450 Alaskan (45-348 Winchester Improved)

Historical Notes:

The 450 Alaskan was designed by Harold Johnson who was a resident of Cooper's Landing, Alaska. This cartridge was designed to meet the demands of hunters who wanted a lever action rifle that could deliver substantial energy and bullet mass for use against the largest and most dangerous of Alaskan game. Model 71's converted to this chambering are among the most prized rifles in Alaska. Belted Magnum bolt action rifles are legion on the used gun racks in Alaska at certain times of the year. Alaskan chambered Model 71's are never seen for sale at any price! This is ample testimony to the power, dependability, accuracy, and ruggedness this combination delivers.

General Comments:

Ackley might have been the first to open the hole through the barrel and improve the chamber of the Model 71 Winchester. However, by Ackley's own testimony, Mr. Johnson's version of the 45 caliber 348 Improved is a better choice. The 450 Alaskan will function through the Model 71's action with little or no alteration to the rifles feed mechanism, Ackley's version will not. Ackley's version has slightly less body taper and holds slightly more powder but ballistics are very similar. The 450 Fuller is essentially identical to the 450 Alaskan excepting a different shoulder angle. Conversion to any of these cartridges produces a Model 71 lever action rifle capable of delivering ballistics practically duplicating the 458 Winchester Magnum. Any such conversion necessitates special attachment measures to prevent the magazine and forend from being separated from the receiver under the stresses of substantial recoil these cartridges generate.

Source: Cartridges of the World

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