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NitroXAdministrator
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Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan?
      #29797 - 20/04/05 07:20 PM

Aussies on this board

If we can get some of these Spartan (Baikal) side by side double rifles into Australia, who would be interested in one?

Calibres are .45/70 and .30-06 and while in the USA they are reported as retailing for $US550 in Oz I expect them to be around A$1,500 each.

Please register your interest and we will see if any can be sourced. That is if they are not here already.

See this thread for photos and more info:

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=doubles&Number=29671&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1



--------------------
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500Nitro
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: NitroX]
      #29801 - 20/04/05 08:39 PM


They are coming.

I spoke to the Baikal agent and he said some have been allocated to Australia.

Probably like Winchester, we are last in the queue !!!

NitroX - have you an easy / quick way of getting guns out of the US ?

500 Nitro


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PC3
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #29805 - 20/04/05 09:41 PM

I think that I would be interested...................my only chance at owning a double I suspect.

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ALAN_MCKENZIE
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: NitroX]
      #29809 - 20/04/05 11:34 PM

I would take one just to see what they are like,and to get my youngest son shooting a double.

--------------------
"Dogs always bark at their master"
Sir Seretse Khama.25th June 1949


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #29817 - 21/04/05 03:09 AM

500Nitro

I will be in touch with you to touch base on them.

They look really crappy but what do you expect for the price. If they shoot well enough they would be fun and if dunked in a swamp who would care!

A .45/70 or the .30-06 would be fun on pigs I think. Good cheap shooting too without the cost of NE cartridges / components.

Do you know if they will be badged as Spartan or Baikal here? A guy I talked too about six months ago was talking about them as Baikals.



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...
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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: ALAN_MCKENZIE]
      #29819 - 21/04/05 03:12 AM

Alan

They would make a great double for a kid wouldn't they. I imagine most kids would like the fastest slickest modern rifle though. They need to age a bit and mature like vintage wine to appreciate turn of the century technology I think!

--------------------
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...
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500Nitro
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: NitroX]
      #29824 - 21/04/05 04:58 AM

NitroX

I think they would be great. I think all of these lower cost doubles are good for everybody
as long as people don't compare one with an old English gun.

They MAY look really crappy but as you say, what do you expect for the price.
I think they would be awesome on Pigs etc and I agree, good cheap shooting too without the cost of NE
cartridges / components.

Re name, I thought Baikal but I thought they MAY be coming out here under the Remington name.

Anyway, will try to ask the Remington and Baikal importers when I next bump into them on my rounds
and will try to report back.

500 Nitro


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tunofun
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #30138 - 27/04/05 08:23 PM

I'd probly get one in .45/70 for pigs, as said, who cares if it get's knocked around for that price! Would be more fun than a bolt gun and better for those mobs...

--------------------

"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity."
Sigmund Freud -- General Introduction to Psychoanalysis


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tunofun
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: tunofun]
      #30141 - 27/04/05 08:42 PM

Just read the Spartan site, in the fine print it states the gun is (.45/70) only rated to 25,000 psi so no big handloads!

--------------------

"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity."
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cr500
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: NitroX]
      #30653 - 06/05/05 10:29 PM

I might be interested. If you can get a more definite price I might spring for one. When they are US$550 in US and AUS $1500 here ,it makes you think a bit though. It would make a good play thing until I can afford my Merkel 160E in either 9.3x74 or 500 NE.

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: cr500]
      #30764 - 09/05/05 01:56 AM

I did a financial exercise with importing a small number and when export broker fees, freight and insurance, importers/distributors margin, retailers margin are all factored in, GST, Aust customs fees etc you can see how the difference in price all adds up.

Volume of course reduces the price per rifle by reducing the fixed fees per item.


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...
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"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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mickey
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: NitroX]
      #30771 - 09/05/05 03:58 AM

How difficult is it for someone to bring one over as a gift?

Would a visitor likely pay mor or less duty on one? I ask this because I took a P&W Progressive Reloader over for a friend and the Customs Officer let it through for free.

--------------------
Lovu Zdar
Mick

A Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, Wit and Spirit Rare Books, Big Game Hunting, English Rifles, Fishing, Explosives, Chauvinism, Insensitivity, Public Drunkenness and Sloth, Champion of Lost and Unpopular Causes.


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500Nitro
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: mickey]
      #30777 - 09/05/05 06:01 AM


Mickey,

Firearms are a whole different ball game.

Apart from the US export paperwork, when you get here you have to
have your B709A Import permit, then as the gun is new it will be aken off your hands
and sent for tesing (4 - 6 weeks), then the new owner has to clear it and then
arrange for a dealer to collect it from Customs then the usual purchase procedures
(permit to purchase etc etc.

500 Nitro


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cr500
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: NitroX]
      #30793 - 09/05/05 10:24 PM

OK ,I,ll take one in 45/70 if you can get them in. It will be a fun pig gun to play around with.

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: mickey]
      #30796 - 10/05/05 12:00 AM

Mick

As 500Nitro says. By a friend bringing it over it would save maybe $400 to $500 for the USA export broker and freight and insurance. An export broker is not really required but the paperwork seems beyond most USA firearms dealers.

It would be advisable to arrange the Aust import B709A permit before or concurrently with bringing it over. Worth doing as it cuts out a couple middlemen. The only extra costs would be GST (tax) at 10% of the value and sundry customs fees, probably about $120.

The process for my recent importation:
1. Arrange a permit to buy from the local Police - B709A. This was a dummy permit simply to supply to US Customs. US Customs requires evidence of the legal importation before they will export an export licence.
2. USA Export licence. Copy of firearms licence and Aust B709A import permit.
3. Freight and insurance
4. Arrives in Australia
5. Is seized by Australian customs:
- tested for safety including working safety marked with a red dot, and trigger weight. Also accidental discharge testing (dropping it on its butt). 2 to 4 weeks.
6. Arrange new B709A with Police and firearms permit to acquire (28 days waiting period).
7. If greater than $X (I forget - A$1000 ?) fill out additional customs forms for taxation, either use an import broker or get registered yourself. Pay 10% Goods and Services Tax on value including freight and insurance, fees etc. Customs fees of approximately $120.
8. Hopefully collect the rifle.
9. New owner registers rifle with Police.



--------------------
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...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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tunofun
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: cr500]
      #31029 - 13/05/05 08:28 PM

I wonder if we could rechamber it for something decent but low pressure?

--------------------

"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity."
Sigmund Freud -- General Introduction to Psychoanalysis


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cr500
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: tunofun]
      #31036 - 13/05/05 09:29 PM

How about the 450 No2? Rim size would be close ,but having a huge powder capacity ,presure could be kept down. I just aquired a 450No 2 case (as well as others up to 700NE) and I,m thinking it will be good in a Ruger No1 ,but I wonder if we could get a spartan to regulate with it? I think I would keep a Spartan as the Cheap 45/70 it was made as for a cheap fun/pig gun.

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tunofun
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: cr500]
      #31051 - 14/05/05 12:08 AM

cr500, you are probly right to keep the .45/70 as is, i suppose there is not much point in adapting a cheap gun to fire the time honored NE stuff, they just don't go together do they?

I have said I wouldn't get one of these rifles before but have changed my tune! I want a double bad but the big cash reguired is a problem, you can't think of it the same as a H&H, Merkel, Sercey, Purdey etc.

I wonder what twist they have, if it was fast enough in the .30-06 I may change my mind and get one of those.

Any ideas on when they will be avaliable?

--------------------

"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity."
Sigmund Freud -- General Introduction to Psychoanalysis


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450_Ackley
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: NitroX]
      #32551 - 01/06/05 05:14 PM

NitroX,
I too would be interested in a Spartan Double in 45-70.
I spoke to the local Remington rep in a shop in Qld today, which prompted me to search about them here.
Anyway, he says they will have them in due course, maybe at least 6-12 months as "they have to fill local orders before thinking about export orders"
He also mentioned that they will be better finished than the Baikal branded equivalents, apparently Remington have specified a better quality of workmanship for the Spartan branded product.
Maybe if anyone interested gives Josh @ Raytrade a call, we may be able to speed things up a little?

450 Ackley


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 450_Ackley]
      #35502 - 06/08/05 02:08 AM

From discussions on another forum I think these Baikal/Spartan doubles might be a little worrisome. They may be seen as pseudo / cheap alternative DGR doubles in .45/70.

Will this be good for double rifle shooting or bad? At first I thought they would be great allowing thousands of hunters and shooters an opportunity to buy a double rifle for fun and medium game. But as a DGR (dangerous game rifle) ???????

What do you think?


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

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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500Nitro
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: NitroX]
      #35507 - 06/08/05 07:54 AM


Look at the Baikal shotguns and Low priced O/U Double rifles
on the market in Australia ($1500 ?) to see the workmanship.

You get what you pay for in this world.

OK for deer hunting and pig hunting but it's up to you
to take it DG hunting.

In any case, who said a 45/70 is a DG Cartridge anyway ?

I think the best value O/U double rifles on the market today
are the Beretta Gold Sable ? and other models in 9.3 x 74R.
Well made, shoot well, good looking, scoped.
What more can you ask for ?

Just my HO.

500 Nitro



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Marrakai
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: NitroX]
      #35508 - 06/08/05 11:46 AM

What 500Nitro says is all true, especially about DG, but overall I think the Spartan will be a good thing. 90% of those who would buy such a rifle in Australia will shoot factory-loads, which are fine for pigs etc, even sambar up close. 9 of the remaining 10% will reload responsibly (ie up to 35,000psi), leaving only 1% who will try to push the envelope, either by chambering-up or loading-up. They're on their own.

If the Spartan is anything like the current range of Baikal shotguns, it will be rough but tough. Some will appreciate this for the price.

Here in Oz we have a lot of hunting in the thick stuff, lignum or rubber-vine for boars, dogwood etc for sambar, and just general creekline scrub, lantana thickets, etc, where a second shot if required will need to be almost instantaneous or the opportunity lost.

For this kind of hunting, even a really, really ordinary SxS double is far better than the best bolt-gun ever made!

IMHO the Spartan will sell like hot cakes!

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au


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Michael
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: Marrakai]
      #35522 - 07/08/05 01:29 AM

Definately interested, make mine a 45/70 please.

I believe that we should get the DGR thing into perspective just a bit. I do not think that the people who opt for the Baikal will be taking it with them to Africa. Also the 45/70 cartridge is adequate for all the game that roams Australia therefore I do not think that too many people should get into any trouble.

Marrakai is spot on. A lot of our hunting is in the thick stuff after boars, sambar and scrub bulls etc. the 45/70 even in factory loads is more than adequate for this game and this type of hunting. Having the ability to get a fast follow up shot in the thick stuff would be a huge advantage and so would the natural pointability of a double for the snap shooting required.

I own a cheap U/O shotgun manufactured by Baikal, sure the finish is plain but I wouldn't call it ugly and really who would want to cart a fine English game gun into a swamp after ducks and geese, deep in the thick stuff, if you are really serious about getting birds. It is as strong as the proverbial outhouse and points as good as my considerably more expensive SxS double. If this is reflected in their line of double rifles then we should get some useful hunting rifles that we wouldn't worry about bush bashing in the thick stuff.

My only concern is the pressure rating. If the 45/70 can be handloaded with premium bullets then it should have no problems handling the game mentioned previously and it would be great if it could. That said they also chamber the 30/06 and .308 in this action which both operate at higher pressure levels therefore I assume that it should be safe with strong handloads, but I may be wrong.

At the end of the day we must see it for what it is. A cheap double, chambered in a calibre that will handle all the game that Australia can throw at it and something that won't cause us any sleepless nights if we scratch it or knock it about in the field. If this makes you happy then buy it, if it doesn't then don't, simple really.

I believe that the pleasures of double rifle shooting should be available to all who want it, not to be kept exclusive purely on economic grounds. Who knows if there is strong demand for this product then it may get the major manufacturers off their behinds to start producing double rifles in better grades, with better actions at still affordable prices, it can only be a positive for the sport as a whole.

When are they getting here?


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500Nitro
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #35523 - 07/08/05 01:31 AM


You can buy an o/u Baikal double rifle in 308 cal for under $1000
over here already and $1250 for a new one in 30/06.

500 Nitro



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BillfromOregon
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #35525 - 07/08/05 02:01 AM

I have owned a couple of Baikal side-by-sides shotguns and found them robust and reasonably finished for the dollar. I wish Remington/Spartan would add 9.3 rimmed to the chambering options.

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: BillfromOregon]
      #35528 - 07/08/05 03:18 AM

Bill

I am sure that when I checked out the Baikal site in Russia in the past they were available in 9.3x74R. But since the Spartan deal they only list .30-06 and .45/70.

I think that maybe the expected demand for the "Spartan" will use or over-stretch their manufacturing limits and maybe they have cut back on the other Baikal offerings as a result.


500grains

From photos only the side-by-side sure looks nicer than the under-and-over, at least the 'lines'. Maybe that is why there is a lot more interest in the SbyS.


Michael

I think the Baikal will be a great fun double if it shoots well enough. Especially at the price.


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

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"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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cr500
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: NitroX]
      #35557 - 07/08/05 06:24 PM

I checked with my local gunshop a few days ago and he told me that they are only available for the U.S market for the first production run ,then they might see what happens later. If anyone can get a shipment organised to OZ ,I will still be interested. As a cose range pig stopper which you dont mind getting wet ,sandy or muddy ,I dont think anything else offers better value.

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Michael
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: cr500]
      #35559 - 07/08/05 06:46 PM

Hi Guys,

From my last inspection of the Baikal website the 9.3x74R is offered in their U/O double only. With the expected delay in getting the SxS into Australia I am thinking about ordering one of these to tie me over.

Nitro you are right the SxS has it all over the U/O in aesthetic appeal and also for me, the SxS is THE double rifle. Maybe if I own and shoot a U/O my opinion may change but I doubt it, I even prefer SXS in shotguns although I own both configurations.

The Baikal's seem to have a innovative regulation system whereby one barrel is fixed and the other adjustable so it can be regulated for different loads. I don't know if this system works but I haven't heard anything to the contrary and I am sure it would have been extensively tested before it was adopted. If there are any members who have personal experience with the Baikal double rifle regulation system I am eager to hear from them.

9.3x74R is a sweet round and one that has proven itself over a long period of time, if the rifle regulates well then I think that the U/O should be a winner as well.


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AR2201
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: NitroX]
      #36678 - 31/08/05 11:28 PM

How is this developing?

I am definitely up for giving a Oz$1,500 SxS in 9.3x74R a blast.

But, our only option appears to be 45/70.

All is not lost.

The fad for "Cowboy Action" shooting has brand new 45/90 ammo being produced by PMC (500gn slug at 1250fps) and by someone else whose name escapes me. Cheap brass must be in there somewhere.

I note that 45/90 chamber reamers are advertised at US$99. The only difference between 45/70 and 90 cases is 0.3 inches extra case. Apparently, this change is so minimal that one posting (on the site flogging the reamers mind you) says it could be done by hand, whatever that means.

My handy ballistics program tells me that if you load the 45/90 to just under Malin lever action presure levels you should be able get a 400 gn SN Woodleigh moving at 2,000fps easy (Barnes has listed a 400gn Solid)

This gives 3" high at 100yds and 4.5" low at 200yds, not bad.

Depending on the freebore you have to play with and what the action handling a 30-06 actually means (load it right up to Marlin lever action levels?), 2,150fps with the 400gn may be entirely realistic, this would give you the classic NE trajectory 3" high at 100yds 3" low at 200yds.

That's aiming and punching almost (leaving sectional density aside, a big leave) like the real thing. At the very least it has thin skined DG written all over it.

A 500gn slug starting out at 1700fps giving 3" high at 100yds and 3" low at 175yds is not to be dissmissed lightly.

And you can tinker with the regulation yourself, the merits of this rifles system, dubious or otherwise, remain to be seen.

Looks like I'm trying real hard to talk myself into this, consider me officially interested.

You thoughts



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AR2201
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: AR2201]
      #36712 - 01/09/05 06:39 PM

Further to our wish for a Spartan in 9.3x74R

worldlinks@baikalinc.ru

This is Baikal's contact email, I sent them the following mesage:

MP-221 "ARTEMIDA"



Could you please consider chambering the MP-221 "ARTEMIDA" SxS double rifle in 9.3x74R

I wish you every success.

Let Baikal know your interest in the MP-221 ARTEMIDA (labelled Spartan by Remington) cambered in 9.3x74R directly.


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vigillinus
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: AR2201]
      #36818 - 03/09/05 05:01 PM

AR2201 you are quite right that the 45-90 can be very powerful, there was an article in one of our American periodicals about converting a Lee Enfield for this and some very heavy near .458WCF loads were used. But for us in the US there is such a variety of heavy power commercial .45-70 loads available that only the inveterate experimenter will bother with rechambering his new Spartan.

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Michael
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: vigillinus]
      #36822 - 03/09/05 09:37 PM

AR2201 & Virgillinus,

Please excuse my ignorance but how does the 45/90 and the heavy commercial 45/70 loads compare with the old time Nitro loads.

I understand that they will come nowhere near the power of the 470 or higher but what about the 400, 450BPE etc. Just trying to get a visualisation in how the power measures up with genuine Nitro cartridges.

Would you have any idea about the Taylor KO vaue or recoil velocity that these cartridges would generate?

I undersatnd that it is all hypothetical until we can actually get our hands on these firearms but would like to know anyway.

By the way does anybody know whether they have been retailing in the US yet? If so have we received any reports on the quality and performance of the firearm especially the unorthodox regulation system? Any feedback from our US brothers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Michael.




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500Nitro
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: Michael]
      #36823 - 03/09/05 10:14 PM


Michael,

If you get hold of a copy of Cartridges of the World
it has most of the information to do a comparison
in there.

You can then work out Taylor's KO
values using the information.

500 Nitro


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AR2201
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: AR2201]
      #36858 - 04/09/05 06:57 PM

Baikal's response below

Dear Sir,

Next year this SbS rifle will be quantity-produced,
at this time we'll try to take into account
all tastes of our customers.
Regards,
Baikal-IMZ, Russia

Not without hope!


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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: vigillinus]
      #36860 - 04/09/05 08:10 PM

Virgillinus

Availability of suitable ammo over the couter is an important consideration when obtaining any gun.

Among the attractions of the 45/90 rechambering is the alteration is so minimal you could still fire 45/70 ammo in the rechambered gun with confidence.

So what do you hazard? perhaps too much freebore may bother some of the stumpier projectiles, perhaps not, many of the bigger NE camberings have very long throats, this was supposed to flatten out the pressure spike.

What caught my eye was the inconsistency of an action that on the one hand is available chambered for the 30-06 (SAAMI pressure 50,000 CUP), but, on the other specifically noted as being held to SAAMI for the 45/70 ie. trapdoor springfield levels (28,000 CUP).

Are they just big girl's blouses covering their arses or is there something behind it?

If there is then having the extra powder capacity of the 45/90 would mean you could match the full potential of the 45/70 without popping any rivets.

If there isn't, then you have a 45/90 to load up to 1895 Marlin levels and still be leaving yourself a chunky 10+% margin from the 30-06 intensity which they are backing in the self same action.

AR2201

PS. I am an inverterate tinkerer, being able to re-regulate to suit differing loads is a definite plus.

I note that, elsewhere on this forum, the Tikka while being bagged for being an U/O is most definitely not bagged in regard its regulation system and accuracy.

That's a point how many doubles are available with inbuilt re-regulation mechanisms?

The Tikka/Vamet and now the Artemida, what others?


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AR2201
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: Michael]
      #36861 - 05/09/05 12:34 AM

Michael

Kynoch currently offer the 450/400 3 1/4" as a 41 cal 400gn projectile doing 2,150fps for 4,105 ftlbs ME. This was considered an all rounder ie. enough for DG and is a classic Nitro Express cartridge.

Hence, assuming we can load the 45/90 to 1895 Marlin levels (which is what Pedersoli backs its Kodiak Mk IV 45/70 double to handle) my ballistics program tells me we could match the 450/400 ie, 400gn bullet at 2,150.

Given the above, energy and momentum(kick) the 45/90 may match a classic NE loading (even the trajectory isn't that far off). So it would definitely deliver a "feels like a", "trajectory like a" classic NE cartridge and all in a "points like a" double rifle package.

Hence my comment "almost like the real thing", but, there is more to it than mere energy.

Energy is a measure of the total destructive potential of a cartridge and many spectacular things can be done with high energy projectiles in fact so much so that there are those blind to all else (not those who gather here), but, that energy must first be delivered before it can have any effect.

Delivery = Penetration.

This is where the 45/90 starts to fall behind, penetration must be a function of momentum brought to bear on an area ie. weight times velocity divided by area of impact or gnsfps/sqin.

The 450/400 41 cal 400gn projectile at 2,150fps gives 6,482,237gnsfps/sqin, whereas the 45/90 46 cal 400gn at 2,150fps gives 5,220,085gnsfps/sqin ie. the 450/400 has 25% more go forward than the 45/90 to deliver the same energy.

Interestingly, this measure of penetration potential places the 458 Win (500gn 2,150fps)on a par with the 450/400 both of which lagg behind the 375 H&H Magnum(300gn 2,550fps) by about 7%. The 375 H&H is supposed to have taken the "best all rounder" crown from the 450/400.

It is well worth noting that the 9.3x74R scores well on this measure especially with the 320gn projectile (up there with the 375 H&H). Perhaps this is the substance behind this cartridge's robust reputation ie. what it has it can deliver. Artemida/Spartan in 9.3x74R please.

Taylor index leans towards the bigger bores so

TI
450/400 = 50
45/90 = 56
375H&H = 41

You see the weakness of the TI, 45/90 better than a 375H&H, and by a wide margin, I find that hard to credit.

Recoil! 7.5lbs is light, it would kick like a bastard, more than twice a 303, only 20% less than a 458Win in fact. The 9.3x74R appears to offer more penetration potential for 3/4 the kick, Artemida/Spartan in 9.3x74R please. But, extra weight installed into the buttstock and a good butt pad could tone that down. The 450/400 was considered mild, but that was typically in 10lb+ guns.

All said, a 45/90 delivering a 46 cal 400gn projectile at 2,150fps is an awful lot of point and shoot (too much from a 7.5lb gun?). The achievable option is a NT Buff shoot. Is this going to do it?

Having exactly nil Buffalo shooting experience I would be confident that my putting the bullet where it can do its business would be a much more significant question.

AR2201



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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: AR2201]
      #36918 - 05/09/05 04:38 PM

Thanks for the info guys,

AR2201 the 45/90 sounds great! Especially in comparison to other bona fide big-game cartridges. The gun is looking sweeter by the second not that I needed any further justification for the investment.

Although the question still remains has anybody on this forum or otherwise actually purchased an example of this gun? I thought that it would have retailed already in the US under the Spartan label but the lack of feedback suggests that it hasn't been released yet, when is this due for release in the US?

A review on this gun and how it shoots would be great also if it is available then a importation into Australia may be on the cards.

Thanks,

Michael.



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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: Michael]
      #36919 - 05/09/05 06:49 PM

Michael

NB. the gun comes as a 45/70, this would first need to be rechambered to 45/90. It's a project, but, what a project, the pieces want to fit.

I can't help but second the "has anybody purchased an example" as being the first purchaser of the first run is leap of faith stuff and I am not even slightly religious, especially where my toy budget is concerned.

AR2201

PS. if they produce it in 9.3x74R then damn the consequences, pick me first, a 9.3x74R SxS double which I could regulate to suit myself would be sweet.



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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: AR2201]
      #37080 - 09/09/05 12:26 PM

I keep looking at the rifle and wondering if it is possible to cut it open for one of the .450's. Given the low pressure and case configuration of the .450 #2, it would be my personal choice to try to fit into the rifle. The only problem I can really see with the rechambering would be the extra length of the .450 #2 over the .45-70, and running out of chamber meat. I am not a fan of the .45-70 by any stretch of the imagination. Now if they would release it in either the .375 Belted or Flanged, or the 9.3X74R, I would instantly jump up and buy one sight unseen.

Being that its a new firearm and I've not had any experience with, or read anything regarding its adjustable regulation setup, I am a little leary of it. That aside, if it does show to be a usable setup along with a better selection of chamberings offered, I would purchase one.

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500Nitro
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: iwantadouble]
      #37095 - 09/09/05 03:27 PM

iwantadouble

Chamber it for a 375 Flanged Magnum and it will be off the face
in 25 shots and probably the same with 375 Belted.

If you want a 9.3 or 375 double, plenty are available on the market
so why not buy one of these.

By the time you frigg around playing with things most people wouldn't
know what they are playing with, you would probably have spent more time
than it's worth.

You are correct in running out of Chamber meat if trying to rechamber to 450 No 2.

Don't the designers design and make things for a reason, not so someone can then
stuff around with it - potentially dangerously so. And if and when one does go
"bang" in someones face from a rechamber, it will be the same story - Such and such
gun went "bang" in someones face, not "iwantadouble played around with his gun
and rechambered it and ...... you know the story.

Stop trying to make a Mercedes out of a Ford

500 Nitro



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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #37101 - 09/09/05 08:17 PM

I think the Baikals before they were "re-badged" as a Spartan were advertsied as being available in 9.3x74R. From memory only. Maybe the expected demand has contracted the calibre choice.

I think 500Nitro is right in suggesting the chamberings not be played around with.


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John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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AR2201
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #37102 - 09/09/05 08:37 PM

iwanadouble/500 Nitro

Precisely the point of going to the 45/90 WCF as you are not taking any chamber meat at all, nil, none, zip, the head and rim sizes are identical to the 45/70 you are literally just shaving 0.3" more length to the neck.

Compare the case dimensions. An important point is you can still fire 45/70 ammo as this part of the chamber remains untouched.

But, the extra case length is the lesser bonus, the big pay-off is it is in a double!

So what?

So the stupid OAL restrictions, (and flat nose slug requirement) that cripple the cartridge to feed it through a lever gun, are irrellevant.

You are free to relieve as much freebore as suits your whim.

Some of the bigger NE DRs came with a lot (0.75") of freebore, the thinking being it rounded the peak off the pressure profile.

So you can let it all hang out out front and, if the old timers knew their stuff, all for a lower peak to the pressure profile.

Relieving the throat makes for a whole different show.

You get more powder space for free. Your only question is what seating depth/crimp combo you require to hold the projectile under recoil?

Assume one diameter ie. 0.458", conservative?

Std 45/90 OAL 2.88" when using a 450gn Barnes Solid gives seating depth of 0.910" for OAL 2.880" with 53.6gns usable case capacity.

But with a throat relieved and a seating depth of 0.458 you get an OAL of 3.332" with 72.4gns of usable case capacity.

That is a big difference.

At 0.910" seating depth you are pushing the 450gn at 1,700fps, but, for the same pressure at 0.458" seating depth you are pushing the 450gn at 2000fps.

What pressure? SAAMI specification for the 0.444 Marlin (a modern straight wall cartridge for lever gun) is 42,000CUP, these numbers match to that (ignoring the long free bore = lower pressure claim) according to my you beaut ballistics program.

450gn at 2,000fps ............ and that is not pushing it (in fact deliberately and consistently erring on the side of caution).

450gn at 2,000fps ............ Buff?

Dream on.

AR2201
The sleep of reason breeds monsters

PS. this thing also comes in 30-06 SAAMI 50,000CUP, thats 19% more than the 42,000CUP for the 444 Marlin we are using as a reference.



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AR2201
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #37108 - 09/09/05 10:59 PM

500 Nitro

"If you want a 9.3 or 375 double, plenty are available on the market so why not buy one of these".

Plenty?!

Earth to 500 Nitro, as far as I am aware there are only three offerings with some mechanism to regulate a load to your satisfaction (please let me know of others), otherwise it's just get what you are given and be grateful.

You have the:
. Tikka/Valmet (U/O);
. the Baikal (SxS) and
. the "Blaser" (SxS).

The Tikka suffers from the U/O "not quite the real thing" fashion crime, but, its accuracy and regulation mechanism are fair dinkum.

The "Blaser" is treated as some kind of joke on this forum, so forget it.

That leaves the Baikal, as yet, an unknown quantity.

So if I wish to load and regulate to my satisfaction, the option in 9.3x74R is a Tikka in U/O, that's it, only one option.

There are no SxS 9.3x74R options.

Leaving aside the 9.3x74R, in SxS I have the "as yet unknown" Baikal.

So the Baikal it is, my choice is 30-06 (wha? who cares) or 45/70 (well it is something, we can work with this).

The 45/90 with 0.75" freebore SxS project is achievable.

Spartan in 9.3x74R please.

AR2201
The sleep of reason breeds monsters

By the way has anyone got their hands on one of these mythical bloody Spartans yet?

Is there any news?

Especially on the regulation mechanism, does it work?
Does it work for both windage and elevation?


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500Nitro
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #37112 - 09/09/05 11:08 PM

Let me add.

I am not an English only double person - in fact I own
Merkels and Sarasquita's.

I LIKE the idea of low cost doubles and the Spartan / Baikal
sounds very good indeed and will allow people to get a first double.

Like the Beretta Silver and Gold Sables in 9.3 x 74R and lower cost
Baikal's currently on the market at the moment, they are great guns
for what they are and what you pay for them.

However they build and PROOF guns for a reason.

500 Nitro

PS - Lets hope China doesn't start building cheap Doubles !!!


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AR2201
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: iwantadouble]
      #37183 - 10/09/05 07:50 PM

iwantadouble

The endpoint for reaming out the 45-70 is not the 45-90, it is the 45-120, these three share case head diameters.

The 45-120 is the 45/90 plus an extra 0.85" of case. These cases are available from Bell ~US$2.29 a shell (you even get to pay real NE prices for your shells).

Using the 450 No.2 NE 480gn projectile, seated to 0.458 gives 94gns of usable case capacity. With this you get to within 100fps of the 450 No.2 NE, at our Marlin lever gun intensity 42,000CUP limit.

You are way inside NE territory, you are there, no ifs, no buts.

Now I'm with 500 Nitro on expressing concern and counseling caution about reaming the 45-70 out to the 450 No.2 NE. I note that there is a distinct transition in reciever size across all manufacturers when you move head size from the lesser calibres (45-70 at 0.505" seems to mark the top end of these) to the 450 NE head size 0.545", let alone the 450 No.2 ~0.580".

To ream the 45-70 out to the 450 No.2 NE you must change the chamber from accepting 0.505" shells to 0.580" shells, thats hacking 75 thou from the very guts of a chamber, that's alot, as 500 Nitro rightly says that is eating into the meat, hairy stuff.

However, far be it from me to hasten you to your own destruction, but, I do understand you must if you must.

And if you must, compared to the 450 No.2 NE just how much metal would you be removing for a 45-120? Huge amounts less.

You aren't touching the chamber wall hardly at all are you, just extending the neck a bit, well more than a bit, oh OK alot, 1.15" past where you started and 0.8" past the longest chamber the manufacturers put in the gun.

NB. that this is 0.85" past where this urging bastard is prepared to go himself first off, don't listen to him, he just wants you to test the water with both of your (not his) feet.

Off the shelf components, readily available reamers, real NE DG power all in a package you can regulate to your own satisfaction. Sounds good, real good, almost too good.

If the above fantasy, reaming the 45-70 to 45-120 (not forgetting your freebore), works out and you succeed then congratulations you will have a real 450 in a 7.5lb gun ........ a raging pitiless recoil monster, make it weigh 11.0 lbs before you detonate it even once, repeat, even once.

AR2201
The sleep of reason breeds monsters

Ah but visions you will see


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500Nitro
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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: AR2201]
      #37197 - 11/09/05 01:30 AM

AR2201

Can you update your profile so we know which country you are from.

Re plenty of 9.3 x 74 doubles, I was thinking in general,
not "those with some mechanism to regulate a load to your satisfaction"

The "Blaser" is treated as some kind of joke on this forum, so forget it.
WHY Forget it ?
How many people here have actually handled one or shot one and secondly,
as much as I respect alot of the experienced people's views on this forum,
we don't know everything and this forum is not the be all and end all of knowledge.

As to buying a Spartan because it has "some mechanism to regulate a load to your satisfaction"
I thought people were liking the idea of a Spartan as a low cost double.
Why do you need to continually re regulate the double to your satisfaction".

What is wrong with the Straight out factory loads in 9.3 x 74R or any of the others
you want the manufacturer to chamber for ?

If I want to re regulate the double to your satisfaction, I just create a different load.
I have 2 or 3 doubles (375 and 9.3) that I can get different loads / bullet weights to
shoot to the same point of impact.

If it's velocity you want more of, velocity doesn't kill animals.

As to 45/70 to 45/90, I was not arguing against that as it is mostly insignificant.

But go ahead. I'd like to see someone fire a 7.5lb 450.

IT ONLY HAS TO LET GO ONCE.
and a photo of someone's head splattered with pieces of chamber
and receiver would make an interesting memorial to the person.

Why not just get out and shoot hunt with what you've got and let the
bench rest boys do the endless tinkering.

500 Nitro


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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #37202 - 11/09/05 04:49 AM

Hear! Hear!

500Nitro is right. Double rifles are not for experimentation, customization, and tinkering. Buy one you like, develop a REASONABLE load for which it regulates, and then shoot it until it feels just right in your hands.

If you want to fart around with custom chambers and wildcat loads, get a bench gun.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Curl

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Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #37243 - 12/09/05 12:26 AM

500 Nitro

The Blaser, I have been looking fairly hard, but, there is bugger all info, except for what is in this forum, so thats the only voice talking.

I have managed to track down witness from people who own and use Blaser bolt guns (accruatereloading forum). Which get a pretty good rap from them. The Blaser bolt gun's only real reported flaw is one it shares with the Canadian Ross rifle, another really good rifle, well, except for "that" flaw.

Though I'd like to see you try and convince a German engineer that tight tolerances can be bad. Engineers from Europe and Yankestan sometimes display a profound ignorance of dust and dust can and does do evil things to machinery.

As far as actual reports on the double, even any info, it is in very short supply (please help). The Blaser web site wastes lots more space on the trimmings (engraving etc.), which don't matter, than on the technical detail which does.

Pretty much all they say is their guns are real good and real pretty buy one real soon and the prettier the better. Yeah right, what else are they going to say? I note they seem to have that dickey cocking thingo Kreighoff seem so proud of. What is it with safeties? why all the buggerising around? give us a nice definite manual safety and have done.

"Why do you need to continually re regulate the double to your satisfaction"

Very good question.

First, we don't need to do any of this, we want to.

So, why do anything? The key word is satisfaction, what satisfaction do you derive from your chosen recreation, hunting.

Hunting is fun, pure and simple, what more needs be said or even can be said, if the phrase "hunting is fun" does not say it to you.

What do you hunt with? Knives and dogs? no, but you can. Bows and arrows? no, but you can. Guns? Pick me!

How do you hunt? This is DR territory, we stalk into the bush, get up close and personal and despatch the game (which can reciprocate, but, usually runs away) cleanly with the gun we trust to do it for us.

You clearly have a collection of guns which you have loaded up so they shoot. When you want to go hunting you take your choice, no criticism from my part, I know exactly where you are coming from.

In hunting if the game on the grass is the destination, what is the journey?

Now for me getting a gun so it shoots a load is just the beginng of getting to know the weapon. What else does it shoot, how does it shoot, what are its preferences, guns have distinct personalities.

Being stuck with one load is a bit of a pig in a poke (if you must be then thank Woodleigh for its many blessings), but, what about all those other fantastic projectile options out there?

If you only have the one choice and you have found it, well, boring toy time, stick it on the rack with all the others.

The more I put into the journey the more satisfaction I feel when I get to the destination. It pleases me to take game with the shells I have loaded myself, with the projectiles I have selected with a gun I have shaken down and sighted in (even more if I have selected the parts and had the weapon constructed according to my instructions).

Further, the more ground and game I cover with a weapon the more satisfaction I derive from it, the more confidence I develope with it. A virtuous circle.

"What is wrong with the Straight out factory loads in 9.3 x 74R or any of the others you want the manufacturer to chamber for ?"

Whoops, bad example, as it turns out lots (I will honor the intent of your question after the content).

Both, Norma and RWS KS 232 gns are unacceptable, these are designed for Euro driven game boar shooting. Irrelevant, I already own the ultimate pig rifle.

Norma 285gn Alaskans are likewise unacceptable.

Why?

Norma projectiles are 0.364" (nasty wrinkle, only found that out by chance), everyone else uses 0.366" (specifically Woodleigh), there are questions as to the reliability of Norma brass (case head separations reported after only two shots, ugly, nasty ugly) and these loads are already too damn hot.

The Norma loads are rocking, full blast, surfing on maximum, which is OK for Autumn on the Arctic Circle, but, what happens when I pull the trigger in 47 degrees Celsius (with pitiful ejector toys and questionable brass) exactly? precisely? Do you want to voluteer? Bags I stand behind you.

The option is the RWS T Mantel 285gr load, this is a big 0.366" soft point that looks very close in profile to the Woodleigh 285gn and is loaded 5% back off maximum.

I had been searching for a double that is regulated to something useful which I could hope to reproduce with a Woodleigh and my option turned out to be the Pedersoli hammer gun which is regulated to the RWS 285gn T Mantel, luke warm on that one, but, an option and I am grateful for that.

Merkel regulate to Norma loads, not acceptable, in fact, I cannot exclude the possibility of them being actually dangerous. I have asked them about regulation to other loads but no response. Most of the Euro's (eg. chapuis) regulate their DR 9.3x74R for pig loads, which I don't care about.

But, this content illustrates the intent of your question, what is wrong with guns regulated to factory loads? Lots, you are stuck with what someone else wants. Stuck with the B grade option, stuck in the second rate seat, stuck with someone else telling you what you want, stuff that, I want what I want and what do they know? Really?

The Euros clearly know about ice and snow but don't know shit about heat and dust, if I didn't know better and stuck a Norma 285gn load in a Merkel out west in Summer there is a very real possibility, even a likelyhood, I could be stuck with a jammed gun or worse.

What do I want, well I think a 9.3x74R regulated to shoot 320gn Woodleighs loafing along at 2,150fps would be a thing of great beauty, they are clearly made for each other, wouldn't that be a sweet thing, do I need it, no, I want it.

No 9.3x74R gun comes regulated for that....awwwww

Now we get right down to it, and having a gun regulated to shoot 320gnrs is still not quite it, I think it would be great to work up a Buff load go and knock one over, but, then spin around to the other extreme and work up a 250gn load for Sambar and go and knock one of them over, its the journey (load development, range time, hunt organisation, etc), there is no journey without a destination, a DR you could regulate means more destinations means more journeys.

Sure, you could probably do both with the 285gn, but, it would be more fun for me in doing the Buff with the 320gn and then the Sambar with the 250gn.

Do you see what I am trying to say?

What I want is something I can make into what I want when I want it to take me where I want to go. Simple.

"If it's velocity you want more of, velocity doesn't kill animals."

I completely agree, it is the projectile/velocity/placement totality that kills animals, being able to choose your projectile adds to that happenning, especially if it is in something that handles as well as a double.

"But go ahead. I'd like to see someone fire a 7.5lb 450."

Not this little black duck, by my calculations a 500gn doing 2,150fps is going to punch 3.25 times harder than your standard shotgun shell for the same weight gun, most people struggle with shotguns (checked your flinch lately).

If a 9.3x74R doesn't materialise (my options list is very thin) and the 45-90 0.75" freebore project gets the nod then it will be weighing at least 10lbs before I pull any triggers. That should tone a 400gn doing 2,150 recoil down to 1.8 times a 7.5lb shottie.

I must admit it was fun watching the lads on Accuratereloading firing the Tyrannosaur, the thing is useless, but, funny to watch them harm themselves, silly buggers, boys will be boys. I'm all for putting it together and seeing what happens, but, how could such a thing be hunted with, its a gimmick. Still, if it wasn't for experimenting we would still be swinging from the trees.

"IT ONLY HAS TO LET GO ONCE.
and a photo of someone's head splattered with pieces of chamber and receiver would make an interesting memorial to the person."

Yes it would and I would like to examine the pieces to see exactly what happenned.

Oh you are shocked! The stuntman who got killed making Mad Max, his mates insisted the actual footage be left in the movie as precisely that.

Funny attitude to risk taking there 500 Nitro old mate.

DR = DG = Risk taking.

Its about getting out of your cotton wool lined artificial wombs and stalking into the bush where you could get stamped into a greasy patch by a Buffalo, its about stalking into the lignum where you could get cut up by a boar (even though you could drive through in the ute).

When you hear of a base jumper whose parachute didn't open and he fell to his death, what reaction do you have?

When you hear about those lone round the world sailors who get capsized, what reaction do you have?

Mine is "so what", no tears for the tough guy, he took his chances and got it wrong.

Now, what about if you hear about a hunter who gets killed by DG? What reaction do you have?

No hypocrisy! No "what should my reaction be" bullshit.

Remember, that hunter's death validates the D in DG, so what is your reaction? really?

What attitude can you adopt to the essential something that makes DG what it is? Makes it the thing you think is excellent, eh?

"Why not just get out and shoot hunt with what you've got and let the bench rest boys do the endless tinkering."

They are toys, play with them. For the love of Pete I have to explain the joy of playing with your toys to you? You are missing out on fun.

What do you do on wet days stuck at home, apart for waste time on this forum, make moon calf eyes at your idle toys? Get stuck into a project in the shed!
Work towards your next trip.

AR2201
The sleep of reason breeds monsters

PS

Death of Hunter = Dangerous Game Hunting
Dangerous Game Hunting = Excellent
Death of Hunter = Excellent

Wipe the dust from the mirror
Look long, look hard
No wriggle room on that one







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AR2201
.275 member


Reged: 31/08/05
Posts: 57
Loc: Oz
Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: CptCurl]
      #37244 - 12/09/05 12:50 AM

Curl

Yeah wildcats are a blast and I have had a most excellent selection, but, I have moved on. I still have some of my favourites, can't bring myself to part with them.

But, truth is they are collecting dust on the boring toy shelf, been there done that, such is life.

Now DRs they look like fun.

Whats your most recent hunt?

AR2201
The sleep of reason breeds monsters


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500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: AR2201]
      #37246 - 12/09/05 01:14 AM



Now for me getting a gun so it shoots a load is just the beginng of getting to know the
weapon. What else does it shoot, how does it shoot, what are its preferences,
"guns have distinct personalities."

You can say that again - and double rifles even more so !!! - Good and Bad.


"Merkel regulate to Norma loads, not acceptable, in fact, I cannot exclude the possibility
of them being actually dangerous. I have asked them about regulation to other loads but
no response. Most of the Euro's (eg. chapuis) regulate their DR 9.3x74R for pig loads,
which I don't care about."

Merkels would load / regulate with Woodleighs - 286 and 320gn
Chapuis also regulate with 286 and 320gn Woodleighs as a mate has one
and he shot buff with it.
And a mate has an O/U Beretta that also shoots 286 and 320gn Woodleighs.

You may not be aware but you can get doubles to regulate with lighter bullets
quite easily.
ie 500 Nitro / 570gn bullet is easy to get to regulate with 440gn BP Woodleighs.
Therefore IF a double in 9.3 x 74R is regulated for a 286gn whatever,
you should easily be able to get it to regulate with 320gns as we have proven in
3 different 9.3 doubles.
It all comes down to experience.

The same applies to 250gn 9.3 bullets.

I have 2 x 375 doubles and I can get 3 bullet weights to regulate so you can make
them into what you want.

Re "Funny attitude to risk taking there 500 Nitro old mate"
- after jumping out of perfectly good aeroplanes with a parachute and
done some of the other rather hairy activiities in the military, it takes a
fair bit to get me going / excited now - probably why I like to hunt
Dangerous game and in the future want to hunt animals that hunt back !!!

See people splattered does not worry me at all - as long as it's not a relative
of mine.

Re When you hear of a base jumper whose parachute didn't open and he fell to his death,
what reaction do you have?

When you hear about those lone round the world sailors who get capsized, what reaction
do you have?

None - it doesn't phase me at all as I am a firm believer in "You take responsibility for
your own actions".

IF you die in the process of doing something "out of your cotton wool lined artificial wombs"
as you say so well, then I get sick of people blaming everyone but themselves.

When I got charged this year by a Buff and all I had was a 338 with a 6x Scope, it was my fault
but as I had practised mentally what to do, I did it and came off OK - just - but it was still my
responsibility, no one else's.

As to
"Now, what about if you hear about a hunter who gets killed by DG?
What reaction do you have?

No hypocrisy! No "what should my reaction be" bullshit.

Remember, that hunter's death validates the D in DG, so what is your reaction? really?

Exactly as you say - D is for Dangerous. If you get kiled hunting DG, tough shit.
If you don't like the danger, don't hunt DG.

I think we are both on the same track !!!

500 Nitro


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CptCurlAdministrator
.450 member


Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5275
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...
Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: AR2201]
      #37247 - 12/09/05 01:40 AM

AR2201,

My most recent hunt was last Monday, September 5, for squirrels using a .22LR. Not DG, but challenging and fun nonetheless.

My most recent big game hunt was for black bears in British Columbia in May 2005, using a DR chambered in .300 Win. Mag. I was lucky enough to fill both my tags. Not extremely DG, but more "D" than squirrels or deer.

Here's the rifle:

Curl's .300 Win. Mag, by Josef Winkler


You will notice that my rifle violates many of the "rules" expressed on this forum: magnum cartridge; rimless extraction; modern caliber; non-English origin; etc. You can find prior posts where I have addressed these issues (dogmas?).


Here are the results:

Curl's black bear

Curl's cinnamon bear (and a big "shit eating" grin)

By the way, I was surfing around this morning and saw that William Larkin Moore Co. has a Blaser with two sets of barrels in .470NE and 9.3x74R priced at $10,900.00.

Look under "Used European" at this link.

I have no interest in the Blaser, but some do. It's just not my cup of tea. However, this sounds like a combo you might make use of.

Now let me state my disclaimer: I am not associated with William Larkin Moore Co., nor will I profit if you or anyone should buy that rifle. I have bought two shotguns from them in the past and have found them to be most accommodating.

Does the Blaser have adjustable regulation?

What DR's are you currently using? You clearly are an experimenter, as am I. I would be interested to know your success in getting a DR to shoot more than one weight of bullet to proper regulation, without adjustment. Many members have reported good success at this endeavor, but my results have been largely negative.

Best regards,
Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



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iwantadouble
.300 member


Reged: 06/06/05
Posts: 104
Loc: Gallatin County, Montana
Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #37261 - 12/09/05 06:58 AM

I did not mean to get everyone upset. The .450 #2 idea was more a brainstorm than anything. Just to see if anyone thought it possible, not to say I am going to go out buy one and cut it open and haphazardly take it to the range and start blasting with no attention paid to proofing or general safety. By the responses I take it as a definate no go.

As a side note, the recoil does not bother me. In fact, I welcome every bit of recoil I could possibly get. I have a bad back (7 compressed vertebrae, a fusion, and surgeons wondering how I'm even alive, much less mobile in all 4 corners of my extremities), and I've found that the only "cure" for back pain is heavy recoil. The more recoil, the longer I can go pain free. Sure, my shoulder is sore afterwards, but a sore shoulder is nothing like a droning, stiff, aching back. To the note of shooting a 500 grain bullet out of a 7.5lb rifle, at 2100fps, I say bring it on, at least once. If I can go a week with out a backache from it, I'll do it again. The only qualm I have with the said setup would be it holding together while I am squeezing the trigger(s). And this is where we return the Baikal/Spartan and the rechamber idea and the obvious consensus that, "No, it will not hold up." To which I follow with the notion is past, buried and dead in the water.

Maybe at some point Spartan sales will prompt Baikal to produce the rifle in more calibers, and hopefully one that appeals to me. Until then, I sit on the sidelines watching and waiting.

Sorry again.

--------------------
500 is a nice round number, either followed by "Nitro Express" or by "cubic inch displacement".


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500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: iwantadouble]
      #37262 - 12/09/05 07:26 AM


iwantadouble

The problem is that in your country (if you are talking Montana USA),
I have seen no end of 375 2 1/2" Double Rifles (Cogswell & Harrison,
Holland & Holland) rechamered to 375 Flanged Magnum because of
the higher resale value - and this seems to be done by people who don't
know what they are doing and not reproofing the gun.

Why do Holland's mostly build 375 Flanged Magnum guns on the
reinforced action - for the reason that it is a more powerful cartridge.

That's not to say you can't get away with it but the guns come off the face.

Anyway, no harm in asking.

500 Nitro


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AR2201
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Reged: 31/08/05
Posts: 57
Loc: Oz
Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #37357 - 14/09/05 01:19 AM

500 Nitro

While I have burnt more than my fair share of powder in bolt guns I have exactly nil experience with doubles, something I am very close to correcting.

I am attempting to gauge how delicate they actually are and am encouraged by your experiences with getting the 320gn Woodleighs to regulate in 285gn regulated barrel sets as my first chioce is for a 9.3x74R.

Technical question, do you know how much freebore these 9.3x74R's come with?

I have been eyeing off a Merkel but that's hit a wall (I sent them some queries (via Granite Arms in VIC), but, no response as yet and it has been a while, if they are not interested then neither am I).

I have also been eyeing off the Pedersoli, it has a "solid rib" whatever that means. I am taking odds with myself that drilling and mounting a weaver rail on a "solid rib" won't compromise regulation, but what do I know ......

Another point for the Spartan it comes with a provision for sight mounting, weird one, but, one none the less.

Any anecdotes on the impact (preferably lack thereof) of installing mount bases on regulation? (A weaver rail will be going on what ever I get)

AR2201
The sleep of reason breeds monsters

PS. I am at one with not getting a piece of history (sigh), power tools and classics do not mix. I have consoled myself with the equation 1 Classic = more than one modern (to which I exhibit no such qualm).

PPS. my preference is for a SxS, but, a Tikka U/O in 9.3x74R is not out of consideration. Alas, these are out of production so I'll waste no time waiting for Godot on that one.


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500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: AR2201]
      #37373 - 14/09/05 03:34 AM


AR2001,

One of my 500 Nitro doubles has had a scope mount base fitted to the rib
(it came with an Aimpoint scope) and this hasn't affected the regulation.
- it's not something I would do but I bought it like that.

A mate who owns a Berretta 9.3 x 74 has had NON factory scope mounts
added by one of our better gunsmiths and they work fine and haven't affected
regulation.

Technical question, do you know how much freebore these 9.3x74R's come with?
NO, I don't and I don't worry about these things.

Re ""I have also been eyeing off the Pedersoli, it has a "solid rib" whatever that means. I am taking odds with
myself that drilling and mounting a weaver rail on a "solid rib" won't compromise regulation, but what do
I know ......"

I don't know either - a mate has a Pedersoli but I've only seen it once.

I can ask him what he thinks of it if you like ?

500 Nitro


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500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #39886 - 28/10/05 12:36 AM

AR2201

While looking for a certain post, I just re read a few posts of
yours over many of the forums and it seems to me that it doesn't
matter what a manufacturer puts out as a product, you want to
change / modify it, whether it be chambering, regulation, etc etc.

AND then if it has a feature that you don't like, your criticise it.

Eg from Post on Blasers
"How did you find the "verandah" overhanging the chambers?

That in particular, strikes me as both unnecessary and just plain silly,
it must get in the road of loading and unloading, what were they thinking?"

Couple of things:-
1. In view of the fact that you don't currently own and haven't owned
a SxS DR, then I can't see how you can make this comment when you
haven't had the experience of using them. (Some English guns have Large
Dolls heads so all you do is modify your loading style)

2. Couldn't your comment of "as both unnecessary and just plain silly"
be applied just as easily to your "Regulating Adjustment device" that you
go on about ? After all, if a gun is regulated correctly (which most modern
doubles are), then why the need to reregulate it ? (And don't say to get
different bullet weights shooting to the same point of impact as it is easily
done by modifying the amount of powder).

3. And going back to "you want to change / modify it, whether
it be chambering, regulation, etc etc." I think you are starting to
border on the VERY VERY DANGEROUS.
ie
- Pedersoli Post "These rechambers (45-100, 45-120) require minimal metal t
o be shaved off aaaand if it doesn't cut it you still have the 450 No.2 NE option
in the wings, nothing lost.
- Spartan Forum - rechambering to something well beyond what I think is safe.


You talk about Pressures (Pedersoli Post) and go into Long Winded explanations
about how little difference this or that change would make, but you base your decision of
data Extrapolated from one cartridge to another without ANY scientific basis, proof
or pressure data.


So in summary, I think you are dangerous so I am ever on a range near you please
identify yourself so I can move at least 200 yards away as I think you will end up
blowing up a gun and injuring yourself or maybe even and innocent bystander.


500 Nitro

Also posted on Pedersoli forum


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mehulkamdar
.416 member


Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 3688
Loc: State of Ill-Annoy USA.
Re: Aussies - who is interested in a Spartan? [Re: 500Nitro]
      #39953 - 28/10/05 03:19 PM

Gentlemen,

I was at the Gander Mountain store in Kenosha Wisconsin today and saw some of the new Spartan double shotguns that they had recently received. They told me that they expected the double rifles by December, in my opinion a wrong time to get them as deer season ends by then, though they may have had other problems that caused the delay.

The guns were offered for $ 479 and were extremely well finished for the price though the barrels looked very heavy and were extremely short, just about 24 inches, I think. They were definitely better finished than the Remington pump guns and autoloaders on the neighbouring rack at the store. They have both the Spartan as well as the Baikal name stamped on them and even the cheap beech wood stocks did not look bad. These may turn out to be good cheap guns to use without worrying about putting scratches into them or marring the blue. I may buy a rifle in 45-70 when it is out. The Russians offer the guns both in cheap beech stocks as well as high grade guns with walnut, but the Gander people were certain that only the base models were going to be offered in the USA. If there is a demand for the higher grade guns in Australia they may offer the walnut stocked model, which is what the Artemida looks like to me, though I am no expert...

From what I remember MacNaughton has had considerable experience with these guns in England and he endorses their great strength though, of course, as several members have rightly pointed out, it would be silly to compare these guns with a British best gun. The $ 479 price indicates what you could expect, though, from what I saw, it may surprise those who are used to current American factory guns very positively.

Best wishes and good hunting!

--------------------
The Ark was made by amateurs. Experts built the Titanic.

Mehul Kamdar


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