Why is a Martini Cadet unsuitable for a .219 Donaldson Wasp?

[pertnear]

I recently bought my 1st Martini Cadet. It has been converted to .256 Win Mag with a straight 1" barrel 20" long. Part of my thinking (i.e. rationalization & self-convincing to buy) was that I could eventually convert it to a .219 D.Wasp, a cartridge that has always fascinated me. Doing a bit of research I discovered that the Martini Cadet action was tested in the US by White labs to 60K pressure - a very strong action! But De Haas's gunsmithing book says although it will work fine for the standard .219 Zipper, he explicitly states that it is not suitable for any wildcats based on the Zipper case. He further noted that one of the weak points is in the extractor area. The barrel tendon is .75" dia & .659" long. Any thoughts on why the Wasp is a no-no? Frank is gone or I'd ask him.

BTW: I guess my post is really just curiosity now, because the lil' .256 shoots so good, I'd be a fool to mess with it!

 

[RWO]

I suspect Frank was worried that wildcatters would likely make loads well in excess of the .219 Zipper's factory max pressure of 42KSI. After all it is was originally developed for Win lever action rifles. The Cadet action might have withstood 60KSI in the lab, but I'm sure a steady diet of 50KSI ammo would make for a short life. JMHO.

RWO

 

[pertnear]

I thought maybe it had something to do with the girth of the case & the diameter of the receiver. My understanding was that the Cadet was once a top Australian benchrest rifle chambered in .222R ( a rimmed .222). Pressure of the regular .222 is greater than 50K & I assumed .222R is not a lot different. 219 cases are usually made from .30-30 brass which is slightly larger diameter in the body & thus less metal around the chamber. Just thinking out loud....

Thanks for your response.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Not enough meat around the barrel tenon

 

[nvtoy]

I remember a reply by Bob Snapp, a real expert on Martini’s. Fellow had a .225 Win. on a Martini and wanted load recommendations. Robert told him he would not chamber one in this caliber, but if he had one he would use .223 starting loads and not go any higher. But what’s the point, if you want the most velocity from the small frame Martini I would go with the 5.6-50 R. Have one that I’m going to part with soon if anyone has any interest.
nvtoy