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James Calhoon?

Pyscodog

Gold $$ Contributor
Is he still in business? I was on his site reading about his 19 cal rifles. But for some reason I thought he was no longer in business? Anyone shoot his 19"s on here? Sounds interesting and I have a CZ 527 that might be a candidate for one of his barrels. If not one of James 19's maybe a 20 cal of sorts.
 
Chant after me......20VT.....20VT....... ;)

Keep in mind that Jim may be the only source for .19 caliber bullets (that I'm aware of) if he's still in business.
 
That was a thought that I had too. Where to acquire 19 cal bullets. And the 20VT was top of the list as well. I bought this CZ thinking a friend would be interested in it but he isn't. He wants my Sako which isn't for sale, so now I have this CZ in the same caliber, 222. It would be a dandy candidate for a 20 something. And I can get bullets about anywhere that sells reloading components.
 
Pyscodog said:
Is he still in business? I was on his site reading about his 19 cal rifles. But for some reason I thought he was no longer in business? Anyone shoot his 19"s on here? Sounds interesting and I have a CZ 527 that might be a candidate for one of his barrels. If not one of James 19's maybe a 20 cal of sorts.
Click to expand...
20 VT or 20 Practical
 
Pyscodog said:
Is he still in business? I was on his site reading about his 19 cal rifles. But for some reason I thought he was no longer in business? Anyone shoot his 19"s on here? Sounds interesting and I have a CZ 527 that might be a candidate for one of his barrels. If not one of James 19's maybe a 20 cal of sorts.
Click to expand...
If you want something different build one they shoot well, I loaded for a 19 Badger with drawn down 20 cal V- Nitemares it shot really well.
I believe he uses Benchmark barrels now.
 
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James only lives about 3 miles from me I need to swing by and see how he's doing, his wife passed away few years ago took some wind out of his sail.
 
It's been at least six or seven years since I talked to him last but I talked to James a handful of times after I bought my first CZ 527 17 Hornet a number of years ago. He was quite a character and fun to chat with. I don't think he was ever trying to be funny but some of the things we talked about and he'd say would crack me up. I'm not sure how old he is but I don't think he's a spring chicken and I hope he's doing well.
 
I went through this exercise. With the CZ527, more or less each cartridge has a specific length magazine (not a universal mag with a spacer block). The 222 mag is longer than 221FB mag, but it’s shorter than the 223 mag. The bottom metal is also specific to magazine size/length. You could do a 20VT or 20-222 with your existing setup. Otherwise, if you go with something based on 223 cartridge then you’ll most likely need to buy new 223 mags and replace the bottom metal with one machined with mag well cut to fit the 223 magazine length.

Edit: I am remiss in not having mentioned that Mr. Calhoon was a pleasure to speak with and one of the nicest guys I have dealt with. My only concern around the 19Badger was bullet availability so I settled on 20Vartarg. If it had been an in-person meeting, and not just a couple of phone calls, I have no doubt that I’d be the owner of a 19Badger just because of his personality. :)
 
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James stopped by my house and stayed a few days on his way to help some folks up in western NC that were affected by Helene. He has got a good heart and definitely has the ability to make you laugh. I enjoy shooting my 19-223 Cooper and the 19 Hornet and just call him when I need more bullets,he's got em ready to go. Sierra was making them too with the poly tips in 32 grain weight. If I ever get around to it I might even buy some of those Corbin dies,no need yet. That little 19 hornet is probably one of the guns I've had the most fun with. His 19 caliber idea makes great sense to me and I think Jim is great guy that happens to be pretty handy with a lathe. I also own a few 20 calibers,20 vartargs included so to me it's not a question of why buy one or the other caliber it's more about why not get another gun that will definitely ruin a varmints day.
Matt
 
His .22 cal bullets shoot really, really well. And his 17's, which stopped being available long ago, are the most accurate I've eever used.
 
(What does that have to do with James Calhoon?)
He said the 20 Vartarg was at the top of the list. I merely suggested he look at the 20/222. I have two and they both shoot great and at hyper speed.
 
Ackman

What weight .17 caliber bullets did James C. make that shot well in your rifle.
Flat base, boat tail, hollow point or lead tipped ? Do you know what jackets he used ?

Thanks
Hal
 
Well.just for reference on James 19 Badger I loaded for, if I shoot out one of my 17's it will be made into one of his 19's
 

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