Rolling Block vs. Falling Block

[Cody]

Guy at the store the other day told me the Rolling block action was stronger than the falling block action. This seemed counter-intuitive to me.
Anybody out there have a clear idea on this?
I'm looking to hand load for 45-70.

Cheers,

Cody

[32-40win]

As I understand it, the Rolling Block breechblock will loosen up and gain headspace on high pressure loads over time due to not having enough support for the breechblock. They were chambered for 7x57 at one time, and apparently had some troubles with that over time.
The falling blocks like the 1885 and 44-1/2 do not suffer that issue, they will handle it.
I expect that is why the Ubertis are not chambered for high pressure cartridges even though they are modern steels. You may get a better technical answer to your question on the ASSRA forum. Should perhaps look at a book called the Single Shot Breech Loading Rifle, by Ned Roberts and Ken Waters, and Singleshot Rifles and Actions by Frank de Haas.

[Dean2]

Gun store guy is plain wrong. Ruger and 1885 falling blocks are FAR stronger than any rolling block, even modern made ones, let alone an old Remington no 3 or the like.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Dean2

Gun store guy is plain wrong. Ruger and 1885 falling blocks are FAR stronger than any rolling block, even modern made ones, let alone an old Remington no 3 or the like.

X2!
All one has to do is take a look at the way the roller locks up and you will realize that it is a very weak action compared to a falling block.
Ever see a roller chambered fro the factory in stuff like 300 mag ?

I would never shoot one if I saw a re-chambered one in that cartridge, that is for sure!!

Cat

[Cody]

Originally Posted by 32-40win

As I understand it, the Rolling Block breechblock will loosen up and gain headspace on high pressure loads over time due to not having enough support for the breechblock. They were chambered for 7x57 at one time, and apparently had some troubles with that over time.
The falling blocks like the 1885 and 44-1/2 do not suffer that issue, they will handle it.
I expect that is why the Ubertis are not chambered for high pressure cartridges even though they are modern steels. You may get a better technical answer to your question on the ASSRA forum. Should perhaps look at a book called the Single Shot Breech Loading Rifle, by Ned Roberts and Ken Waters, and Singleshot Rifles and Actions by Frank de Haas.

The Frank de Haas book was referred to elsewhere so looked it up on Alibris and Amazon; $150 for the cheapest one I could find. Dang.

Maybe I can find a copy of that Roberts and Waters book.

I suppose I should also consider the Sharps action. Any opinions on its strength (In a modern version) compared to a Ruger or B78 / 1885.

Cheers,

Cody

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Cody

The Frank de Haas book was referred to elsewhere so looked it up on Alibris and Amazon; $150 for the cheapest one I could find. Dang.

Maybe I can find a copy of that Roberts and Waters book.

I suppose I should also consider the Sharps action. Any opinions on its strength (In a modern version) compared to a Ruger or B78 / 1885.

Cheers,

Cody

For P cart5ridges the Sharps is da chit, because it tears down so easily - one pine basically and the block is out.
I like the Brownings and the Rugers as well, got "one or two" of each, I couldn't pick you a clear winner however, the Ruger has the faster lock time I suspect, but I really like open hammers.
Both are VERY accurate actions.
Cat

[Cody]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

For P cart5ridges the Sharps is da chit, because it tears down so easily - one pine basically and the block is out.
I like the Brownings and the Rugers as well, got "one or two" of each, I couldn't pick you a clear winner however, the Ruger has the faster lock time I suspect, but I really like open hammers.
Both are VERY accurate actions.
Cat

Thanks Cat. I also just ran across the following link with info from Pedersoli about maximum pressures:
http://www.bpcr.net/site_docs-result...mits_09-04.htm

Cheers,

Cody

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by Cody

Thanks Cat. I also just ran across the following link with info from Pedersoli about maximum pressures:
http://www.bpcr.net/site_docs-result...mits_09-04.htm

Cheers,
Cody

Pedersoli is absolutely right on. Their modern Sharps are stronger than the old ones, and the sharps was stronger than a rolling block. But the pressure limit of 29,000 CUP is still rpetty anemic. A 223 runs 55,000 psi, and hot 45-70 loads that are safe to shoot in a modern Marlin lever run up to the 40,000 CUP range. 29,000 CUP is the load range for the old trap door rifles so be very careful not to use the wrong data if you are loading for a Sharps, even a new well built one. (Also, be very careful using Pedersoli's info. CUP and PSI are NOT the same thing. 29,000 CUP is only 27,300 PSI)Attachment 50726

If you need strength, buy the Ruger #1 or at least the 1885.

[u_cant_rope_the_wind]

the ruger has the strongest falling block,then the 1885 Winchester, and no the B78 is not exactly the same as an 1885, there are slight differences, then the Sharpe's,yes the Sharpe's handle, big bore like the 50-90 and 50-110, but the ruger handle modern day smokeless powders like the 416 rigby, and 404 jeffery, and such calibers, so if yer looking for a falling block for strength, go ruger,if yer looking for a Bpcr go either Winchester or Sharpe's style