Not really sure if I am using the right terminology. I am sure I can get set straight here. I am working on a wildcat and am still in the planning stage. What is better a case with a slight taper throughout the entire case or a straight case necked down at the projectile? Advantages and disadantages of both? any help would be appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by anonymousbob:
Not really sure if I am using the right terminology. I am sure I can get set straight here. I am working on a wildcat and am still in the planning stage. What is better a case with a slight taper throughout the entire case or a straight case necked down at the projectile? Advantages and disadantages of both? any help would be appreciated.

AB,

I’m on the road right now and have no access to my reference books. Without getting into whether the cartridge will be used in a handgun or shoulder fired weapon…let me limit my comments to this single comment.

P.O. Ackley over his many years of wildcatting and cartridge case design identified that a .0075” per inch case body taper (minimum specification) provided reliable feeding and case extraction. The 470 Capstick is the only successful factory cartridge that I’m aware of that has less case body taper than the Ackley design standard. Stay within Ackley’s design specification and you will maximize your success potential.

thank you for the responce. The cartritge will be shoulder fired. I will combine the two. A slight taper throughout the case with a small neck at the projectile. One day I will get it finished and post my creation here for everyone to critique

I look forward to seeing your design...sometime in the future - good luck.

If by small neck you mean a short neck ... there are pluses and minuses here as well. Short necks maximise case capacity, but long necks are a distinct advantage with some styles of projectile. Minimal case taper maximises case capacity, but a heavily tapered case may feed better and resist shoulders collapsing during reloading. Everything is a compromise where you need to determine what your goal is ten find the best way to get there. Bloody good fun too!
Cheers...
Con

i think you are looking for "ghost shoulder" which is a parallel section of the case the equates to a neck.

i suggest it, strongly .. you need about 1/2 to 1 full caliber for neck