Remington ML Bolt Upgrade

[Chief]

I am a proud owner of a Remington ML in 50 caliber. I bought this rifle back when they first came out in 94 and I actually received # 000962. This rifle has always shot as good (if not better) than it looks. I have a set of Leupold quick release mounts and a Burris 4x scope on top. I bought this rifle for an elk hunt I went on in the Gila located in New Mexico. I did not kill anything but had a great time. The rifle has spent it's life in safe and I get it out once and a while and fire a shot at 100 yards and it always hits dead center in the bull.

So my question is........I have always had great performance from 110 grains of Pyrodex pushing a 275 grain Remington JHP sabot.....ignited by a #11 percussion cap. However......now I have visited this site and read some posts and now I have a estimate for a bolt conversion from Hunter to go to primer ignition. 

I am a little unsure of what to expect and I would like to know what the benefits will be and what performance enhancement this change will bring t this rifle? Also......will the loading change?? Can I use BH209?? Is the primary reason for doing this is better ignition and longer bolt life??

All comments are welcome!

[rio]

I just did this conversion and can't answer all your questions. I can however say my 700 leaked bad from the percussion primer, so bad it would blow back in your face. This conversion solved that compleetly. I can say that It shoots about an inch left of where it did, otherwise it just dosent leak back into my face. My groups stayed the same but I have only shot it at 50 yards. Since I did the conversion. We will see next week at 100

[10ga]

I have 2 700MLs with bolt nose conversions and savage plugs. Both still have original Remmy 45 cal barrels. They shoot very good. BH209 ignition at any temp is no problem. NO blow back or leakage. I use PTFE tape on the breech plugs and vents. shoot blue sabot and 40X200 SST or STP in both. Both are very accurate. One started as a little used, like less than 15 shots before I converted. The other was a junk 700ML in 50 that I rebarreled with a virgin take off 45 remmy ML barrel. I would highly recommend the bolt, plug upgrade. Most of the smiths here on dougs can do the work. The smith that did my 50 to 45 conversion even got the barrel aligned to use the open sights if necessary. I don't see any reason for a decrease in accuracy with the conversion. I do bed my actions.

Yes you can expect reliable ignition with BH209. More consistent accuracy shot to shot. Less cleaning, no blowback in bolt. Shoot sabots or sabot less with BH209. Load may change but you can expect more consistent accuracy and you have a superior ML for black powder and subs. And with the savage type plug you have the vent liner to protect the plug from erosion.

I would highly recommend the conversion/upgrade. It will be money well spent. You will have a ML to last a lifetime and pass to your heirs.


If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me. Best, 10 ga

[Chief]

Thank you Mossy Horns.........just the info I was looking for!

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