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Post by bubba1343 on Dec 23, 2022 9:53:52 GMT -5
I inherited a 54 cal 700ml muzzleloader from my late neighbor husband. Would I be able to convert that to a 45 cal smokeless muzzleloader? With a barrel from Hankins or arrowhead?
Thank you
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Post by Hank on Dec 23, 2022 10:13:18 GMT -5
If it is one of the early models (and I'm sure it is being a 54 caliber) best thing you can do with it is leave it alone. Build yourself a 45 caliber on a modern-day muzzle loader action and alleviate yourself of a bunch of problems.
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Post by Richard on Dec 23, 2022 10:28:59 GMT -5
+1
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Post by shindig on Dec 23, 2022 16:40:58 GMT -5
+2
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Post by buckdoehunter on Dec 28, 2022 15:59:25 GMT -5
Yes, you can but not the builders you listed. Last I heard, McGowen was doing them and maybe a couple of others I’m not familiar with. I have 3 Remington 700ML’s that I converted myself when the barrels were plentiful and they shoot great. The downside of the older Rem 700ML is the cam screw will wear and can cause head spacing issues.
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Post by SURESHOT on Dec 28, 2022 17:23:19 GMT -5
Yes, you can but not the builders you listed. Last I heard, McGowen was doing them and maybe a couple of others I’m not familiar with. I have 3 Remington 700ML’s that I converted myself when the barrels were plentiful and they shoot great. The downside of the older Rem 700ML is the cam screw will wear and can cause head spacing issues.Looks like a lot of good advice so far, but this statement said it all to me, (the cam screw will wear and can cause head spacing issues) Money well spent for an upgrade with no problems, and so much more to gain.... |
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Post by hillbill on Dec 28, 2022 19:22:54 GMT -5
You also have to have a bolt nose kit and change the firing pin.
I would put it on one of the forums and sell it, then look for a cheap short action 700 to build from.
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Post by joelmoney on Dec 28, 2022 19:33:35 GMT -5
You also have to have a bolt nose kit and change the firing pin. I would put it on one of the forums and sell it, then look for a cheap short action 700 to build from. I was thinking of going that route. I am really glad I didn’t. You guys spoiled me right off the bat. |
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Post by ballistic on Dec 28, 2022 21:17:28 GMT -5
Another issue is the bolt handle is silver soldered on these ml700. An upgrade is to weld the handle to the bolt body. This gives some (not much) extra insurance for a failure. A few years back I thought about upgrading to direct ignition but then you would have to take the bolt set screw out every single time. I think the best option on these ml700 is to put a bolt nose kit for 209 primers only and then machine a grade 8 bolt for a new set screw and use grease (bolt body to screw channel) to minimize wear. I don’t think they are worthy or reliable enough for an HIS. The ml700 is still a good option for states that require blackpowder and open ignition and a percussion cap so it’s still a better option than some setups. I don’t think it’s a good option for smokeless or safe enough - even though I used duplex loads with the 209 primers in the past with a barrel rated for it. I had constant issues of gas cutting tungsten bushings with 209 primers that would randomly bulge and then blow. In those days we were all pioneers trying to make the best -and many like me took some health risks experimenting. Gas cutting issues or blowing 209 primers (screw wear on the bolt) randomly isn’t what anyone wants to experiment with -what’s your eye worth to you ? The welded bolt handle and hardened bolt together will never give the safeguards of todays builds.
Please do what jeff and others have said. Build your smokeless on a platform that’s safely designed for it. I just wanted to add what I did and it worked ok for blackpowder -not smokeless. I prefer bolt actions for added safety.
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