375 x 444 a.k.a. 375 JDJ

[Johnly]

I recently purchased a 375 x 444 Mike B chambered from Charlie C., topped it with a 2X Leupold, and took it out the the range. I started out with 38 grains of RL-7 and 43 grains H-322 pushing either a 220 gr Hornady FP or 225 gr. Hornady SP for "get aquainted" case forming loads.  I fired 30 rounds over the course of the day, and found the recoil more significant than my 12" Hunter barrel in 375 Win, but less than my 444 Marlin barrel.  But then again these were case forming loads that had pretty mild operating pressures. The barrel showed a distinct preference to H-322, turning in several sub-2"  five shot groups ay 100 yards with both bullets.

Charlie supplied me with a few formed cases and I ran some additional 444 brass through the 375x444 sizing die and formed a shoulder that required a snap of the action for the round to close on. Interestingly enough, brass sized to headspace on the rim that Charlie supplied, wouldn't light a Rem 9 1/2 primer even though there was a fair dimple on the primer. The snap to headspace rounds all performed flawlessly.

[Charlie C]

Hi John,
The brass I formed was sized off the shoulder, not the rim. :lol:  There must be a slight difference in frame gap between our frames.  :eek:  I never encountered any problems with the brass I formed.  :-) Every one I formed & loaded ....... fired with out any problems.  Formed the brass according to *****'* method.   :roll:
Let me know how that rascal shoots when you get the fine tuneing done.
Charlie C

[Johnly]

Hi John,
The brass I formed was sized off the shoulder, not the rim. :lol:  There must be a slight difference in frame gap between our frames.  :eek:  I never encountered any problems with the brass I formed.  :-) Every one I formed & loaded ....... fired with out any problems.  Formed the brass according to *****'* method.   :roll:
Let me know how that rascal shoots when you get the fine tuneing done.
Charlie C

Charlie,

Thanks for a fine barrel, it's been a blast to shoot.  I'm going to switch to lead bullets seated out into the rifling to get around the case forming misfiring occurance.  Once the brass has been fired one,  no problems have reoccured.

Thanks again for parting with this barrel.