Wildcat cartridges

Guns Magazine, Dec, 2007 by Jeff John

Q: Long time subscriber, first time writer. I am interested in developing a wildcat cartridge and I am having a difficult time finding resources in "how to." I just thought this might be a good topic for an article in your magazine.

Shawn P. Upchurch

Princeton, Indiana

A: Not to discourage you, but just about every case has been necked up, down, blown out and shortened. You name it, and someone has tried it. Still, if you believe there is always room for improvement (and there probably is), the best place to start is The Handloaders's Manual of Cartridge Conversions by John Donnely and Bryce Towsley, Stoeger Publishing, 17603 Indian Head Hwy, Accokeek, MD 20607, (301) 283-6300, www.stoegerpublishing.com. In there is a hefty list of cartridges both inch and metric, factory and wildcat already available, so you won't spin your wheels on a concept already explored. Also included is a common method for determining measurements, a sample blank cartridge dimension charts and definitions you'll need in communicating with die and reamer makers and a resource guide to brass, dies and reamer makers.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]