[Contender]

The 358 JDJ and 35/444 are virtually the same cartridge dimension-wise.

The JDJ's are held down somewhat pressure-wise due to the strength of the Contender pistol which is what they were intended for, but if any of them were chambered in a strong single-shot pistol/rifle or bolt gun, loads with higher pressures could be used. The ultimate limiting factor would then be that of the 444 case itself.

The max pressure of the original 444 Marlin is 44,000 CUP so that could be used as a guide.

One could simply go with a 307 or 356 Winchester to get the rimmed case for use in a Levergun loaded to higher pressures.

I have a Contender bbl in 358 Bellm which is basically a JDJ but with a longer neck and somewhat reduced velocity over the JDJ. 358 Winchester dies are used to form it. Neck length is about .5" which would be nice in a levergun with cast bullets I would imagine


Regards



<!--EDIT|Contender|May 03 2002,21:41-->

 

[Contender]

I would say you are correct, weave.

The 444 is just there with cartridge OAL length and a 35 cal version with heavier and as a consequence, longer bullets would increase OAL over the 444.

The 356 is a 2" case vs. the 444 case being about 1/4" longer.

Possibly the Browning/Winchester gun on a necked down 405 Winchester case would open up some possibilities for Whelen performance. The Krag case is 2.3" as you know was used in this gun also.


Regards

 

[Contender]

william,

A most excellent post, chock full of historical info.

Thanks!


Regards