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New .450 Marlin BLR '81 Lightweight Stainless Takedown

6K views 46 replies 14 participants last post by  slamfire 
#1 · (Edited)
Just acquired. Handload development should be interesting. Seems factory ammo loaded to 43,500 psi maximum intended for Marlin 1895 and Winchester 94 rifles chambered in .450 Marlin.

BLR's are offered in other belted magnum rounds (7mm Rem mag, 300 Win mag) which have the same case head dimensions as .450 Marlin. Possibly the same actions? .450 Marlin BLR safe to handload to 7mm Rem mag 61,000 psi limit? Intend to find out.

Got Scout Mount and Leupold VX-Freedom Scout 1.5-4x28mm. Similar set up as my .358 Win. BLR takedown. Sling swivel studs installed.






 
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#5 ·
BLR's are offered in other belted magnum rounds (7mm Rem mag, 300 Win mag) which have the same case head dimensions as .450 Marlin. Possibly the same actions? .450 Marlin BLR safe to handload to 7mm Rem mag 61,000 psi limit? Intend to find out. ....
Obviously, the action will take the pressure. The question is whether or not the cartridge case will handle it and, if not, where all the gas and debris will blow if it doesn't.
 
#6 · (Edited)
More than a few handloading options. Detachable mag could do 300gr TSX. Or 500gr RN if OAL restriction isn't excessive. Excellent results on heavy game with 300gr TSX at 2600 fps in my .45-70 Ruger No.1. As well as 500gr RN at 1875 fps in my .458 Win mag.

.458 American load data might offer some insight on handloading potential. Likely operates safely at .458 Win mag maximum pressure. .450 Marlin case is 5% longer. And likely operates safely at same maximum pressure in a BLR?

From experience handloading my .358 Win. BLR, sticky extraction over-pressure sign occurs first. As always work up safely in small increments.


 
#8 · (Edited)
Magazine will need to be altered to load 350gr Speer or TSX bullets or 500gr. Throat will need to be lengthened. It's quite short.

400gr Barnes Buster is quite acceptable. 1800 fps muzzle speed in my 45-70 GBL. Likely 2000 ~ 2100 fps in my 450 Marlin BLR at safe maximum pressure? 450 Marlin Hodgdon load data online could be a good reference. Load development next step.


350gr Speer Mag Tip



400gr Barnes Buster


 
#18 · (Edited)
Real Beauty and that dog can hunt!

Barrel twist should be 1 in 20" and will stabilize the 400 gr bullets easily even at subsonic levels if you want. A cast heavier wide meplat bullet with Herco or Unique should be a good performing short range round. Look at GT Bullets and their flat point or hollow point options if you want to go heavy for the cartridge.

Regardless of bullet choice, the magazine does make nose length an item to watch out for.

Looks like you have many options.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Note 400gr Barnes Buster BLR seating depth. Rather deep. Limits case capacity. Affects load pressure adversely.

Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x28mm IER Scout in Leupold Rifleman low rings on Browning BLR scout mount base installed. Scoped rifle weighs 8.1 lbs.

Bore sighted. No misalignment between receiver and barrel.







 
#10 ·
Favorable results today with 400gr Barnes Busters and H4198. Worked up loads safely in small increments. Heaviest charge muzzle speed reached ~2000 fps with no excessive pressure signs. A couple more grains should be near maximum at about 2200 fps. Strong action. Accuracy optimization next. ;)









 
#12 · (Edited)
Maximum charge load tested today isn't hot. Relatively low pressure in my particular rifle. Recoil-wise it's a pipsqueak - compared to my 458 Lott.

Impressive ballistics. At 2200 fps muzzle speed 4300 ft-lbs muzzle energy. 2500 ft-lbs at 200 yards. That's smackdown on targets out to intermediate range.


2200 fps mv




2000 fps mv

 
#13 ·
Range time today to check accuracy of heaviest worked-up charge load. Can be worked up further since pressure is still relatively low. Ambient temperature 8 F.

Accuracy is about as good as it gets. 400gr Buster at 2000 fps should be quite adequate. But will see what it will do at near maximum pressure. To follow.





 
#15 ·
Hornady Handbook #7 lists for their 350gr bullet 2000 fps maximum from a Marlin 1895 with 18-1/2" barrel. Got loads assembled for my BLR using 350gr RN Woodleigh. Bullet seated to the cannelure functions just fine and provides substantially more case capacity than 400gr Buster. Loads to be tested worked up safely in small increments to determine muzzle speed at near maximum pressure. To follow.

 
#16 · (Edited)
Chronograph check today on 350gr RN Woodleigh worked-up loads. Windier than heck today! Not a good day for accuracy check. Another time.

Results as shown. No excessive pressure signs whatsoever as powder charge increased to near 100% load density. Note case head and primer appearance. Strong action. Working safely up further to 2300~2400 fps seems possible. 350gr performance on par with my .45-70 Ruger No.1. ;)

Note 400gr Buster seating depth vs 350gr RN. Could go with 350gr RN Woodleigh for hunting. Expanding bullet for enhanced shock with bonded core that should hold together well. Or wide meplat 400gr Buster for extreme penetration.











350gr Woodleigh@2300 fps VS 400gr Buster@2100 fps

 
#17 ·
Very night congrats.
 
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#20 ·
Another option: 300gr JHP/JFN. Speer Reloading Manual #14 for example lists 2400 fps maximum (24" barrel, within standard 43,500 psi maximum pressure). Handloads incrementally worked up to safely determine muzzle speed near maximum safe BLR pressure. Up next.

 
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