are in the UK so buying a barrel through Numrich is out.

[Nobade]

Add to that bushing the firing pin hole and making a smaller diameter pin to match.

[mag44uk]

Yes it is a full size action. As you say getting a barrel from Numrich is out.
I can get a blank here and get it fitted. Its a licensable item here!
Its just the extractor side of it that bothers me. Don't want to started throwing cash at something that cant be made to work.
Good call on the firing pin bushing.
I do have two of these - one is complete and the other is minus hammer and extractor.
The idea is - and it may be frowned upon! - to have a 22/24inch barrel for paper shooting out to 300 yds.
Scope mounted.

[DougGuy]

The idea is - and it may be frowned upon! - to have a 22/24inch barrel for paper shooting out to 300 yds.

I don't know about a pistol style boolit making 300yd accuracy. That seems a stretch to me by a long shot. A 35 caliber rifle boolit in 357MAX brass yes maybe.

[Tom Herman]

Guys,

Is there something I'm not understanding?
.357 Maximum has a chamber pressure of about 40,000 PSI max.
I thought that you don't want to push a Rolling Block more than about 20,000 PSI...
Please explain, thanks!

-Tom

[marlinman93]

Guys,

Is there something I'm not understanding?
.357 Maximum has a chamber pressure of about 40,000 PSI max.
I thought that you don't want to push a Rolling Block more than about 20,000 PSI...
Please explain, thanks!

-Tom

I am with you! This isn't a wise choice for a Rolling Block action, and especially a BP action. I wouldn't do it with a #5 smokeless action myself.

[Nobade]

357 max makes a fine black powder cartridge with the right bullets.

[Tom Herman]

I am with you! This isn't a wise choice for a Rolling Block action, and especially a BP action. I wouldn't do it with a #5 smokeless action myself.

Thanks for reaffirming what I was thinking... I also wouldn't even want to try this with a #5 let alone a #1 or 1-1/2!
Be safe, folks.

-Tom

PS: I saw the results of a shooter building an umpty-ump .30 Magnum of some sort: What was left was a cigar box of scattered parts where the hammer (breech block) broke, pins sheared, receiver peeled.
It was truly spectacular!
The shooter was badly injured, but survived.-T

[John Taylor]

The #5 action will have no problem with the 357 Max. It was chambered in 7X57 which is close to 49,000 psi. The older black powder action is good for 45-70 at around 28,000 psi.

[mag44uk]

Thanks for pertinent observations re strengths of these actions!
We have "long" range pistol calibre rifle events here in the UK.
100/200/300.
Marlins in 357 and 44 are used - 357 being better due to choice of bullets.