Yup, I'd make the Hornet forend a little shorter to go with the 25" medium-heavy (1S contour) barrel. Thanks for the inspirational posts! (I think--other people have bookies after 'em, we'uns have stockers and smiths.....and wives).

I admire your .30-40 handload. However, the one I've found most efficient for little old deer at the ranges I can hit 'em is a .30-30 170 Silvertip at .300 Savage velocity. No kickum; killum.