12GA Caliber Converters .. a low cost entry to pistol caliber carbines?

[ricksplace]

I'm guessing that the problem with the 45acp insert that failed is either metallurgy or machining. My inserts were made from commercial barrels. It could be the manufacturer used softer steel like crs (cold rolled steel) and rifled them using button rifling. Most barrels today are rifled by button rifling (pulling a carbide button through the barrel) rather than cutting or hammer forging.
I would return it for a refund or replacement.
Given the results from the acp, I think I would shoot 38 special rather than 357 mag in the 357 insert.

I did make a 303 British insert for my baikal coach gun and loaded mild loads. As soon as I approached heavier loads, the rim of the insert failed in the same manner as your 45acp insert failed. The rim of the insert is only as thick as the rim on a 12ga shotshell. If it's not hardened alloy steel, it will fail in the same manner. Sloppy machining could have the same result.

[tman]

I'm guessing that the problem with the 45acp insert that failed is either metallurgy or machining. My inserts were made from commercial barrels. It could be the manufacturer used softer steel like crs (cold rolled steel) and rifled them using button rifling. Most barrels today are rifled by button rifling (pulling a carbide button through the barrel) rather than cutting or hammer forging.
I would return it for a refund or replacement.
Given the results from the acp, I think I would shoot 38 special rather than 357 mag in the 357 insert.

I did make a 303 British insert for my baikal coach gun and loaded mild loads. As soon as I approached heavier loads, the rim of the insert failed in the same manner as your 45acp insert failed. The rim of the insert is only as thick as the rim on a 12ga shotshell. If it's not hardened alloy steel, it will fail in the same manner. Sloppy machining could have the same result.

Ok well thanks for the info. I'll talk to the vendor and see about returns.
Woah 303 British! The full loads are 2400 fpe! Glad you used a mild load. 45 ACP is 350 fpe.
Well your knowledge of machining is clear and it makes sense.
What's weird is I'm using the Chiappa gun and the chiappa inserts, and it failed in 3 shots. Confusing. If they are using the wrong metal or the rim is too thin, then they must have a ton of complaints at Chiappa.

You know the reason I bought the .357 insert and 2 boxes of ammo? Power.
Now "power" seems to be the reason I can't use them. These were supposed to be fine and a "brand name" .. Chiappa.

Oh well. Now do I dupe someone and sell the 357 adapter and ammo and let them destroy it? I wouldn't wish that on anybody.
Do I sell the ammo and try the 38 special and potentially destroy the adapter myself instead of letting someone buy it off me and waste their money?

I was 10 minutes in to my range trip when the adapter got pushed into the barrel. That was the end of range day. It was all about the inserts that day.

The Chiappa M6 is a fun gun. Cheap, but decent sights. Without using adapters, it's not as fun however. Sigh!!!

[offroad720]

Wow! Hope they can warranty/replace that insert for you. Glad nothing worse happened either. I wonder if the rim was cut short leaving excess headspacing?
I've got the same set. Over the years I've shot stout 44 mag and 357 mag from mine, as well as many 9mm, 45 acp, 410, 20ga and 22lr. Only issue I've had is the shotgun firing pin hole can be larger than what a specific caliber would use and I've had catering in the primers.
If I were you, I'd still try the 357 with mags and specials (if you can get them cheap). Don't know until you try but inspect the rim first.
I do enjoy my set. It's great for when you want to slow down and enjoy a good day with cheap ammo that still rings steel rather loudly. Especially when you have a method of aiming a shotgun. I have two shorty's setup for inserts, o/u with a pic rail and single with irons silver soldered on.
Oh and 357 or 44 is great because of the rimmed case, easy to pull out fired cases.