Creating a wildcat, need input.

[benjamin199]

I have been playing with the idea of creating a wildcat, this is where I am at;

1. My goals:
A. To be able to use the wildcat in a HS precision PHR currently chambered for the 300WSM that I will re-barrel.
B. I would like to set up for the 7mm 168gr VLD class of bullets, and I would like them to fit into my magazine with room to play with my seating depth.
C. I would like a cartridge that will give velocities similar to a 280Rem, with a body shape that mimics the 6mmBR,maybe some of the cartridge accuracy and efficiency will transfer to my design)
2. My design idea:
A.I have taken the 300wsm necked it down to 7mm and shortened it by about 1/4" and lengthened the neck, I have also changed the shoulder angle to 30 degrees.,see attached cartridge drawing)
B. The drawing was made using data from quick design and quick load, the resulting cartrige would have about 69.8 grains of water to the casemouth, about 62gr usable with the bullet seated to the indicated depth.,this depth will leave me about .080 room in my magazine to chase the lands for throat wear)
C. Max load should be able to produce approx 2900fps in a 24" barrel based on quickload data.,this will be a hunting rifle).

My questions:
1. How hard will it be to form the brass from 300WSM brass?
2. Do you foresee any problems that I have overlooked?

If you have any input or idea's it would be greatly appreciated.
My next step will be to get a reamer drawing to send Redding for die quotes.

Thanks for any input you have.
Ben

 

[constructor]

Give Dave Kiff at Pacific tool and gauge a call and he'll cut a reamer pretty quick and furnish you with a reamer drawing. I have not worked with redding but, Lonnie at Hornady is good to work with. If you can furnish ptg a parent case they will build the reamer .003 larger for a bolt gun. and try to get your die guy to keep it close to factory case diameters to keep from over working the brass.
It takes about 6-8 weeks for dies and 2 weeks for a reamer.
shoving the shoulder back 1/4" may be a little tough.
If you made 1 intermediate die shoving the bottom of the shoulder back on say a 45 degree then push the top of the shoulder back with the normal size die it may be easier.
each forming die is about $80 so you'll want to do it in as few steps as possible. Talk to Lonnie he can help you out on the steps between.
I have done 7 cats this year with 1 being a 6.5 Banshee,RSAUM) so almost the same thing you are doing.

Edit- A reamer is about $130 and custom dies run apx $125

 

[DennisSorensen]

If you really have the desire to do this for the sake of doing it go ahead... but it is not practical at all... you will be spending hundreds of dollars more and with a lot more work as well, than if you simply made a .284 Win. or a .280 Rem. on a different action.

I have made many wildcats over 40 years and don't bother with them for myself anymore...

 

[benjamin199]

Thanks for the input. I did find out it would be too much trouble to push the body down so far, it would have required multiple steps,about 5) at $80 per die, plus all of the extra work. I will probably keep the rifle the way it is and look at other 7mm cartridges then choose an action. I really do like the idea of being able to shoot the longer bullets out of a short action a 7 rsaum would be the closest existing cartridge, but I am not sure how long brass will be readily available.