I have a Freedom Arms Model 83 in 357 Magnum that I intend to have Jack Huntington convert to -- and we have developed a problem.

My original thought was to have Mr. Huntington convert to 500 WE. And that would have been that. I've participated in several threads about grip shape and barrel length for FA 500 WE. Several other participants have mentioned rather strongly that conversion to 500 JRH would be more desirable. I have been told that actual case/cartridge capacities are identical for the two cartridges, that both are proprietary, nevertheless, production cartridges, and that the JRH case was the developmental case for the Wyoming Express. I understand JRH brass is 500 S&W brass shortened with annealed mouth, no other changes.

Okay, I've exhausted my knowledge.

Those who have experience with either 500 WE or 500 JRH, please identify any advantage to selecting either cartridge for Mr. Huntington to convert to. Conversion cost is identical. Brass costs are approximately the same while altering 500 S&W brass reduces JRH's cost. This, to me, is not a compelling reason to choose to make a JRH conversion.

From a performance standpoint, I don't believe you will see any difference between the two cartridges. I know the .500 Linebaugh and .500 JRH are pretty much equal and the .500 WE falls right in with those two.

I believe the decision is going to come down to whether you want belted cases or not.

I'll bet the reemer is proprietary as well.......also, does Jack want to build you a WE, when his cartridge is the JRH?? That is almost akin to seeking a Pepsi from the Coca Cola plant....... Actually the rim is smaller on the JRH then the .500 S&W. Have you had this conversation with Jack yet? I'm curious.......

I am sure gunsmiths will chamber for most cartridges. Gary Reeder is doing my new handgun in 475 Linebaugh, and he did not have a problem at all, he still makes the money no matter the chambering.

But personally I would rather have a non- belted cartridge over a belted cartridge.

But you are the one who has to like it.

As far as I know, Mr. Huntington will rebore/chamber for either round at identical pricing.

There are no "flags" associated with belted rimless or rimmed straight cases in terms of case lengthening or shortening?

Is there any online or printed source for 500 JRH loading data that includes pressure range, as occurs with 500 WE at Hodgdon's online data site?

I told you that loading data is forthcoming, but has not been submitted yet. The red flag in my opinion is that if this cartridge goes belly-up, what will you make cases out of? Also, as far as factory loads are concerned, I find Buffalo Bore's offerings to be considerably better than Grizzly's of the selections that I have tried. Make mine a JRH.......

In fact, I am building a JRH and a .500 Linebaugh........