.358jdj and smoked cases

[HHI-7420]

ANYBODY: using rel-7(47.0-47.5grs.) and 200gr. bullits in my 358jdj smokes my cases all the way to the breach face. One case at 47.5grs. dented at the shoulder also, so I've stayed at 47.0grs.(this year I  got 3 deer with it even though). Just what does this smoking mean? If I remember correctly there was no smoke or not much at 48.0grs.. It is a rechambered .35rem. bbl.. Cases drop out easily. I know JD says 48.0grs. in HIS bbls., but this is a rechambered TC bbl. and even though they usually require less powder, I don't feel that I'm over max.. Any info is appreciated and thanked for in advance.  Pat

[RonF]

Smoked cases usually (not always) mean low pressure.  If 48.0 gr doesn't smoke them, and 47.5 does, and if your velocity is not above what that load produces in JDJ data, then I'd use it.  If the velocity is higher than expected, then I would not increase.  More than likely, if you anneal your case necks this problem will go away; at least that has usually helped me in similar situations, albeit not with the .358 JDJ.

Hope this helps you.

RonF

[haroldclark]

Ronf is correct in his analysis of low pressure.  I have found that if I'm going to shoot a lower pressure load, then I will first fire form the cases with a max or near max load to completely fireform the cases to the chamber.

What happens is that the cases are much smaller than the chamber and the gases blow back all around the case or at least to a point where the case fits closer.

I shoot a bunch of lead bullets at much lower pressures, but after several firings, say in 30-06 or 308 cases, the brass fire forms and the neck is the only smoked area.  My 7mm TCU cases smoke at the neck with full house loads.

The 444 Marlin case is one hard puppy.  I shoot a 444 Marlin Rifle and I have experience with that case.  I think that is the case you are using, isn't it and necked down to 358?  Annealing it about halfway past the shoulder might work for you.  Annealing does soften the brass considerably.

Harold Clark