I have located a Pedersoli Sharps that I really like, but it's chambered for .45-70.  I know rechambering to .45-90 is usually pretty straight forward, but here is a twist...

I want the throat of the new chamber to duplicate the original...so it will fit a particular bullet.

Instead of trying to figure out how to do that, my local gunsmith is more interested in telling me why I shouldn't.

Any suggestions?

Thanks drc,
I have already conversed with Lee about this.

I probably didn't explain my thoughts well, because we never quite seemed to get on the same page.

Maybe I'll try again...if I can find a way to explain without making him think he's dealing with an idiot.

Meanwhile, I've sent an inquiry to Dave Manson Precision Reamers about making a throating reamer that matches the dimensions I got from Dick Trenk...the guy who developed the bullet I want to use.
CM

Thanks for your response, Dave.

With the 'reality check' in the beginning, the 'alternative' in the middle, and the 'how to' at the end ... a more complete reply could probably not have been devised.

I have paid close attention to all of the elements in your sage advice.
CM

Quote:

Actually, Jerry, Lee is not very highly impressed by the shape of the Pedersoli chamber and throat.  While he is more than willing to re-chamber a .45-70, his reamer (as he described it to me) is noticeably different than a Pedersoli chamber.

This whole deal started when I (just becoming interested in BPCR) was looking at the prices of brass in the various .45 lengths.  That's when I noticed that there is such a thing as .45-90 Win brass...and .45 2-4/10 Sharps brass...available from some makers.  This was my first indication that there might be two different .45-90 chambers, so I went looking for dimensions.
Clymer Reamers has data on their site which shows how they differ.  The Sharps shows a .459 throat with 0.050" of freebore and the Win has a .460 throat with 0.100" of freebore.

When I got interested in the 460-550 PGT bullet (the Victory designation) I wondered which of those two chamber shapes the bullet was supposed to fit.
That's when I found out that the Pedersoli chamber is a 'third' shape...which to my eye is like a .45-90 Win with a longer freebore, and a shallower leade angle tapering into the rifling.

I sent Dick Trenk's description of a Pedersoli chamber to JGS Precision, and they sent me a drawing of a chamber reamer which matches.  Costs about $200.  (A hefty price if I only cut one chamber.)

Dave Manson has a 'stock' throating reamer which comes very close to what it takes to cut a 'Pedersoli throat' in front of a .45-90 chamber.  Cost is $35 (or $65 for an exact match).

Having absorbed more information than I can actually make use of, here is my plan...developed after reading the reply from ssdave...if I buy a Pedersoli .45-70 and have it rechambered.

- I will have the gun sent to Lee Shaver for re-chambering with his reamer, and have him send it on to me.
- I will beg a few experienced shooters to send me a handful of bullets (from two or three of the well-known molds) to see which one my barrel seems to like...and buy that one.
- If I can't get a bullet to show promise, or if the reports of 'pure magic' become overwhelming, I can always recut the throat to fit the PGT bullet.

On the other hand...
There is a guy within driving distance of me who has a Shiloh .45-90 for sale.  I sent him an offer (this morning) which - I figger - has a 50/50 chance of being accepted.
If that becomes 'my gun', I will not modify it...just shoot whatever it likes.

In either case, I will eventually be seeking generously natured shooters who are willing to donate some sample bullets.

Until then, thanks to all of you...and especially Dave...for your interest.

Charlie Maxwell