Bulldog Barrel Discussion/Possible Conversion

[Jzizzle]

In efforts to enhance the .357 bulldog accuracy for long range (~150 yards) varmint hunting, I feel above all, the barrel needs to be addressed.  Barrel is 28" long with 1-14 twist rate.  Thru research on forum these specs would be better suited for longer bullets in 200gr range.  Unfortunately even when power tuned the platform doesn't have the capability to push a 200gr slug upwards of 950 fps.

Has anyone looked at replacing the barrel with a better suited twist rate for slugs in the 110-140gr range? 

Or another idea I'm tossing around....converting the bulldog to a .257 caliber.  Bulldog mag can hold an 85gr .257 NSA slug with .71 length.  Possibly slightly longer. 

Whats your thoughts on both these ideas?

[YEMX]

People have discussed it, and there's a .357 barrel that was designed for airgun use out there (1:26, Bob and Sean designed it, I believe).  The problem is (I think), is that the Bulldog barrel is shaped funny, and I think (I could be wrong, of course) that one of the issues is that machining said barrel would be kinda pricey.  I too want to convert a Bulldog to the TJ barrel.  With regard to a barrel convsersion, nothing really recent has been discussed.  I wonder if some happy medium can be found for the O.D. of the barrel?  I'd prefer the barrel to have no taper, and just have the same O.D. throughout.  Makes machining much easier.  I think another issue is that since the barrel is tapered, or stepped, that the barrel bushings would also have to be modified?  I'm not really sure.   

As far as the .257 conversion, you'd have to have a custom bolt made up (not too hard), and sleeving the mag would probably be the most simple method of converting it to .257.  Of course, we're right back to the barrel issue again- Pick a happy medium for the barrel O.D., or machine the O.D. like the factory.  I'm sure a .257 conversion has also been discussed somewhere- though I don't think I've seen it here.  Maybe in passing on some post somewhere here.  Not sure why no one has yet seriously discussed it- Perhaps the gains would be minimal compared to other platforms in .257.  Who knows?   

Weird question- is the tube specs of the Bulldog's air reservoir larger than an Mrod's?  I assume it is.  Reason I ask, is because I'd like to see a bottle converted Bulldog, CF of course.  I don't know why.  I'm kinda hoping a Mrod bottle conversion block works on a Bulldog's tube.  If it doesn't no biggie.   

Maybe none of this has seriously been discussed is because there's the possibility that the Bulldog just isn't worth modifying to this extent.  I mean, I'd still like to try it...  But I'm a little nuts. 

[Jzizzle]

Where can I find that barrel you speak of in 1:26 357?

Bulldog has a 340cc reservoir.  Maurader has 215cc reservoir.  Pitbull has an extended res that will take you a tad over 500cc.  I haven't seen anything regarding a bottle conversion, but it would most definitely interfere with the shell, so that would have to be cut up.  Not sure how it would look visually though.

[YEMX]

Where can I find that barrel you speak of in 1:26 357?

Here ya go:

Here is the contact info for TJ's he does business the old fashion way .

Mike Sayers at TJ's Liners

Mr Sayer
TJ's Enterprises
3652 Neltner Rd
Alexandria, KY 41001
859-635-5560

...Bulldog has a 340cc reservoir.  Maurader has 215cc reservoir.  Pitbull has an extended res that will take you a tad over 500cc.  I haven't seen anything regarding a bottle conversion, but it would most definitely interfere with the shell, so that would have to be cut up.  Not sure how it would look visually though.

I meant the physical size of the reservoir- O.D./I.D.  I should have been more clear.  In my head, most of the shell would be done away with, if possible.  Not sure how I'd get it done, it's just a bench build at this point.  I'm thinking that the Bulldog reservoir is bigger than an Mrod's

[Jzizzle]

Like you mentioned, this project probably requires too much time and money to invest for this platform.  I personally do not have the time  available to invest in it.  I plan to reach out to airgunsmith and see if this can become a reality if reasonably priced. 

[SAGERAT NITEMARE]

Sometimes the better part of valor is NOT mucking around with a hard to fiddle gun...AG OR PG...you can quickly dump a lot of money into the " money pit" and end up with a pile of useless parts.  Too many times we try to make a silk purse out of a sows ear...doesn't work, never has, never will...I know, I have a few nightmares hiding in corners where no one can see them. hahahahahahaha.

The AG platform has MANY built in problems and limitations and few "air-gunsmiths".  Barrels can be obtained from many barrel makers...it's just a steel tube and can be machined relatively simply, doesn't matter the profile, a CNC machine can most likely duplicate it, but chambering and positioning the ports needs special attention.

If you want something more powerful there are several excellent and "not to expensive" big bore AG's available that have already been engineered and are ready to shoot...MUCH EASIER to deal with.

Good Hunting

[PCPhack]

I am with Fred on this one, and I am a guy who has done extensive Bulldog modifications. I still enjoy my Bulldog for what it is, but I would not use it to hunt past 100 yards, due to accuracy concerns. There is just too much to re-engineer. There is not enough coupling of the scope rail to the barrel, the frame is too weak and the barrel twist is not optimal.

Granted, I may at some point bond my shroud to my barrel and aftermarket barrel supports as I have floated the idea around here, but I have my doubts that it would get me comfortable at 150 yards. As is, I am around 1.5 MOA at 100, and that is with optimal NSA ammo, tethered, benchrested, have fire lapped the barrel, trigger mod to 1 pound pull, and high power tuned it along with high pressure via a titanium reservoir to shoot heavier, longer ammo (closer to optimal for the twist of the barrel). I still would not hunt with it past 100 yards.

It is just easier, cheaper, and faster to start with a more appropriate platform for 150 yards. The Bulldog is a good bush stalking gun, not a long range shooter.

[YEMX]

So caliber change (or even a TJ .357 barrel swap) aside, what are your thoughts on the bulldog's capabilities when you convert it to a SS valve and the larger reservoir?  I have an idea in my head for a caliber change, and am considering the Bulldog as the base platform.   

[PCPhack]

The SS valve can make plenty of power. If you will use it for hunting, then you need to tune it to account for the stiction on the first shot. That requires some patience to figure out and test since you need to let the rifle sit an hour before shooting it. JSAR never made a generation 2 of the valve like they did with the Marauder valve to get rid of that problem. Search the forum to read about the stiction issue more.

[PCPhack]

Another option is to try a bored out factory valve if you need the higher power, along with that stronger hammer spring from Pitbull airguns. I saw it on their site, but have not tried it.

[YEMX]

I'm hoping to make the SS valve work- I like the easier cocking effort it provides.  I'll for sure look up the threads, but did anyone ever solve the issue?  I remember it being discussed and am bummed out JSAR never put out a Gen2 SS Bulldog valve

[PCPhack]

No, not solved. One could perhaps machine a simplified balanced valve poppet, but I have not looked into it.

[YEMX]

No, not solved. One could perhaps machine a simplified balanced valve poppet, but I have not looked into it.

I'll go through the old threads to see what the problem is.  Maybe something will jump out at me and the stiction issue will be resolved.  Don't expect anything soon though!  I have A LOT of projects! 

[gendoc]

i sent my gimped-up bulldog to pitbull for the carbine build.
they did extensive work on it..changed the barrel, did valve work, added supports to the barrel, springs and cocking handle changed and more but i cant remember
everthing. all i know is i have taken hogs beyond 50yrds with 1 or 2 being close to 75yrds.
my first shot is 252FPE, my second, if needed is 228.
even with these mods its not a 100yrd shooter and i was leary of the 75yrd shots i took.

but all in all, its extremely accurate @ 65yrds, maybe its because they did
alot of work to the new barrel.

they did a fine job on it and several folks i have sent there way also likes
the work they done.

hope yall get good results 

[PCPhack]

I have taken a few hogs at between 75 and 80 yards with mine, all head shots. I will use mine for up to 100 yards, but no more. Earlier I was shooting around 300 foot pounds and lately at 350 with 178gr NSA slugs. That is around 4000psi with a titanium reservoir and a SS valve that I learned the amount to over spring to account for stiction (basically an extra turn plus 100 psi).

[YEMX]

I have taken a few hogs at between 75 and 80 yards with mine, all head shots. I will use mine for up to 100 yards, but no more. Earlier I was shooting around 300 foot pounds and lately at 350 with 178gr NSA slugs. That is around 4000psi with a titanium reservoir and a SS valve that I learned the amount to over spring to account for stiction (basically an extra turn plus 100 psi).

TBH, regardless of caliber, I would restrict shots to an absolute max of 100 yards...