I would get a set of h&h go/no go gages and check the headspace before any fireforming attempts. Then use a light load with no bullet to eliminate neck size/length danger at first. The best would be the chamber cast method mentioned then compare to a h&h case. I would not trust any print info until you actually get a cast or fireformed case.
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Custom 300Hoffman Magnum
- Thread starter SouthTx1911
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MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
Do you mean, is it possible to form Hoffman cases FROM .300 H&H cases with a light load? Yes.
lilharcher
Well-Known Member
Exactly what I meant.....
SouthTx1911
Member
Mud-That is awesome info. I didn't know that. That may be the direction I go.
lilharcher-very interesting question. I would love to know that answer.
Lazy- yeah I really need to get it checked out solid and make for sure.
lilharcher-very interesting question. I would love to know that answer.
Lazy- yeah I really need to get it checked out solid and make for sure.
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
I don't know the case length specs of the Hoffman magnum, so, there might need to be some trimming involved when forming cases from .300H&H, but since I don't have the .300 Hoffman specs available, I can't tell that.
As far as forming the actual case from a .300 H&H, yes, that is what is required to make brass for this particular wildcat. But like I said, being that I don't know the case length specs, I can't tell you if you will need to do some trimming before loading up .300 H&H brass for forming cases.
As far as forming the actual case from a .300 H&H, yes, that is what is required to make brass for this particular wildcat. But like I said, being that I don't know the case length specs, I can't tell you if you will need to do some trimming before loading up .300 H&H brass for forming cases.
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
Just doing some google searching trying to find some ammo specs for your .300 Hoffman, and saw this and thought it might be something cool to keep with your rifle. It claims to be an original 1925 ad with authentication records.
Amazon.com - 1925 Ad Hoffman Arms 300 Magnum Hunting Rifle Gun Sporting Goods Firearm Outdoor - Original Print Ad -
I also found a place that can get brass for it...
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/554769/quality-cartridge-reloading-brass-300-hoffman-box-of-20
I cannot find any reloading dies for it, as that caliber is pretty much all but obsoleted from the history of calibers...
You could have a chamber cast made and send off to Mr. Whidden of Whidden Dies and he can make you a custom set of dies for it.
Amazon.com - 1925 Ad Hoffman Arms 300 Magnum Hunting Rifle Gun Sporting Goods Firearm Outdoor - Original Print Ad -
I also found a place that can get brass for it...
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/554769/quality-cartridge-reloading-brass-300-hoffman-box-of-20
I cannot find any reloading dies for it, as that caliber is pretty much all but obsoleted from the history of calibers...
You could have a chamber cast made and send off to Mr. Whidden of Whidden Dies and he can make you a custom set of dies for it.
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SouthTx1911
Member
Ive actually got the dies. My aunt found them last week. They were custom made but I don't know by whom. I just don't know the first thing about reloading and how to start putting some rounds together. My best friend has all the reloading stuff I need to do it I just don't have any load info. Ill be buying brass from Midway. $52 for 20 shells is a nail biter.
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lilharcher
Well-Known Member
Norma 300 H&H brass is $32 per 20, so once you get your hands on some 300 Hoffman cases and confirm they are the same size w/ different shoulder as the H&H, you should be able to easily fire form the H&H brass into Hoffman brass.
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
You don't HAVE to have headstamp-correct brass that says .300 Hoffman, although that would be kind of cool, being how rare that caliber is. It would be cool to have a box or 2 of actual brass for it.
However, you can buy .300 H&H brass for pretty cheap and just form out of it, which is what I would do.
Now, once you've confirmed that your case length will be ok for using .300 H&H brass, these next steps will come into play...
As for load data, I would naturally assume your uncle should have a few books of records of his loads for each caliber. I would do some searching around to see if she can find anything like that, that might be helpful.
If I had to guess (don't take this as the god's honest truth), I would guess that load data would be very similar to the .300 H&H, being they are so similar, and if it were MY gun, I would be looking at .300 H&H load data and start with book starting loads for it, and work my way up to find pressure signs, then make records of my own load data to be able to refer back to later.
If you have a friend who is a skilled and seasoned reloader, I would get him to help you out with looking for pressure signs and ladder testing loads to find your max load in that rifle.
Now, since you are extremely new to this, and wildcats, I would recommend using about a 75% load (of a book starting load for .300 H&H), and the cheapest .308 caliber bullets (projectiles) you can find (most likely Hornady 165 Interlocks) to form the brass. Then once you have about 50 formed cases, then you can start your load development.
SouthTx1911
Member
Any chance you'd spell out fire forming in a compact version? Like I said I am just now getting into this stuff. Been shooting a long time but not reloading.
mountainman56
Well-Known Member
If you have the dies you have it made in the shade. Bite the bullet and spend the money for the 20 rounds of original brass plus buy 20 H&H brass. Chamber one of the unloaded Hoffman brass to make sure there is no problem closing the bolt. With calipers measure the length of the Hoffman as well as the H&H, if they are the same you're good to go. If the H&H brass is longer it will have to be trimmed to the same length as the Hoffman. If the Hoffman is longer by a little this will not be an issue. From your reloading manual use starting loading information for the 300H&H and fire in your rifle. This will fire form it to your chamber. You will then have Hoffman sized brass (with an H&H headstamp) which can be run through your custom dies for the next reloading.
Save the Hoffman brass to pass on to your kids.
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
If the .300 H&H brass is 0.020" or less, longer than the .300 Hoff brass, then he won't need to trim anything. Because when he blows the walls out and shoulder forward on the H&H brass, it has to scavenge brass from somewhere, so it takes it from the neck. So when it forms to the walls of the larger Hoffman chamber, it will take up that 0.020" or less excess in the case length.
SouthTx1911
Member
Awesome info guys! Thanks so much for shedding some light for me. I would have all of the stuff my uncle had for it but his best friend was somehow allowed to take ALL of his reloading stuff. This was a huge pain for me and my brother. I got the 300 Hoffman and he got a Mashburn 7mm Super. My aunt had to get this guy to give her the reloading dies. No idea if any load info is maybe with the dies. I still have to get them from her in Arkansas. Im hoping for the best. Pretty sure he probably took any loaded rounds or brass for both guns as well. I KNOW my uncle would never have a gun and no ammo. Like I said, Im hoping for the best.
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
Keep us updated...
BTW, I'd be calling his best friend and asking him what he's got for it.
