Rolling block in 50-70 with smokeless

[lar45]

Hi everybody, I am a rolling block newbie.
I've been reading lots of posts and I'm getting some mixed opinions.
What I really want is an Army pistol in 50cal, but I'd want to rechamber to 50-70.
The pistols look to be crazy expensive, so I was thinking of getting a roller that had already been sporterized/bubbaed and build one.
I think that if I start with an antique that I'll be good legally because it is not considered a "firearm" by the atf.
I have a Bauska. 510 barrel blank to work with.

Which action would be the strongest to build on?
Would it handle moderate smokeless loads of around 28kpsi?
I already have 2 500s&w, a 500 Linebaugh, and 500 JRH. I just think a rolling block pistol would be tons of fun...
One last thought, I've seen the uberti's in 357. Would it be possible to convert it to 50-70?

[Gewehr-Guy]

Probably the best action would be a Remington #5, they were chambered in several smokeless cartridges. Or you might find a Navy Arms made rifle , and strip it for the action. Simpson Ltd. has sold a lot of Swedish RB's lately, chambered in a cartridge practically identical to the 50-70, that could be cut down into a pistol , but they are from the late 1860's to mid 70's. All those models have a larger frame than the mentioned Army or Navy RB pistol.

[Nobade]

A #5, originally 7x57, would be the strongest of the bunch. But unless you just have to have a rolling block, an Encore would be so much easier and safer to shoot.

[John Taylor]

The problem with a #5 is that they are not an antique unless you can prove it was made in 1897 or 98, most have a 1901 or 1902 patten date. The Nave and Army pistols were based on the #2 action. Any of the large frame black powder rollers would work for a 50-70 if the breach is cut for the larger rim size.

[lar45]

Thanks for the information.
I'm looking pretty hard at the 12.7x44R , looks to be a .502x70-ish. So I could probably use all of my .500 bullet molds either united or beagled.
Can 50-70 brass be used in it? Looks like Starline has 50 AK brass in stock. Someplace in all of my hoarded stuff should be a box of 50-90 new brass.
Thanks again

[pworley1]

Good luck. We would love to see the finished pistol.

[Gewehr-Guy]

I use 50-70 brass in my swedes, but have to cut the rim's diameter down and file off a few thousandth's from the base diameter. It does not take long , if you use a lathe. I have not tried 50 Alasken brass, it might work better.

[Wolfer]

I use 50 Alaskan brass and it works great. Resize in 50-70 dies.

[lar45]

Hi again, another quick question.
Is there any strength difference between a 1867 Remington, Husqvarna, or a Carl Gustaf?
Looks like they were all available in 12.7x44r

[Gewehr-Guy]

The Remington's used an iron barrel, and I think Sweden specified some type of steel. All types would be adequate for the black powder pressures of the 50-70. I wouldn't want to push them any further. If Dutchman reads this, he will have a better idea of the strength of the various models, and their pressure limits.
On another forum I saw a breech block that cracked in half, and penetrated the eye socket and skull of it's victim. Not sure what he put in the chamber, but it took apart his rifle and was his last shot.

[missionary5155]

That must have been a big overloaded round!

[lar45]

I read somewhere that it was a 500NE round in the chamber when it let go.