Thanks for the response. After thinking about the reamer, gauges, etc., my gunsmith here in Colo Spgs. has all that since he made up my first .35 Improved. Kinda forgot about that! I can hook up with him when I get around to doing the project, if ever.
On the recoil, middle of the road loads feel mild, I agree. I heard and have confirmed with my shoulder that heavier bullets tend to give more of a push whereas lighter faster bullets (.280) punch or jab the rifle back in recoil. A longer, slower energy transfer rather than a quick hit.
What bullets and weights are you using for the middle of the road loads? When I shoot a 250 grain lead core bullet at 2500 or so, it feels nice to the shoulder. When I push it to 2650 fps it is a different feeling. Same difference with 225 X bullets. At 2650 or so they feel good, at the 2800 fps I can get with the TSX or XLC Barnes 225 x-bullets, it comes back pretty good! Unless the chronograph was in error, I saw 2900 fps with the 225 XLC from Barnes and that recoil was no fun. Showed no pressure signs, although I'd be a fool to think it wasn't at the top of the scale.
Barnes claims 100-200 fps gain in velocity with the XLC bullets, so from the 2700 fps I get with standard X's, it is possible. I haven't shot anymore at that velocity with that load, as it recoils a tad. No need, honestly. 2800 fps is good for whatever I may ever need, and probably for a lot of what I will never need!
I'd be interested in the loads and bullets weights you have put together so far, and velocity if you have a chronograph. I have a chronograph and it is the best $80 I spent over the years for the info it provides.
My load for the 225 X bullets (regular, not XLC or TSX) is 60 grains of Varget or 59 or IMR 4320 with a Remington .35 Whelen fireformed case, and a CCI 250 primer. I experimented with both standard and magnum primers and have much lower velocity spreads with the magnum primers. It is a big difference!
Let me know what you have come up with if you would like.
Howard.