les
Hammer Time Executive member
I like the new format, but I'm missing a bit of the history. So I thought I would start a general thread to capture guns that Hammer Bullets inspired us to build. I'm deep down a big bore guy. As I pursued the Hammer Bullets, I just knew I had to have a rifle for the 404 458 diameter Power Hammer. I thought single feeding in one of my 45/70s would work. However after getting 25 of those beautiful bullets, I realized I was taking up too much powder space to get to my desired 2300 fps. So back to the drawing boards. One of my former hunting buddies, Craig, shot a 458 WinMag, but I didn't really want to go that route as I am left handed. A custom 458 WinMag was out of the question. So the search began. About the same time, Joe16 was on a different course but we both came up with the same solution, get a CVA Scout in 45/70 and bore it out to 45/90! So the gun was ordered. Joe16 sold me 30 45/90 brass as it was almost impossible to get. Dies were ordered! I realized that I wanted more of a muzzle brake, so I started searching. I found Haskins made a specific brake for the CVA, so I ordered one. The gun was off to the gunsmith before I ran even one 45/70 through it. I had a nice Vortex scope from another project that I abandoned. It all came together! So, the first shot was a muzzle velocity of 2284. That was a guess on where to start. Wow was I happy. I worked through some ladders with several different powders. I topped out at over 2,600 fps. I backed down to an accurate load that averaged 2304 fps. I hunted deer and elk with this gun this year. Never saw a critter to drill! One of those years! Spring Bear season starts in just over a month, and the 45/90 will be in the woods.