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C/S,

I tend to agree with BB and SW's posts on this comversion.

I understand the stainless Marlin is an attractive package but even if the 450 AK would fit, and it might, it is still alot of cartridge for that rifle.  I well remember a custom stocked model 71 that was all I wanted to shoot and that rifle had a much better stock and more weight than the M1895.  Also the Marlin is available in both 45-70 and 450 Marlin and the 450 AK will offer only about 100-150 fps with 400 grain bullets over the other two.

Of course the 450 Alaskan is a cool sounding caliber and I don't blame you for wanting one but even then it should be in a model 71 or an 1886.  

The notes I have for the round are;
Case length;  2.145"   Trim to; 2.135"  C.O.A.L. 2.970" (my chamber)

The 45-70 case length; 2.105" and the C.O.A.L. is 2.550"
I show no load for the 450 AK that is as short as the 45-70 Max C.O.A.L.

The longest overall length was with the 465 grain A square bullet.  I was messing with a 450 double rifle at the same time as this one and had some of those bullets to try and regulate the double with them.  I could load both guns with that bullet at exactly the same velocity and both shot very well.

The 450 AK load was 66.0 grains of IMR-3031 for 2047 fps with the 465 grain. This was the highest energy load for the rifle and was probably 45,000 psi.  That is absolutely max in a strong model 71. I would not shoot that in a Marlin 1895.  No it won't dismantle it but it will shake it loose in some very few rounds.

The most accurate load was the 400 grain Speer with 66.0 grains of
H-322 with a velocity of 2011 fps.

For the 450 Marlin or AK or the 45-70 to be the serious stopper their owners desire, bullets of 400 grain and up must be used. I would prefer a 400 at 1900 fps over a 300 grain at 2200 fps.  Also at these velocities a hard cast bullet works very well.

This is certainly a good caliber, a wildcat of merit, don't handicap it with a less than ideal rifle.  Good shootin'.

Murphy

Message Thread:

• .450 Alaskan CowlitzSteelie Feb 22 2006
  • Other Choices Wyatt Feb 28 2006
  • 450 AK alaska bush man Feb 25 2006
  • marlin BrownBear Feb 23 2006
    • New 71 CowlitzSteelie Feb 23 2006
      • 71's BrownBear Feb 23 2006
  • 450 AK or some other monster masher... Murphy Feb 23 2006
    • Bummer CowlitzSteelie Feb 23 2006
  • Conversion Snowwolfe Feb 23 2006
    • .45/70 conversion CowlitzSteelie Feb 23 2006
  • 450 BrownBear Feb 23 2006
    • Johnson Rifle alaska bush man Feb 27 2006
    • .450 Alaskan CowlitzSteelie Feb 23 2006
      • xlr BrownBear Feb 23 2006
        • XLR CowlitzSteelie Feb 23 2006