doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com another caliber question for a DR

Bob,


You can make a 30-06 rimmed by using a9.3x74 case and running it through a 30-06 die. You can use a 30-06 reamer and load them in a 30-06 die. The only thing you have to do is turn the barrel for a rim and maybe neck ream the case. A better choice is the 30-40 improved, that way you can still use standard ammo.
Rich

i have a sxs dr. in 30-40 krag and it does quite well for what it was intended- for elk size non ferocious game and smaller out to 100 yards. anything else is relagated to a .400 calib. or larger. just my thoughts and experience.

Probably the more important question is what type of build is this going to be. We're talking about some relatively high pressure cartridges here. I wouldn't trust the conversion of an old worn out shotgun with something this stout.

I get a bit of a shiver each time someone mentions a shotgun-to-DR conversion. I know it's done, but I'm not sure I would want the risk of using one or the downstream liability of having sold one.

Sorry for the splash of cold water.

Curl

If I was living in the USA, probably 30-40 Krag. Here in Europe, likely 7x57R or 8x57IRS. But the 7.62x54R Russian is surely an interesting option, in either location.
With kind regards,
Jani

FWill be factory built double, Demas or Chapuis

Are you sure that Demas and Chapuis are prepared to build a double rifle in 30/40 Krag, 303 British, or other non-standard DR calibers, at least without a very substantial extra charge? I would guess that even if they will build one, the extra cost might make it unattractive compared to a standard production rimmed DR caliber. Just two of many possible complications would be their lack of experience in barrel regulation in these calibers and concern about long-term action durability, always a concern with double rifles, with unfamiliar calibers as well.

Brian,

I've got a double in .303 and details are in a thread below on this very forum (look at 23 May 2009). Had it regulated for the 215 gr. bullet and used enough IMR 4350 to bring it to 2100+ fps. Worked a charm on Mrs. Hartmann zebra, gemsbok and warthog in Namibia in November. Believe, using the rule of 3/4, that it will also regulate the 150 grain (commercially-loaded) bullet, but have not yet tried to do so.

If you hand load and chapuis or demas will do it, just make up a load for the .303 and get them to regulate to your load.

An alternative if you must have a .308, is .300 H&H flanged. Kynamco makes ammunition ($$) for it and you could have it regulated to, say, the 180 gr. or 220 grain Kynamco product.

Regards, Tim

I concur 300H&H flanged would be a good choice, as would the 7x57R. My personal favorite is 7x65R.

I spoke with Guillaume VERNEY-CARRON at SCI last week. Apparently, Demas became part of Verney-Carron and their use of the Demas mark is going away, perhaps it already has. Verney-Carron has a separate part of their factory that handles the high grade guns, like a custom shop.

The .303 is a wonderful round but I don't know if those makers would be willing to bore and rifle a .311 caliber barrel. You would have to ask.

For what it's worth, I've owned two Francotte .30-40 doubles and neither would shoot worth a doggone with any factory ammo I tried, in all three standard bullet weights, 150, 180 and 220 grain.

I've heard a well known maker is making one in 30-30 on a light 28ga frame.