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AussieTimmeh
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Reged: 02/09/14
Posts: 30
Loc: Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express
      #256185 - 01/11/14 08:06 PM

Hi all,

Well the time has come and we've taken delivery of our RBD (Ralf Bettina Dauner) Omni-Break in 500 Nitro Express.

The Omni-Break is a hand-built single shot break action designed and made completely by Ralf Dauner and his wife Bettina, who live and work in Morpeth, New South Wales, Australia. Ralf is a trained gunsmith and does all the metalwork while his wife Bettina does all the woodwork including the checkering by hand. The barrel can be removed just like a shotgun, and other barrels of different calibres can be made to use the same receiver, which is where the name Omni-Break came from.

My brother and I both grew up in Africa and we'd become interested in the 500 Nitro Express as a calibre. Our 500 Nitro Express has a 26 inch barrel and shoots the 3 inch cartridges. Ralf and Bettina added a little extra weight to this rifle to help with recoil, and it weighs in at 4.1kg / 9lbs.

We loaded standard 500NE rounds using Aussie-made Bertram brass and the 570gn Bertram projectile, using 103gn of 2209 powder primed with Federal 215s. A big thanks to Chris (Rockdoc) for his help in teaching me how to load this.















Well we took it out today to shoot. I've got a video with a couple of slow-motions that I have uploaded for those interested.

As you will see, the recoil blew my earmuffs off! This was due to me wearing prescription sunglasses combined with muffs that don't clamp very tightly onto my head, but I wear this same combination shooting a couple of un-braked 308s without any issue at all so the recoil of this rifle is several times greater.

Video of our first shoot

For those wondering how much it cost, it's actually pretty affordable (let's face it, at this point in my life with a fairly new mortgage and young kids, I am on a budget). Prices start at $1950 depending what options you choose. Ralf and Bettina were very attentive to our desires and tailored our rifle specifically to suit what we wanted, and we're pretty damn happy with our new toy.

It only took a few shots to get a sore shoulder and a headache going though!

Our locally made rifle sling was finished and we picked it up today. The reason we got a strap made, other than looking the part, is so that other shooters can wrap the strap around their wrists when shooting in case they lose grip of the rifle when shooting it, which is easy to do. This stops the rifle rotating and being dropped into the dirt.

Narelle from 6D Leather took my design concept and turned it into a beautiful rifle strap, including the custom engraving in the leather that I had asked for of the 3 animals this cartridge is designed for - Rhino, Elephant, and Cape Buffalo. It's still brand new so it's quite stiff and the stains will even out a little bit as we continue to massage the oil into it over the next few weeks.



Thanks for looking!


Edited by AussieTimmeh (02/11/14 04:50 PM)

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Rockdoc
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Reged: 07/12/06
Posts: 1213
Loc: NSW, Australia
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: AussieTimmeh]
      #256258 - 04/11/14 09:21 AM

Hi Tim

That looks great! Nice weight for a carrying rifle

Bit of BluTack should keepm the hat on!


Looking forward to more results and hunting.

Cheers, Chris

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Rell
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Reged: 03/12/04
Posts: 642
Loc: Oyster Bay, NY, USA
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: Rockdoc]
      #256259 - 04/11/14 09:30 AM

Really cool. Should be a tone of fun.

Not sure if the front sling swivel is in a great spot though.

--------------------
450-400, 9.3x74r and 7x65r.

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Ash
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Reged: 10/05/11
Posts: 1653
Loc: Australia
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: Rell]
      #256271 - 04/11/14 06:06 PM

Quote:

Not sure if the front sling swivel is in a great spot though.



Barrel mount that bad boy!


Now get up north and chase some buff!

--------------------
.

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AussieTimmeh
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Reged: 02/09/14
Posts: 30
Loc: Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: Ash]
      #256274 - 04/11/14 08:01 PM

Thanks guys. I am actually pretty happy with the sling position, it sits well and it's good for wrapping around the wrist to stop people letting go if it.

I never thought I would be making reduced loads for it, but I am going to need some advice on how to make a reduced load as I can see most of my friends won't ever shoot the full load as it's simply way too powerful for them.

I am not even sure if a reduced load will be soft enough. Is it just a case of reducing the powder to 75% of a normal load or something?

I am also thinking that buying 4kg of 2209 may have been premature. It's going to last me a lifetime as I can't see us shooting that many rounds regularly haha.

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underlever
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Reged: 01/02/07
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Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: AussieTimmeh]
      #256275 - 04/11/14 10:00 PM

I'd try loaded as a black powder express ( nitro for black ), still more then enough grunt for pigs and such and won't kick the crap out of you. The down side is another tin of powder, 2207, and some lighter projectiles.

Edited by underlever (04/11/14 10:01 PM)

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Ash
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Reged: 10/05/11
Posts: 1653
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Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: underlever]
      #256276 - 05/11/14 12:11 AM

Trailboss it up. Sit your desired projectile in to the depth, mark the bottom with a nicko or something, fill to that point with trailboss, weigh it, then 70% of that is your starting load, i think the initial weight is the max load. That's what i do at least in the .450 nitro.

--------------------
.

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HuviusModerator
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Reged: 04/11/07
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Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: Ash]
      #256277 - 05/11/14 02:19 AM

I saw a vintage Webley & Scott break action single in 500NE last year which was very similar to your rifle.
Definitely load up some reduced loads. The enjoyment factor of this gun will be huge and it could potentially become an all around rifle for you.
Cpt. Curl has worked up NfB loads for a few 500BPE rifles and I would think any of these would work great in your rifle.

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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93x64mm
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Reged: 07/12/11
Posts: 4198
Loc: Nth QLD Australia
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: Huvius]
      #256284 - 05/11/14 07:05 AM

AussieTim,
try Graeme Wright's Nitro for black load 440gn BP Woodleigh (Cat No8), 72gn AR2208 with a 20mm foam wad slightly compressed, Federal 215 primers - recoil will be 1/2 of the full nitro loads.
Very emphatic killer of pigs I can tell you!
Yes it means another powder but you can shoot more often.
Then if you go with Underlever's way - use as a BP rifle, you can cast your own projectiles like myself & get right into paper patching...now that's fun!
Ash's idea will be the lightest recoil using Trailboss - start at 70% & work up from there.
There could be a big change in point of impact, my .404 soft loads are 120mm or so higher at 50m.
Have fun deciding....try them all in fact, its a great calibre to play with.
Painful loading small calibres now-a-days after loading for a 500!
Cheers
93x64mm

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AussieTimmeh
.224 member


Reged: 02/09/14
Posts: 30
Loc: Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: 93x64mm]
      #256291 - 05/11/14 07:01 PM

Thanks for all the replies. It would be great if I could do a reduced load with the boatload of 2209 I have, do any exist or do I really need to change powder?

I do appreciate all the other suggestions and will have to get some lighter projectiles in it seems. I might email Bruce Bertram and see if they do any, otherwise I'll try to source Woodleigh.

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matthew69
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Reged: 27/05/12
Posts: 35
Loc: tasmaina australia
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: AussieTimmeh]
      #256292 - 05/11/14 08:53 PM

looks great mate
I got one in New England arms (H&R) 3 1/4 500 nitro goes about 7 pound 18inch barrel heps of fun to shot running 106gr 2209 535gr Bertram pill.
tried 2208 but it was be like hit with a car each time I fired it 2209 much better .
I removed my front sling clip not real good when it bits your hand lol

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Ash
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Reged: 10/05/11
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Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: 93x64mm]
      #256293 - 05/11/14 08:58 PM

Quote:


Painful loading small calibres now-a-days after loading for a 500!




Not wrong there...

Quote:

The enjoyment factor of this gun will be huge and it could potentially become an all around rifle for you.



I dont know how, but this is so true. And, the old "Dont notice recoil shooting at game" is rather true, in my experience. My .450 is now my main carry, and it'll be going out again this weekend.

--------------------
.

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mauserand9mm
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Reged: 03/09/09
Posts: 1039
Loc: Queensland, Australia
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: AussieTimmeh]
      #256296 - 05/11/14 09:41 PM

Quote:

Thanks for all the replies. It would be great if I could do a reduced load with the boatload of 2209 I have, do any exist or do I really need to change powder?
.....



AR2209 is too slow for reduced loads. What you can do, however, is use a 450gn projectile instead of the 570gn but using the same powder load. This is what I do for my Merkel double. I use 106gn AR2209 in both cases. I think this is called the "75%" rule where you reduce the projectile weight to 75% for the same powder weight. I haven't chrono-ed the loads but perceived recoil goes down to Group 2 (458WM) levels, but then again my Merkel weighs 11lb. Still, you'll notice the difference.

Edited by mauserand9mm (05/11/14 09:45 PM)

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Rockdoc
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Reged: 07/12/06
Posts: 1213
Loc: NSW, Australia
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: mauserand9mm]
      #256297 - 05/11/14 10:12 PM

I also load the Woodleigh 450gn soft with 106gn AR2209 (H4350). Haven't chrono'd yet but is gentle recoil. My 500 3 1/4" was proofed 570gn load but regulated for the 480gn bullet.

Graeme Wright list some nitro for black loads.

AAA Arms and ammo also have some Re powder in stock! Bought some Re22 and Re15 today, finally!

Cheers,

Chris

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xausa
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Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 2037
Loc: Tennessee, USA
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: AussieTimmeh]
      #256298 - 05/11/14 10:20 PM

Just a comment or two on your stock design. I notice that in your video you are shooting with your head upright, which essentially puts your cheek to the rear of the Monte Carlo cheekpiece on your stock, thus defeating its purpose, which is to keep the stock from slapping you in the cheek when the rifle is fired.

I am attaching a photo of my wildcat .505 SRE, built on a P14 Enfield action. The rifle weighs 8 3/4 pounds, but is manageable to shoot because of the stock design. The photo shows that the stock has a negative drop, that is, the drop at heel is less than the drop at comb. This produces the same effect as the Monte Carlo along the entire length of the comb.



The cartridge, the one in the middle in the photo, fires a Kynoch 570 grain .500 NE bullet resized to .505" at 2150 fps, the same as the 500 NE, and generates identical recoil. It just handles it differently than your rifle.

You might also consider your stance. Your standing position would be good on the target range, but is not very well adapted to heavy recoil. If you shoulder the rifle as you would a shotgun, leaning forward into the recoil and locating your cheek farther along the stock, I think you will find the recoil much easier to deal with.

I highly recommend practice with reduced loads, particularly with cast bullets. You can get a lot more practice in if you don't have to shell out big bucks for the components. I also recommend AA5744 powder for reduced loads. I have used it in a number of applications with my .505 Gibbs and .500 Jeffery (I don't own a .500 NE), and it has proved to be ideal.

To quote the manufacturer, "Accurate 5744 is an extremely fast burning, double-base, extruded powder. This unique powder can be used in a wide range of rifle calibers and magnum handguns. 5744 is characterized by excellent ignition and consistency over a very wide performance range. Low bulky density and superior ignition characteristics make 5744 an excellent choice for reduced loads in many rifle calibers and in large capacity black powder cartridges such as the 45-70 through 45-120 and 50-90 through 50-120. Made in Canada."

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AussieTimmeh
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Reged: 02/09/14
Posts: 30
Loc: Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: matthew69]
      #256306 - 06/11/14 07:47 AM

Quote:

looks great mate
I got one in New England arms (H&R) 3 1/4 500 nitro goes about 7 pound 18inch barrel heps of fun to shot running 106gr 2209 535gr Bertram pill.
tried 2208 but it was be like hit with a car each time I fired it 2209 much better .
I removed my front sling clip not real good when it bits your hand lol


Thanks, that's a pretty short barrel! Interesting about the 2208, cheers.

Quote:

And, the old "Dont notice recoil shooting at game" is rather true, in my experience. My .450 is now my main carry, and it'll be going out again this weekend.


I must admit, I went go-karting straight after shooting this and promptly forgot all about the discomfort in my shoulder because my arms were aching from the go-karts hehe. But one of the two friends watching straight up didn't want to shoot it after watching us, hence wanting a reduced load.

Quote:

AR2209 is too slow for reduced loads. What you can do, however, is use a 450gn projectile instead of the 570gn but using the same powder load. This is what I do for my Merkel double. I use 106gn AR2209 in both cases. I think this is called the "75%" rule where you reduce the projectile weight to 75% for the same powder weight. I haven't chrono-ed the loads but perceived recoil goes down to Group 2 (458WM) levels, but then again my Merkel weighs 11lb. Still, you'll notice the difference.


Ok thanks, this might be my first attempt at a reduced load. I've emailed Bertram to see if they do lighter projectiles for 500NE, otherwise I'll chase down some Woodleigh 450gns.

Otherwise I'll look at changing powder also if this proves too strong still. I mean, I want some kick, we're shooting big bore after all, but yeah the full strength load is stronger than I perhaps anticipated.

Quote:

I also load the Woodleigh 450gn soft with 106gn AR2209 (H4350). Haven't chrono'd yet but is gentle recoil. My 500 3 1/4" was proofed 570gn load but regulated for the 480gn bullet.

Graeme Wright list some nitro for black loads.

AAA Arms and ammo also have some Re powder in stock! Bought some Re22 and Re15 today, finally!

Cheers,

Chris


Ok great, thanks Chris. Who did you source your Woodleighs though, anyone local to us or order online? Good news about your powder too.

Quote:

Just a comment or two on your stock design. I notice that in your video you are shooting with your head upright, which essentially puts your cheek to the rear of the Monte Carlo cheekpiece on your stock, thus defeating its purpose, which is to keep the stock from slapping you in the cheek when the rifle is fired.

...

You might also consider your stance. Your standing position would be good on the target range, but is not very well adapted to heavy recoil. If you shoulder the rifle as you would a shotgun, leaning forward into the recoil and locating your cheek farther along the stock, I think you will find the recoil much easier to deal with.




Awesome, feedback on pose is more than welcome. So I should lean forward more, angled more at the hips I assume. With my head position, do you mean I should have my head further forward or rearward? I am trying to understand what you mean about not making use of the Monte Carlo cheekpiece.

Thanks to everyone for your advice and feedback, it really helps more than you might think and makes this more enjoyable!

Peace.

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xausa
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Reged: 07/03/07
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Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: AussieTimmeh]
      #256308 - 06/11/14 09:17 AM

Quote:


Awesome, feedback on pose is more than welcome. So I should lean forward more, angled more at the hips I assume. With my head position, do you mean I should have my head further forward or rearward? I am trying to understand what you mean about not making use of the Monte Carlo cheekpiece.





You should face the target more, with your knees slightly bent, almost a boxer's stance, with your face farther forward on the stock, so that it is actually in contact with the slanted part of the Monte Carlo, rather than behind it, much the way you would shoulder a shotgun.

Check out this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D41NYBHkb9M&feature=player_embedded

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AussieTimmeh
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Reged: 02/09/14
Posts: 30
Loc: Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: xausa]
      #256368 - 07/11/14 10:38 AM

Thanks for the feedback and link! I'll give it a go next time I am out with it.

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NitroXAdministrator
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Reged: 25/12/02
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Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: AussieTimmeh]
      #256516 - 10/11/14 10:59 AM

Interesting rifle. I would definitely get the sling swivel on a barrel band and not on the forend. The reason is the the sling stud will cut your hand one day, no doubt about it. I would also go for a different stock design. But interesting new single shot. How long have they been made by the gunmaker?

Interesting too that additional barrels for other chamberings can be organised.

Hope you have fun with it.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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DarylS
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Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: NitroX]
      #256525 - 10/11/14 12:27 PM

In the video - the top back-curl of the cheek rest knocked off the muffs.

I'd also barrel mount that sling swivel.

Too, a nicely reduced load of AA2007H? (H4895) - about 70 to 80gr., plug of foam to fill to the base of the bullet & a 350gr. to 400gr. Flat Nosed hard cast bullet would do great on pigs - deer, sambar.
I'd expect around 1,750fps to 1,800fps.

but- might only go 1,600fps- oh well.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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Ash
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Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: DarylS]
      #256534 - 10/11/14 06:42 PM

Lots of people shoot lots of guns different. Just have to find what works for you.

--------------------
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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: Ash]
      #256547 - 10/11/14 11:37 PM



I like the sling. Might make an interestuing belt too.

Just watched the video. I think the stock design, as said earlier could be improved. And stance. It will recoil no doubt and HURT! Leaning forward into it as said may help.

I am keen to see more of these rifles. Any website? Will have a search.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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AussieTimmeh
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Reged: 02/09/14
Posts: 30
Loc: Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
Re: RBD Omni-Break 500 Nitro Express [Re: NitroX]
      #256899 - 17/11/14 01:03 PM

Well, I shot it again this weekend and took the advice of members here. Much flatter across the chest, leaning into it more, shouldered further in and there was much less discomfort. This pose does not feel as stable as the way we normally shoot and you usually end up taking a step backwards afterwards but there was no real pain like before.

I am still going ahead with a reduced load though. Seeing as I have so much 2209, I am going to just try dropping to a 450gr Woodleigh or 440gr Bertram and see how it goes for every day shooting and leave the 570gr for those that want to experience the full effect.

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