Thread: Cast action

Hi guys,
This time I tried to cast my action based on the rem 700 footprint. Its a big learning curve, BTW. I have been experimenting with lots of stuffs regarding to it and been learning a lot. By the pics, it looks easier, but believe me... its not!
As it was the firs try, the actions didnt come that good, but with some machining I may get there. For the next one, I want to do little machining only. Will try another material for the lost wax now (3D print) to see if things improve.
Action is made of 4340, vacuum cast. Based on the 700's with some improvements. I can upload ore pics for the next one if you guys want to see the progress. Project done in SolidWorks.
I had to make a bolt handle to match the extraction cam for this particular action and will post it as well.
Cheers

From memory the Ruger M77 actions are made by investment casting like you've just done. Has merit, but not sure on loss of strength versus forged?

Good on you for giving it a go, well follow with interest.

Kj

Still need a bit of work, but 70% is done.
Do you have to heat treat it?
Winchester 70 and some old cz were cast as well.
Awesome

Yow will you machine the raceways and barrel thread?

Actually, I don't know how hard it would be, but could you cast the next action with an integral front recoil lug? That would be one more part out of the equation later on.

Thanks for the comments guys.
I know already what I've done wrong so next one will be much better.
Yes, Rugers 77 are cast from Pine Tree in the US. Also, Farleys are cast and considered
one of the smoothest actions over there as well.
The raceways are there and need just a cleanup with a reamer, sandpaper and elbow grease. I also will have to drill and
tap for the scope base and thread the tenon. In a few weeks I will have a new one.
Friwi, I can design for sure a front recoil lug, but I made two recesses on the bottom that will do the same job.
Will post more pics as the work progresses.
Cheers

I saw those two grouves below.
It is a bit like a Barnards, tikka ...and the sako 75,85 and A7 where the recoil lug is not an integral part of the action.
The reason they use that system is to cut down on machining costs.
Because you are casting you can do pretty much anything ,like a surgeon action shape for example, because you have ALREADY cut on machining costs.
Looking forward for the finished action.

Good on you , looks cool , however , cast a round action , thats easier to machine using CNC & EDM for race ways .

To me casting & forging to make more complex shapes , like square shaped Mauser actions like the Parker Hale M85 action , which was cast and is a very nice action , then heat treated and machined where needed .

very interesting. are you planning to cast a bolt too or just the action?

Originally Posted by robhughes-games

very interesting. are you planning to cast a bolt too or just the action?

No cast bolt. I will probably use a PTG.
I will heat treat the action after machining using austempering, which, in theory, causes almost no warping (I hope).
There are some interesting videos on Youtube about how Rugers are made HERE (Pine Tree Castings).

Cheers

Here's a pic of a Parker Hale M85 action & bolt , this is a cast action , as its a bit complex .

It is an improved Mauser , a bit like the surgeon is an improved Remington :-)