floatplane rifle; looking for info on 450 bushmaster

[salmonchaser]

Might even have been twenty, none the less we backed into the lake and away as efficiently as possible. I don't want to run afoul of forum rules, the friend who took the photos is a pro and he plugs his business and the lodge. But if you would like to see some great photos, www.dedicated photo .com when his sight pops up you'll see Alaska. I can't separate the bear photos as what he sent is protected.
For the record, marlin guide gun, 45/70; 400 grain Barnes buster, 1/2 minute of grizzly. Hammer back target acquired and as I recall, no longer indexed. An old axiom of defense tactics where the nose points the body must follow. She saved her life that day.

 

[DrMike]

Delightful photos, SC. Yeah, that'd be a great adventure.

 

[Woodycreek]

SC,

You should be just fine with the 450 and good bullets. The devil is in the details when it comes to the three big boomer ARs. The 458 SOCOM seems to be the best choice for someone looking to get one of them. Great bullet selection, standard mags, and good Starline brass.

Let us know how it goes with the Bushmaster.

 

[salmonchaser]

WC had I completed thorough due diligence I likely would have gone with the Socom. Either of the big bloomer Ar rifle with a good tactical sling is a great choice for bear protection while fishing. With a good sling the rifle is out of the way does not get set on beach, as readily deployed as a heavy revolver. Thanks for the feedback. I remain impressed with this forum.
Don.

 

[salmonchaser]

Found the 325 swift on line, still looking for brass, might have to buy some factory ammo and make some noise. I really appreciate the load information.

 

[Grundy53]

A lot of good info. I'm going to start reloading for my 450 just as soon as my dies come off of backorder. Thanks for the info!

sent from my typewriter

 

[tjen]

Wild West guns has a TV show coming out, makers of some great bush plane guns.

 

[salmonchaser]

Still waiting on dies. Not sure what happened when I ordered they were in stock but I'm on the backorder list now. Oh well, I will report when I can.
Don

 

[Grundy53]

Still waiting on dies. Not sure what happened when I ordered they were in stock but I'm on the backorder list now. Oh well, I will report when I can.
Don

Mine are on back order too. Ive been waiting for them for awhile now.

 

[RiverRider]

Good thread here. The more I read the more I am leaning toward the .458 SOCOM for my AR build.

 

[Woodycreek]

Wilson Combat has complete uppers or parts kits for the 458 SOCOM.

http://shopwilsoncombat.com/458-SOCOM/products/437/

http://shopwilsoncombat.com/458-SOCOM/products/436/

 

[salmonchaser]

Just an update if got powder and ball, a little brass but still waiting on dies. I really appreciate all the information. I'll let you know when I get going.

 

[HOGWILD338-378]

Might find some info here?
http://450bushmaster.net

 

[alaska100]

SC,

You should be just fine with the 450 and good bullets. The devil is in the details when it comes to the three big boomer ARs. The 458 SOCOM seems to be the best choice for someone looking to get one of them. Great bullet selection, standard mags, and good Starline brass.

Let us know how it goes with the Bushmaster.

Brian,

this was the decision we made as well, the 458 SOCOM works better for us. The only place we use it is when fishing and even then we sometimes prefer to take the 457 Wild West co-pilot, as it breaks down and rides in a case, plus Wild West makes their own 350 and 405 bullets for it ( it can also shoot 45.70 bullets through it ). There are waterways where one competes with the big bears, and we do have encounters, but not as unnerving as one might think for the most part. As Scotty and Brian knows my mom takes our children fishing and her protection gun of preference is a 416 Rigby, but it definitely does not ride in the float plane as well, but I do not argue with my mother (-;

 

[salmonchaser]

What I like most is having a weapon system I don't ever set on the ground. When we decided we had the money to spend the only thing I could get was the 450. Been sportfishing AK since the old man got stationed up at Ft. WAINWRIGHT in 1959. You are absolutely correct, the bears are rarely a serious problem but never to be taken lightly. I've been looking for an excuse to buy a 416, an excellent choice for grizzly I should think. I've carried 338, 45/70, 375 HH, 12 gauge a 44mag and the 454. IMHO the most convenient are the AR boomers.

And yes, never argue with mom, when mama is happy everybody is happy.
Don

 

[Woodycreek]

SC,

You should be just fine with the 450 and good bullets. The devil is in the details when it comes to the three big boomer ARs. The 458 SOCOM seems to be the best choice for someone looking to get one of them. Great bullet selection, standard mags, and good Starline brass.

Let us know how it goes with the Bushmaster.

Brian,

this was the decision we made as well, the 458 SOCOM works better for us. The only place we use it is when fishing and even then we sometimes prefer to take the 457 Wild West co-pilot, as it breaks down and rides in a case, plus Wild West makes their own 350 and 405 bullets for it ( it can also shoot 45.70 bullets through it ). There are waterways where one competes with the big bears, and we do have encounters, but not as unnerving as one might think for the most part. As Scotty and Brian knows my mom takes our children fishing and her protection gun of preference is a 416 Rigby, but it definitely does not ride in the float plane as well, but I do not argue with my mother (-;

What? You have a 458 SOCOM and a 457 WWG? Dang! Rifle and load details for both please :grin: I thought about sending my 1895 to WWG for the 457 mag conversion. Should have just got one from them since it has just as many of their parts as factory now. Been keeping an eye on Wilson Combat for the 458 SOCOM uppers or part kits to come back in stock. Think I'm gonna make my better half mad when they do :wink:

Living in Alaska would be all the reason I need for getting a 416 Rigby.

 

[salmonchaser]

So an update on this project:
Shipped our guns back to Alaska on May 1.
Back ordered dies arrived on May 7;
Winter watchman sent me the brass I had stored at the lodge yesterday;
I have powder and ball on hand.
I leave in a few days,
I get home in mid September and will start on the project then.
Once again I appreciate all the help.
Don

 

[SJB358]

Nice! Can't wait to hear how it works Don. That's pretty serious medicine.

 

[Guy Miner]

Woody, take a hard look at the ballistics of the .457 vs .45/70 data in Hodgdon's manual (online).

If you're a handloader, there's no practical difference.

Guy

 

[HOGWILD338-378]

I would opt for one of these on a bungee sling !

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =417291798