Precision long range build parts on the way!

Here we go again!

The goal is simple, 500 yards holding MOA to that distance.... or less....

Before anybody jumps down my throat, not intending to hunt with it. Target only at this time.

I ordered the heavy barrel .458 last night as well as breach kit. Barrel is Brux, 1 in 20 twist.

Action will be a stainless Savage Target SA but has not been secured yet - in process. It will be bedded with a precision lug.

The stock will be heavy as will the entire build - it has to be.

To reach this distance without massive drop I will probably have to push close to 2900 fps with a high BC 300 grain pill. Recoil will be astounding so I expect I will have to brake it - maybe.

I will need to consider the scope options seriously.

As always I'll update folks on the build.

The 700mls conversion should be done next week and back the following week.

Why so heavy a caliber.
Sounds like fun.

It's a muzzleloader. I could have used a subcal but decided to go with this instead

wow 300 grain pill! awesome jack, looking forward to following along your builds as always!

Looking forward to pics and progress on this one Jack:scream:.....................Daniel

Thanks guys.

Wish I knew somebody that could make a custom stock.... Kinda like the one he is making for his flintlock....

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Originally Posted by Big Jack

Thanks guys.

Wish I knew somebody that could make a custom stock.... Kinda like the one he is making for his flintlock....

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Big Jack, if I should be so bold as to think that remark was aimed at me, I would have to say that I am flattered, but, I could never imagine hacking up a stock with my limited skills for someone else. My flinter build is a first time endeavor for me. I am learning as I go along with help from a book called "The Gunsmith of Grenville County" by Peter Alexander.
Good luck with your build........................................Danie l

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Originally Posted by boogaloo

. I am learning as I go along with help from a book called "The Gunsmith of Grenville County" by Peter Alexander.

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Meet him a couple of times at the Merrickville Gun Show....he brings some of the Black Powder guns he's made. Works of art indeed.
I saw that book there and contemplated buying it. I guess it's part of the course curriculum has runs where you go to his shop for a week or two and build the stock from scratch. It sounded like a great opportunity to learn the skills.

Your's looks like it's coming along great, it'll be a treasured piece once you're finished.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boogaloo

Big Jack, if I should be so bold as to think that remark was aimed at me, I would have to say that I am flattered, but, I could never imagine hacking up a stock with my limited skills for someone else. My flinter build is a first time endeavor for me. I am learning as I go along with help from a book called "The Gunsmith of Grenville County" by Peter Alexander.
Good luck with your build........................................Danie l

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Well I had to try!

I am sure you would do a fine job!

Looking forward to it!! Put up lots of pics as you go.

What a super project, I can't wait.

Gonna be a beast Big Jack. Would love to see pics as she comes together perhaps even a video to see the recoil it will generate.

I'll post as I go for sure. Just about fell off my chair when I found out the target action is going to run $850. Still trying to locate the right one!

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Originally Posted by Hunter John

Gonna be a beast Big Jack. Would love to see pics as she comes together perhaps even a video to see the recoil it will generate.

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I agree... a video would be cool to see.

Great project Big Jack!

Ok well the target action on its own was just too hard to swallow price wise so I started the search for a donor gun.

Talked to Jerry at Gagnons and he had a nice Savage model 12 F TR in 308 with a Bushnell Elite Tactical 4.5-30 sitting on top. I did my research and it checked all the boxes for a precision build;

- Target action single shot single port
- Target Trigger
- Large Shank
- Good stock

The scope is also going to be a good one I think.

Attachment 34687

This is a behemoth of a gun. It should absorb the recoil well.

Now just waiting for barrel kit!

Nice.
Savage makes a great, heavy built action and I have that model scope in 6-25 so 4-30 should be even better.

Great maybe you can show me how to use the turrets. That is something I never have done much with!

Be glad to help wherever I can.

Started to do some digging and I realized I have disregarded some of the other powders I can use.

I am going to play with some slower burning powders.

One fellow on another board posted an 1.5 inch group at 600 yards which is nuts

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Big Jack

Started to do some digging and I realized I have disregarded some of the other powders I can use.

I am going to play with some slower burning powders.

One fellow on another board posted an 1.5 inch group at 600 yards which is nuts

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That's insane even if shooting a finely crafted custom rifle never mind a muzzleloader.

Well folks I ran into some trouble with this build.

The Bad news;

Barrel has a choked section. Put it together and took it to range and could only get 2 MOA or so.

The Good news;

I contacted barrel supplier and what a great experience to say the least. They are sending me a replacement barrel. Absolutely no hassle.

Upgrades;

After shooting this rig with higher speeds, I want a brake. New barrel will have a radial brake installed by supplier.

I have also decided to add their new Gen 2 LRPM system. I tried other breach plugs using LRPM on a previous build and swore I'd never go back down that path but they turned the design upside down and have got the shortest flame path I have yet to see. This should make ignition extremely reliable. Apparently pick ups of 70fps on straight loads which means to me at least the loads are being ingnited well.

This will extend completion date to end of July.

On another note;

Looking back at my speeds on the Labradar I see that I did reach 2960 fps with a 300 grain pill on my first Savage build. Different powder was used to achieve this but ignition was excellent and I stayed below max load with that powder.

Keep you posted.

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Originally Posted by Big Jack

2960 fps with a 300 grain pill

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Wow! Beyond my comprehension for a front stuffer. Have fun..............................Daniel

Thanks for the update. Looking forward to the range results.

Well got to range today with replacement barrel. The gun shot really well and the muzzle brake reduced the recoil to 243 ish range. This rig also has the version 2 ASG LRMP breach plug. This receiver is not bedded yet but I don't think I need to.

Gun shot a 3 round .15" centre to centre group and has a two foot per second spread.

Attachment 35276

Attachment 35277

Attachment 35278

I believe this gun will produce 1/2 MOA groups out quite far maybe even 500 yards and with the brake I could shoot it all day long.

Also got to shoot the new smokeless encore build. I will put that on a separate thread though.

in your first post u mention a 700ml build got any pic of that and amazing shooting on the last pic

Thanks

You are referring to this one I think;

Attachment 35281

that works which 700ml did u use the newer version or the old one that shot the percusion cap or where they both the same but different ignition systems new to this

Started as a standard 700 mls #11 caps.

Barrel was replaced with .458 Brux stainless and smokeless rated. Primer was changed to 209.

I really only kept the action original.

Excellent shooting and a great build.