Safari Grade 35 SUCCESS!!!

[Flat Top]

NOTICE!!!!! All data listed below is for a MODIFIED rifle and is NOT INTENDED for use in ANY RIFLE other than the modified rifle that has been used in this test!!!! WARNING!!!!!


It was a hazy morning at the range this morning, but reasonably cool considering the type of heat we have been experiencing. Temperature range for this test was 72 to 79 degrees. The first step in testing my SG modifications is to get a charge weight/velocity range and average gain per grain with the powder of choice for the cartridge I am working with. I elected to start with a fast burner and so chose Reloader-7. I have had good success with this powder in other 35 Rem loads and having some on hand it was the logical choice. RL-7 also showed the greatest gain per grain per volume working with my SG 444 modification and is "the" powder for that cartridge/modification. As you can see from my test notes my starting charge was 30.5 grains, and I loaded 20 cartridges to 40.0 grains. This load is uncompressed and sits a tad below the base of the neck. Total powder capacity (RL-7) would be about 42.0 grains or there abouts with this modification. My test notes indicate the powder charge, the velocity obtained (15 ft from the muzzle), primer condition, case head measurement, case length measurement, extraction pressure, and fouling shots (I clean the barrel every five rounds fired during testing, and allow for cool down time....this also normally results in a lower velocity reading for the first round fired thereafter). The test rifle is a Marlin 336 XLR 35 Rem, 24" barrel, 1-16 twist, that has been reworked with my Safari Grade modification.

During the course of planning this modification I had many conversations with rooter pig. He, as far as I am concerned, is the consummate hunter...I know of nobody that puts time in afield like he does, and his success rate is astonishing to say the least. He also has very much experience with the wild boars that he loves to hunt, so his input on tougher game was valuable! After much though and a lot of number crunching, I developed three "possible" goals for this modification and discussed their viability for hunting tough game with rooter pig;

1.) a 250 grain bullet at 2150 fps, 2616 ft lbs, TKO 28, Optimal Game weight 969 lbs, Overall Trajectory 200 yards 6.4". I thought this was a good load!...rooter pig wanted more!
2.) a 250 grain bullet at 2250 fps, 2865 ft lbs, TKO 29, OGW 1111 lbs, OT at 200 yards 5.8" . I thought this was an excellent load!!! 358 Win!!!....rooter pig wanted more!!!

3.) a 250 grain bullet at 2325 fps, 3060 ft lbs, TKO 30, OGW 1226, OT at 200 yards 5.4". I thought this was absolutely superb...you got it...rooter pig wanted more!!!

rooter pig felt that the "magic" number would be 2350+ if it could be accomplished safely!

Today, I took the 250 grain bullet to 2355 fps, 3139 ft lbs, TKO 30, OGW 1274, OT at 200 yards 5.1".....Not too shabby!!! This was accomplished using my SG modification, and OEM 35 Rem cartridge, neck sized only, OEM loading dies, and components standard for the 35 Rem!!! All loads were hand weighed...not thrown, and all COL's were measured before testing.

When I surpassed 2300 fps ( 39.0 grains) the case measurements indicated a slight percentage of increase in head size and length. I could see the maximum pressure threshold with RL-7 powder starting to approach max. Primer condition was still good and the radius at the edge of the primer was still distinct. Extraction was no different than with the starting charge of 30.5 grains. 39.5 grains showed the primer flattening just a tad, but the radius of the edge was still distinct. The case head showed a bit more enlargement (.0005) and the length increased by .001, yet and extraction was still light and smooth. At 40.0 grains the primer was flat, the radius still visible and distinct, case head size increased by .0004, the length remained the same, and the extraction required just a tad more pressure than normally was exhibited throughout the testing. It was time to stop.

An ideal...safe, sane, and powerful load from this modification would mimic the 358 Win load, by pushing a 250 grain bullet at 2250 fps with 38.0 to 38.5 grains of Reloader-7 at 75 degrees F.

All in all I am happy with the results. The 35 Rem with the SG modification has really showed promise, and I think that once we get the 255 grain cast bullet made available, and maybe move up to a bit slower burning powder in the H-335/ BL C-2 range that this modification with further development will really shine beyond what we have obtained so far!!!

The testing will continue as time permits and I will keep you all posted........Thanks for your support and your interest in this project!!!!

[Salmoneye]

Amazing...

I am in awe, and not worthy...



(Will he ever tell us just what the 'modification' is?)

[rbyham]

Wow, I guess you don't need a 356 Win. Another great job! What speed could you get with a 220 grainer? I know that wasn't what you were after but I am curious.

[rooterpig]

Good job FT! Never had ANY doubt !

[Oberhaz]

Nice work Flat Top! Your experience and determination is appreciated.

[Flat Top]

Heck...that aint nothin'..........now here is something I did today that "IS" somethin'....deer burgers!!! After a successful day at the range, I am going to celebrate! Two of these babies, and ol' FT is gonna sleep like a...baby!!!!

[Flat Top]

Amazing...

I am in awe, and not worthy...



(Will he ever tell us just what the 'modification' is?)

thanks! and appreciate your support! The modification is TOP SECRET...........I wont even tell my wife...and I love her!!!!

[Flat Top]

Wow, I guess you don't need a 356 Win. Another great job! What speed could you get with a 220 grainer? I know that wasn't what you were after but I am curious.

Rbyham; I really couldnt tell you on the 220 grainer until the project is done, but if we do get a solid 2350 with the 250 (which I am hoping for), I would think that 2400 plus would be a piece of cake.

[Flat Top]

Good job FT! Never had ANY doubt !

Thanks rooter....coulnt have done it without ya!!!!

[Gordy]

thanks! and appreciate your support! The modification is TOP SECRET...........I wont even tell my wife...and I love her!!!!

What ! Are you saying you DONT Love US ?