Rolling block max OAL?

[wookie76]

Greetings Gents,

Does anyone know offhand the maximum cartridge length that can be chambered in an unaltered rolling block action?

Thanks,
Bryce

[JSnover]

Depends on the cartridge and on how your leade is cut. In my 45-70 I can load 400 grain boolits to about 2.6" At that point the rim catches the top of the hammer when I try to chamber a round. I can go a little longer if I put a flat spot on the rim, but at that point I'm touching the lands so I really don't need any more.

[montana_charlie]

Does anyone know offhand the maximum cartridge length that can be chambered in an unaltered rolling block action?
Just assuming you are speaking of a .45 caliber application, the .45/90 will chamber without grinding on the hammer to allow entry. Maybe the .45/110 will make it, but it is questionable.
CM

[smokemjoe]

In the 43 Spanish you can use the full lenght 44 basic brass lenght to fit get the true lenght of the chamber. Hope that helps some. Joe

[NickSS]

It depends upon the model rolling block you have. Military ones tend to have high hammer spurs. Commercial smaller ones. In addition some commercial ones have the top of the hammer nose ground off so that longer shells can be seated. However, a good rule of thumb is that most rolling blocks were chambered for rounds using a case between 2.25 and 2.5 inches. therefore, longer cases will probably give you problems. I have had RB in 45-70, 50-70, 43 Spanish, 43 Eqyptian and 43 Spanish Rafamado. I did not have trouble seating cartridges even 535 gr postels in them.