So, is a "Rook Rifle" still viable?...

[Encore64]

I appreciate the support and agree on "frugal" coming back in favor.

The initial testing on this cartridge was done in my MGM 12" G2 Contender Barrel. I found 7.0 grn of Unique pushed a 135 grn Coated Cast to 1460 fps. I pushed the bullets faster just to make sure they'd hold up at carbine velocities. They did...

But, with Unique, that will be 1000 rounds loaded per pound of powder.

[Encore64]

Nov 26, 2021 9:55:11 GMT -5 bula said:

Is Lee's custom shop doing this kinda thing ? What other die set would be a short cut, closest with least work, can be used to make ? 

The 30 Badger is very similar to the 30 Reece. It's loaded with readily available dies and MGM offers barrels so chambered.

I just went with the 30 Reece because I had dies and a pistol length barrel already in hand...

[tdbarton]

[Encore64]

Thanks for posting this Information Tim...

The 30 Reece was definitely done right. Dies came with a neat little spiral bound Reloading Manual. Velocity tested data in 10", 15" & 24"(I think) TC Barrels.

I like developing my own data sometimes. But, honestly, this makes life easy.

[bullseye]

I've been petitioning Henry to offer their excellent little Single Shot in 22 Hornet & 327 Federal...So far unsuccessfully. Both would be just fine as is, but would also make a good base for such projects.

[Encore64]

The Henry Single Shot in 327 Federal or 32-20 with the barrel contour they use on the 30-30 would be perfect as it comes from the factory.

Maybe others would request this. I will for sure...

[boolitdesigner]

Nov 25, 2021 22:16:30 GMT -5 magnumwheelman said:

Ya know the 25 ACP is semi rimmed… along with revolvers and custom semi autos, I have a Contender carbine in 25 ACP

Back in the 70's I saw a couple of college girls with a commercial AR-15 mock up in that caliber. I always wondered how it did in a rifle. What kind of accuracy and velocity did you get with yours?

[dougader]

The only deer rifle my maternal grandfather had was a lever action 25-20. When I learned of this I asked my grandmother about it, seeing as I was packing around a 30-06 Ruger M77 at the time. She explained that grandpa was a crack shot, never lost a deer and always shot them in the neck. They didn't have money for a new rifle, the 25-20 being a hand-me-down as it was. So, frugal, yes, and it got the job done on deer in southern Utah, Washington county.

Huey, I read your posts on these topics with great interest. As I stated on a previous thread, I recall a post (on cast boolits?) where a guy had put together a Rook rifle in 30 Reece and took a deer cleanly with a 110 grain cast bullet.

[Encore64]

I agree 100%. I took a TC Contender Carbine in 25-20 to Africa. My PH called it a BB Gun. But, took a clean kill on a trophy Springbok at 103 yards.

The 75 grn VMax at 2400 fps turned the heart to ground meat.

Doug, you make a great point with the story. Shot placement is the most important thing. Most hunters should spend more time at the bench and less time looking for more powerful guns.

[jeffh]

Nov 25, 2021 18:35:39 GMT -5 Encore64 said:

....hard times fell on shooters recently and my mind wandered. I've never gotten low on reloading supplies, but still it's been an eye opener..............So, this one does it all. Is it worth the time and money to pursue a full blown modern Rook Rifle?

This is an amazing idea and well worth the effort.

My main gun, the one I shoot the most and the one I ENJOY the most is a 18" TC Contender Carbine in 357.  I started messing with this gun for the very realistic possibility of not being able to find or afford components.  Economy, simplicity, effectiveness,.....  Win, win, win - though not as exciting as messing with a smaller bore like the 30 Reece, I can also stoke it up and use it for (legal) deer hunting here if I want.

I'd love to read more as you go further with this project.  I've reread Ed Harris' work many times, and while I love his thinking and writing, it's great to see more independent thought which parallels most of the most appealing aspects.

Plus, you write very well and it's always a pleasure to read what you contribute.  There is more quality content in your first post in this thread than I've seen in many dozens of articles I've read over the past several years.

[Encore64]

Jeff, I appreciate those comments...

I've never been able to think inside the box. Of course, this is just my hobby. Unfortunately, compensated gun writers are paid to do what they do. Mainly, that is sell guns and ammo. Seems "NEW" is always the going thing.

I'll certainly be posting more about these small bore, cast bullet guns.

I've even considered a Rook Rifle Switch Barrel Set. Like a 25-20, 30 Reece and 357 Magnum (or 38 Special) to cover the full range of the Original Rooks. Not exactly the same bullet diameters, but close.

A few have pointed out that the originals used plain cast bullets and open sights. They used what they had and I think we should do the same. It's the idea that fascinates me, not tradition.

I'm especially looking forward to doing range reports on these little cartridges that I have in both rifle and pistol configuration.

[bullseye]

The 30 Badger, as I recall is 38 Special brass formed & loaded with 30/7.63 Mauser dies...Which are still readily available. That'd be the way I'd go on such a project since I already load for a couple of C-96's that I own...& frankly prefer to keep my firearms projects simple, not to mention as affordable as possible at this point in my life.

[Encore64]

The 30 Badger makes good sense. I doubt there's enough difference between it and the 30 Reece to matter.

I just already owned 30 Reece dies and the 12" TC Contender so chambered.

As previously posted, the 32 Magnum, 327 Fed and 32-20 WCF are all great candidates.

Hopefully, we'll hear from Scott on his 327 Fed 1-10" Contender Carbine soon. It should be a winner for sure.

[rleprechaun]

My dad had a Rook rifle in 38 special. It was a "weak" action so I loaded 125gr. cast with a light charge of Unique.

[Encore64]

I've got a Uberti Baby Rolling Block in 357 Magnum that seems perfect for this. Has a custom scope base and only needs to be brought out of moth balls for this project.

Work up a good cast bullet load and sight in.

It's probably going to join the 25-20, 30 Reece and 327 Federal in the Rook Revival.