375 "Wildcat" from Downunder

[geoff rath]

Just diverting the thread a little; I spoke to A G a while ago about the possibilities for the 300 and 330 Norma Mag cases; he had already made up dummies, necking up to 9.3mm, 375, 416, 404, 458 and maybe more ... I had been thinking about the 9.3 version, shooting Woodleigh 320 grain softs, and solids .... way behind the 8-ball, me ...

 

[CBH Australia]

Gday

I'll wade in and answer any Qs if required

Thanks for the kind words Geoff,

Bit of a story with this one, happy to regale if of interest

Few pics

View attachment 466054

Is this the 280 on the left and the steps in fireforming going left?

Do you have a .35Whelen you can photograph next to yours for comparison?

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Gday

I'll wade in and answer any Qs if required

Thanks for the kind words Geoff,

Bit of a story with this one, happy to regale if of interest

Few pics

View attachment 466052View attachment 466053View attachment 466054View attachment 466055

@Anthony George.
It looks like the shoulder is further forward than the 375 Whelen AI.
What is the case capacity and what powder are you using.
I have my 35 Whelen loaded to 2,950 fps with a 225gn Woodleigh in a 25 inch barrel using hogdon CFE223.
Bob

 

[Anthony George]

Is this the 280 on the left and the steps in fireforming going left?

Do you have a .35Whelen you can photograph next to yours for comparison?

No not really,
375-280 AI, 375 W and 3006 on right

 

[Anthony George]

@Anthony George.
It looks like the shoulder is further forward than the 375 Whelen AI.
What is the case capacity and what powder are you using.
I have my 35 Whelen loaded to 2,950 fps with a 225gn Woodleigh in a 25 inch barrel using hogdon CFE223.
Bob

It's a straight neck up of the 280 AI case, with no other changes

80.1grn water
AR2206H

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

It's a straight neck up of the 280 AI case, with no other changes

80.1grn water
AR2206H

@Anthony George
Great having a yarn to you this morning mate very enlightening and I learned a few tricks to try when fireforming.
It was easy to 7nderstand how and why you do things.
Looking forward to finding out your results with the Atomic29s.
Bob

 

[dlmac]

I had a 35 Brown-whelen that loved cheap speer 250 gr hot cor RN. I was getting 2675 out of a 24 in barrel. It was a great moose and bear rifle. I was stupid enough to sell it and have regretted it ever since. It actually had less felt recoil than the rem 750 in a std whelen

 

[Doug Hamilton]

235gr @ 3231 from a 280 case. Hmmm.

Think that might have been a typo?

 

[Doug Hamilton]

So, are we saying this is even better than a .35Whelen?
Based on an 280A.I. case it's gotta be better.

Don't let Bob Nelson hear you say that!

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I had a 35 Brown-whelen that loved cheap speer 250 gr hot cor RN. I was getting 2675 out of a 24 in barrel. It was a great moose and bear rifle. I was stupid enough to sell it and have regretted it ever since. It actually had less felt recoil than the rem 750 in a std whelen

@dlmac
Fear not the standard Whelen can be loaded to send a 250gr down range at 2,700fps.
Bob

 

[dlmac]

With all the work, you are right it is diminishing returns. I do enjoy different "things"

 

[colorado]

Just ream out your 375 H&H to 375 Weatherby. You'll be able to shoot both 375 Weaterby and 375 H&H ammo. I get 2800 fps with a 300g bullet with both factor 375 Bee ammo and handloads. 3200 fps with a 235g bullet should be doable as well.