Thread: Bergara scout 44 mag to 4570 conversion?

Hey guys, as per the title I have a single shot 44 mag and am toying with the idea of getting it rechambered to 4570 to go down the suppressed/subsonic track with heavy cast projectiles. Am figuring this could be simpler than selling and trying to find another single shot in the same caliber. Are there any obvious reasons why this wouldn't be possible with a competent gunsmith, considering they appear to be built on the same action and twist rate to start with or is this a pie in the sky idea?
Cheers for any input

They're different bore sizes. 44Mag is 0.429-0.431 and 45-70 is 0.458. Rechambering the existing barrel is therefore not an option. The barrels are not interchangeable either.

Bergara do a 45-70 one though so you could probably trade in for the same cost (or less) than a gunsmith.

I'm guessing that reaming the barrel to the 458 diameter isn't exactly a straightforward job?

44 magnum makes a perfect sub/super gun, Im a big fan of mine
gunworks sell fiocchi 44 special that is standard subsonic that you just put in your gun and shoot

Originally Posted by cheeseclip

I'm guessing that reaming the barrel to the 458 diameter isn't exactly a straightforward job?

impossible
the bullets in the 45-70 are larger than the hole down the barrel in the 44 magnum

10.9mm for the 44 mag
11.6mm for the 45-70

Depending on the twist to stabilise heavy bullets, you could consider having it chambered for .444 Marlin as it the same bore size as .44 Mag.

I believe the importers new stock has arrived of the bergara 45/70 so should be able to get a new one easy enough , was one in my local last week , usually around a grand. Perhaps trade your 44 or sell. I don't think you would have to many problems selling it, popular with pig hunters.

Originally Posted by S.E.G

Depending on the twist to stabilise heavy bullets, you could consider having it chambered for .444 Marlin as it the same bore size as .44 Mag.

defeats purpose if going subsonic...great idea if supersonic and wanting faster.....

He could go way heavier bullets as 444 case could take more powder but stay subsonic?

Cheers for the help guys, was probably a dumb question but better than not asking at all right? Haha. Looks like even doing this with the 44mag could still be worthwhile, just a case of some thorough testing and keeping ranges sensible for game

Originally Posted by cheeseclip

Cheers for the help guys, was probably a dumb question but better than not asking at all right? Haha. Looks like even doing this with the 44mag could still be worthwhile, just a case of some thorough testing and keeping ranges sensible for game

no such thing mate, its all a quest for knowledge

the 44 mag using .44 special cow boy loads is a real low cost way to dip your toes into seeing if subsonics work for your type of hunting

i tried the new hornady sub x 45/70 factory rounds in the SBL and found the 100m zero using the full power 325 gr equated to 50m zero using the subs (was shooting clays against the bank at 50 with subs , 420gr if I remember correctly)

Thanks for the help guys, just looking at sorting a suppressor at the moment and will give trailboss a go in the 44 to start this adventure. Cast projectiles seem like they could be a good bang for buck option too if they work well on game?

Originally Posted by cheeseclip

Thanks for the help guys, just looking at sorting a suppressor at the moment and will give trailboss a go in the 44 to start this adventure. Cast projectiles seem like they could be a good bang for buck option too if they work well on game?

I have tried Trailboss in a 44 with 300 grn subs. It gave too much ES to be useful. The loads have been covered in previous threads here.

45/70 isn't a happening thing, however rechambering to .444 Marlin could be worth looking into?