Good morning

My new 1-18 twist barrel arrived 2 weeks ago.  This was a 375 SM DW barrel I had rebored to .410 to use in my 414 Hybred assembled on my still STOCK 375 SM frame.  The barrel was NOT NOS or a collectors item of historical significance so collectors please do not cry into the cold winds of the north. 

As we are packing to return to Peru I did not have much time to do any extensive load work.  I still had 6 rounds of my starting load of 15 grains Acc1680 with the 265 gc bullet WW left so those were fired one at a time with Metal-Glo smeared on the noses to "Polish" any irregularities out of that new cut rifling/bore.  I do this with ALL new barrels & have no regrets.  Cleaning followed.

Next down range were my last 7 rounds of the same bullet over 16 grains of Acc1680.  Fired at 25 yards these 6 grouped into a nice clover leaf .76".  The first round struck the target 1 " away form the group at 11 oclock.  Not to surprising with a just cleaned barrel.  That day was 34 degrees overcast with a  9mph wind from my 7 oclock but I was sitting with a 50 foot building to my immediate rear & a covered firing line roof over head.   Same basic grouping as the 18.5 twist barrel gave with this load.

Next was THE most accurate mag load I found using 1680 using the 18.5 twist barrel made from a .410 barrel blank that is actually .415.  This load is the same 265gc bullet over 32grains of Acc1680.  Again 25 yards is all the time I had & I was not going to sit out in that wind & cold to test at 50 yards.  I am almost 60 and shivering is no longer MUCH fun.  PLus  I only had 9 rounds (my last 265gc) so that was it.

The first seven went into a group that measured .870 using my dial Mic.  #8 went .6 " higher and a bit to the left.   #9 was just touching #8 at 4 oclock.  I was getting cold & the wood DW grip was putting the "sting" to my gloved hand.  Recoil is similar to my 41mag DW with a 8" barrel with max loads using 240 grain gc bullets. 

I knew when I started this "414 Hybred" project I would run out of time.  BUT I have a functioning 414SM that looks like it will be a shooter capable of hunting anything I will ever see.  Sadly it is now locked away in oil, wax paper & in "the casket".

When I return from Peru in about 3 years I plan on mounting my 2x Leuplod on my ugly 357 SM  8" shroud that perfectly fits my 375 frame and do some real tests.  I personally think the 265 gc is a GREAT all pupose size for the 414 SM.  BUT maybe a 275-280 for a little heavier SMACK.  Maybe I can get in a Pig Hunt in Tennesse. 

But another project I see happening will be a .410 barrel screwed into my 375 Winny frame.  I KNOW that rifle will cycle my 375SM loads without a hitch.  They do not fire worth a hoot.... BUT imaginge a 414 SM chambered barrel !  Shoot the same load in a chamber cut exactly like my 414 SM cylinder.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS to All !!!!   

Share on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on WhatsAppShare on LinkedInShare on Pinterest