What did I buy?

[35 IHMSA]

Just purchased a XP-100 in 35 IHMSA at a great price with the intention of changing out the barrel to something I am more familiar with like a .260 Remington, but before i make the swap I would like some information about this caliber. If I can get enough info for case formation and a source for dies, I may leave it as is and shoot a few rounds and see how it feels. Anyone familiar with this to point me in the right direction?

Thanks for helping a newbie,

Joe

[260 Striker]

All the IHMSA cases were based upon the 300 Savage either necked up or down with some other changes to the shoulders. These cartridges were developed by Elgin Gates back in the 70s. The IHMSA series (or INTs as they were sometimes called) are usually very efficient cartridges in XPs with plenty of knock down for our targets. Probably the most encountered of the IHMSA series was the 7mm IHMSA (INT). IHMSA HQ at one time sold conversions for all the IHMSA cartridges which consisted of barrels and optional stocks which could then be fitted by local gunsmiths to your XP. Even the early 7BR XPs could be converted to a 7 INT-X which was just a regular 7 IHMSA, just fatter at the shoulder than a regular 7 INT to clean up the old 7 BR shoulder. This would be a great cartridge to shoot but the 35 IHMSA can be brutal if you try to use all the available horsepower. This would probably make a great cast bullet gun using some of the heavier 357 bullets (180 grain+) made for the 357 mag or 357 Maximum. Try CH4D for dies. Very resonably priced and good quality. You have a piece of early IHMSA history there.

[35 IHMSA]

260 Striker,

Thanks for the education.

I thought this was a cartridge from the past since I could not find any reloading info or the gunsmith that built the 14 1/2" custom barrel, Gryphon Gunworks of Phoenix, AZ, on the net or from any of my reloading manuals. I will contact CH4D on Monday and see what they can do for me. I may keep it as is and just throw lead.

Thanks again,

Joe

[high standard 40]

The 35 Int would make a great cast bullet gun. I have an XP in 35 Remington and it loves the RCBS 35-200FN with a moderate load of either 4759 or 5744. Recoil is not that bad and accuracy is very good. Your gun is a rare classic. I would think long and hard before I would alter it.

[35 IHMSA]

All,

Just an update on my project. I contacted Redding and they found a new FL sizing die set for the 35 IHMSA under a ton of dust on their custom shelf. I guess I am going to keep it as is and work up some loads and shoot cast bullets.

Thanks for all of the info

[sgtrock965]

Looked in my copy of "Reloading Guide for Handgun Accuracy", dated July 1982, published by Elgin Gates, and there were no recommended loads at all. Yes, the book is dated, but every load in it was used to post a perfect score.

If you have any of the following calibers, I can tell you what the book recommends:

(Production) 7mm T/CU, .30 Herrett, .30-30 WCF, .357 Magnum, .357 Super Mag, .357 Herrett, .41 Magnum, .44 Magnum.

(Revolver) .357 Magnum, .41 Magnum, .44 Magnum.

(Unlimited) 6.5mm IHMSA, 6.5mm/.223, 7mm IHMSA, 7mm/.223 Unlimited, 7mm T/CU, 7mm Benchrest, 7mm x 47, 7mm x .308, 7 x 57 Mauser, .30 IHMSA, .30 Herrett, .30 Merrill, .30-30 WCF, .300 Savage, .308 x 1.5", .308 WCF

email me at "sgtrock965@earthlink.net"

[7br]

Iffn you would like to try some of the RCBS 35-200 boolits, drop me an email. Don't always check this board. you can find me on the Castboolit bulleting board with the same handle.

[260 Striker]

In the Shooting Steel book published in 1986 on page 170 are a few loads suggested for the 35 IHMSA.
33.0 gr. 4895 with 180-200 gr. bullet
23.0 gr. 4198 with 180-200 gr. bullet
20.0 gr. 4759 with 220-250 gr. bullet
30.0 gr. 4895 with 220-250 gr. bullet
23.0 gr. 4198 with 220-250 gr. bullet
The chart did not indicate whether Hodgdon or IMR powders were used. I can't vouch for these loads so reduce starting loads and approach with caution. I would also sugget trying AA5744. I use it in my 260 Remington and have also used it in 7-08 and 308 with excellent results and mild recoil. I'm going to try it in my 30BR with cast bullets at our next match. Great powder.

[35 IHMSA]

I want to thank all who provided excellent info for a beginner. This will be well used and I will provide updates as I continue to participate in my new found shooting activity. I have shot and owned all type of rifles but this is my first bolt action pistol and probably not my last. I am also looking into casting since I have not cast any bullets since 1978 when I had my first muzzle loader. This looks like a good resource for info on casting:

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Contents.htm
http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_textonly2.pdf

Fair winds and following seas with a big thanks,

Joe

[7br]

That is a great resource. You might also checkout http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com . Lots of good information there also. There are a few chuckleheads, but the percentage is remarkably low.