The 470 Capstick Pt.2

[CZDiesel]

Some of you have read Pt. one where I showed the 470 Capstick rifle. Then I was given the sad news by @michael458 that multiple of these “Big Five” had over sized barrels and didn’t stabilize bullets on game well. So I thought once again my bad luck was following me lol But to my surprise after having it slugged it was indeed in spec at .474

I looked all over for any loaded factory ammunition for it and it’s non-existent! Like zero anywhere at any price!!!
So I picked up 100 pieces of Bertram Brass out of Australia, which its self is very rare, and was lucky enough that @ET1775 had a box of Barnes 500gr TSX he was giving a way on the “Pay it Forward” thread and I was able to get those. Thank you @ET1775!!!
I also picked up some Barnes Banded Solids. So with those and Federal Gold Medal Mag primers and H4895 to develop loads tailored to my M-70 development was started…

So to start I have to tell you the Bertram brass is just a 470 Capstick head stamped basic brass! That means there is a lot of prep to be done! Sizing, trimming, chamfering, and de-burring. So although Im very grateful the brass is out there it still needs a lot of work!

I’ll leave it here for now but be back in a couple days with the results. Until then a 470 Barnes TSX next to a 556 lol

 

[ldmay375]

Good to see that you have one that the barrel is in spec.

 

[Luvthunt]

Good luck with your project.

 

[Tradmark]

I have always hoped the 470 capstick would catch on better. Look forward to seeing your results

 

[krish]

Good luck with your load devolopment and the rifle. Keep us posted.
Krish

 

[Riflecrank]

Good choice on powder.
I used 85 grains of it with the 500-gr North Fork Cup Point (CPS).
Three bullets in one hole at 50 yards, where the 470 Capstick should be zeroed.
I got 2368 fps for 5-yard chrono from a 26" barrel, 1:10" twist.

Load data from A-Square manual is probably why my McGowen barrel was 26" long and 1:10" twist.
Same barrel length and twist as Art Alphin and gang used.
They got 2387 fps MV with that charge and the 500-gr A-Square Monolithic Solid.
About identical to what I got if my velocity is corrected to MV.
Pressure was 59,400 psi for their load and rifle.

Your Barnes Banded Solid and TSX are excellent for the 470 Capstick.
You might want to order some North Fork .474/500-grainers from Reloading International.
CPS, FPS and SS all same 500-gr weight, ideal for 470 NE DR too.

 

[Hmaxwell]

Could you link part 1 please? I have a 470 capstick in Winchester 70 form. I bought it probably 10 years ago and then stumbled on some ammo from the Jeffrey Lash gun and ammo unload. Still haven’t shot the gun but need to. Are you saying that they over-bored the barrels so the bullet isn’t tight to the rifling? Thanks for the information.

 

[CZDiesel]

Could you link part 1 please? I have a 470 capstick in Winchester 70 form. I bought it probably 10 years ago and then stumbled on some ammo from the Jeffrey Lash gun and ammo unload. Still haven’t shot the gun but need to. Are you saying that they over-bored the barrels so the bullet isn’t tight to the rifling? Thanks for the information.

Winchester only offered the 470 Capstick out of their Custom Shop. One of those offerings was in the “Big Five” series. It seems as there are some of those with over bore barrels that affect puller performance. My rifle is one of those “Big Five” rifles yet the barrel is in spec so I don’t think anyone can tell you if yours is in or out of spec without you having it slugged. Assuming it’s a “Big Five” rifle?
On the other hand if you just have a custom ordered rifle from the Custom Shop then I don’t know what to think? Winchester used target grade rifle cut custom barrels by other barrel makers but they don’t say who?
So if I were you I’d just get it slugged for piece of mind…

C

Thread 'One for Franz! The 470 Capstick!'

Apr 11, 2025

A couple days back my good friend and amateur troll @franzfmdavis questioned if I had a 470 Capstick in my collection… So I thought I’d share it with you all and to @franzfmdavis…
It’s #39 in the “Big Five” series. I originally didn’t think I would like the gold and silver inlay as it looks hoeky when see in pics but I have to say it looks really cool in hand!!!
So @franzfmdavis let me know when you want to toss some 600gr at 2250ftps out of a 9lb Winchester lol

• CZDiesel
• Replies: 33
• Forum: .375 & up

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[michael458]

I also picked up some Barnes Banded Solids. So with those and Federal Gold Medal Mag primers and H4895 to develop loads tailored to my M-70 development was started…

I have another suggestion that might be of note to you in the future as well. When I did the 475 B&M and the 475 B&M Super Short, I worked with CEB and North Fork on suitable bullets in .474 caliber. The CEB Line is a 450 #13 Solid and 420 Raptor for the larger cartridge and for the Super Short I think it is a 350 #13 Solid and 320 Raptor. The North Forks were 425 Expanding CPS, 425 Solids, and 425 SS for the larger case, and 375 Expanding CPS and 375 Solids. This was just before the change in the Solid Design, so what I have is the old design. I assume that North Fork upgraded the Solids to the new design, but I am not sure. I did not request any. I do not care much for the larger 475 B&M. The Super Short is a good little cartridge. Since I don't support the larger 475 B&M I ceased all work with it. But the bullets are there, and they are super.

Would give you a few more options to work with if desired.........

All of these are very capable bullets. I shot several buffalo with the CEB and North Forks with the larger 475 B&M, my son used his Super Short on buffalo and even took elephant and hippo with the 350 #13 Solid and did not come up short anywhere.