375 Super Mag Q's

[texas4x4hoe]

First off I'm kind of new to the wheel gun world, used to have a S&W 686 357 Magnum. Coworker is thinking of selling his Dan Wesson 375 Super Mag to me and I'm trying to figure out the super rare brass situation. I'm trying to find info on sizing up and trimming 30-30 Winchester brass to the 375. I've seen lots of references to being doable/acceptable but I've yet to find how to actually accomplish the task. Any info is appreciated. 

[jsh]

Brass can be made from 375 Winchester.
It can also be made from 30-30 very easily. Some will
Say that the 375 Winchester brass is heavier at the web. I found my lots of Winchester 3030 brass to weigh the same as the 375 brass when cut to length. Never used any in a 375 SM. I think the original cases may have even been small primer pockets.
Am sure Bradshaw will respond when he sees this thread.
All of my above brass findings were when I got my 375 Winchester barrel for a tc. 375 Winchester brass was hard to find. Set up some 3030 brass to use a d went with a 38-55 load to keep it on the soft side. After getting some 375 Winchester brass and using the 38-55 load in it and across the chrono. There was no difference.
Jeff

[texas4x4hoe]

Thanks for the info. I have never had the need to neck cases up or down to repurpose brass. So how do you go about removing the shoulder from the 30-30 to get up to 375. Do you just size it up with the 375 die then trim to length?

[jsh]

I would trim first. Then expand. A tapered expander would work best. I don't know if there is any one making a tapered expander in 375. I myself have several m dies and go from say 30-35 caliber. Then to 375. I do as much by feel as anything. Make sure and inside lube cases. Once fired could be used but virgin would save a lot of grief. I would leave brassard little long and do a final trim when case forming is complete.
Annealing wouldn't hurt either before firing.
It sounds like more work than it is.
I have read and studied this cartridge for a while. I still don't know why no one has picked it up and ran with it. Even though the frame window may be the biggest issue I feel end results would be worth it.
The case was supposed to have spikey pressure issues in it original introduction. Or so it was printed in some of the articles of the day. The industries have came a long long way with powder in a relatively short amount of time that would solve some of those issues.
Bullets would be another down fall as the only option for jacketed to hunt with would be for the 38-55/375. Cast bullets. Well IMHO with a good design and the right alloy I think that is where it would really shine.
Look at the BC of the 375. In large caliber it is to medium large bores to what the 6.5 is to sub 30's. The 6.5's were shunned for a long time by most mostly because of metric/foreign aspects of it I suspect. Heck the 7 mag took a while for it to go for the metric reason.
If the Dan Wesson can be bought for a reasonable price it would be a nice project. You will find a lot of help here I am sure.
Jeff

[jsh]

I will make this offer. You get the gun, send me some virgin brass and I will do the rest! Prefer to have a full length sizing die. If you don't have one I know where there may be one locally.
To top that off I can fix you up with some cast also. I will look I think I have some Sierra and Hornady jacketed I would cut you a deal on for this project.
Jeff

[texas4x4hoe]

Awesome info and thanks for the offer. It's got me going on some more research. Found a Sinclair expander die and mandrels for 35 and 375 caliber. Oh and he's got a redding set of dies for it (99% sure that it's a FL) and quite a few bullets also. 

[bradshaw]

texas4x4hoe....Dan Wesson .375 Super Mags tend to fine accuracy. Slug the barrel, as some had .377 groove diameter. Early on I experienced sticking cases with .30-30 brass. Winchester brass stamped .375 Winchester exhibited better spring-back for a given load, indicating .375 brass was harder in the head area, an observation which a Winchester representative said was correct. Slight chamber taper precludes use of a carbide sizing die. The .375 SM has been quite a stomper with cast bullets.
David Bradshaw

[AxeHandle]

Capture the dies with that beast if you can. They come off Redding's "Custom" list. Took me a few months for them to deliver mine..

[texas4x4hoe]

Update I got the pistol w/scope,rings,mount,20 rounds loaded ammo, another 20 brass, about 200 bullets(some 200's and 220's), and the dies.

[texas4x4hoe]

Also what are you guys using for cast bullets. It seems like cast might be a little easier to find than jacked bullets.

[contender]

Gee,,, I guess it was a good idea for me to buy that set of dies & about 14 actual 375 cases recently. Even though I don't have anything in that caliber. I was considering a T/C Contender barrel in it though,,,!

[AxeHandle]

For an off the shelf bullet mold I bought the RCBS part number (82029)for the 250 grain GC bullet that Montanna Bullet Works list in their table here www.montanabulletworks.com/375_Rifle.html. Have not cast any bullets myself yet...