Help with a Russian Berdan II Rifle

Hello,

I have a Berdan rifle II, in the original .42 Russian (10.75x58R.)

I don't reload, nor do I plan on doing so any time soon.

What I would like, is to make a sleeve to shoot another caliber in the meantime.
I shoot .45 LC from my Martini's etc.

It has a bullet diameter of .430, and I was wondering if a sleeve could be made for any other caliber.

I was thinking of 44-40. It has a bullet diameter of .427. So if a sleeve could be made, it's a very viable cartridge, that is still readily available.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

44-40 can be done...what about 44 Russian or 44 special? They should be 429". I'd suggest .44 Mag but with factory white box that stuff can be harsh, don't know what your rifle is like.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

44-40 can be done...what about 44 Russian or 44 special? They should be 429". I'd suggest .44 Mag but with factory white box that stuff can be harsh, don't know what your rifle is like.

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44 Special sounds like a cheaper and more easily done chamber insert. Thanks for the suggestion.

Should the insert go almost all the way to the rifling?

I have a martini sleeve and there is a huge gap between the start of the rifling, and where the sleeve ends.

I'm a bit concerned, but so far no issues.

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Originally Posted by pcvando

Should the insert go almost all the way to the rifling?

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Doesn't matter. It should come closer than farther, but you're going to get some splash and powder residue that will want scrubbing. I'd try to make it close to the leed as possible...still, if you loaded yourself, you can tailor it a bit...? But you don't, or don't want to start? Then you could use 44 mag casings and load way down. More common cartridge too, around here anyways.

,444 Marlin? Longer case = longer chamber adapter.

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Originally Posted by MasterChief

444 Marlin

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Possibly...would be worth a look see.