Guys,
I've always thought Ruger were twats for not putting the old 400/350 into the No1 ... it'd be classy wouldn't it.
Yesterday for giggles I popping by Bertram and picked up some brass from him, some being in 400/350.
Comparing it (measured) to an ex-mil 303British ... rim diameter is 0.525" vs 0.528, rim thickness is 0.052" vs 0.060", base diameter 0.470" vs 0.460", shoulder diameter 0.425" vs 0.408", length is obviously significantly different at 2.195" vs 2.738".
Next ... placed a 400/350 case into the magazine of a sporterised Remington P14 ... well bugger me it feeds out of the box, is released straight under the extractor and enters (with some finger guidance occasionally) until interfered by the 303/25 chamber. Gently pulling back with finger pressure ejects the case half way across the room. . Wouldn't feed from the left as the case mouth interferes with the front of the way too short magazine box.
Projectile (310gr Woodleigh) seated to the cannelure gives a COL of 3.548".
So ... given that P14s and M17s are altered to work with 375H&H length cartridges ... I'm left with expensive thoughts of why not do a 400/350Nitro on a P14? Ballistically it'll only be a Whelen on steroids, but at relatively mild pressures. Classy enough to have me consider pulling a beautifully sporterised P14 apart. Just need to find/buy a reamer.
Reality check needed.
Cheers...
Con
PS: Yes I'm a 35-aholic ... but I don't see the problem