Dave, you are absolutely right in your assessment. But there are several items in wildcatting that are important to consider by first time wildcatter.
1.When it comes to wildcats I am looking for the most efficient and the strongest case you can get, because you want to outperform whatever.
Using Lapua brass where you can is the way to go ( they cost twice as much). But they are dimensional consistent very strong and have long life.
2. Fire forming cost money. Case prep can be very time consuming.
so don't waste either on poor and weak brass.
3. A 307AI will out perform the old timer in velocity, using less powder and the cases will outlast the barrel. They also provide a greater margin of safety.
4. A modern wild cat will be easier to sell if you have too. But as is, wildcats are not easy to sell and have diminished value compared to a standard calibers. You never ever get your money out of a wildcat. Not to mention the custom dies you have to give away with the deal.
Last but not least if you have to worry about money a wildcat is not the way to go, there are many associated costs to consider. Besides most of the time they will not perform as you thought they should. Or don't shoot so good because the smith did a poor job or used a poor reamer,etc, etc, and they may be no better then a standard caliber.
I am a dyed in the wool wildcatter and have build and used many over the years, some very excellent ones others so and so, a few very poor in either accuracy or performance.
Here is what I have used 22Varminter, three 6mmPSP, 243AI long neck),
6MM-284, 6x47FM own design, 280RCBS, Three 280AI, two 7mmSSAI my own design, two 25 Hunter, 30BR, 6PPC the latest one, and another modified 25 Hunter on a full length 243 case in progress.
Besides I have gone through all the hic-ups that are common to wildcats.
Hic-ups are not mistakes but an admission of ignorance. :lol:
Fred M.
