...... Eventually I decided the cartridge was essentially a .375 H&H, and in fact used .375 brass to load it. Never could see what it would do that the .375 wouldn't, but we all have fun foolin' with 'em!
I built a wildcat that predated the 358STA because I got my hands on a supply of 250gr 35 cal Bitterroots.I specified necking up the 8RM Mag case,and as JB points out I mostly necked down and blew out the 375H&H case.It gave a bit over 3000 fps with the 250gr bullets from a 24" 12 twist Krieger;it also kicked like hell,and shot as flat as a 180 gr 30 cal to 400 yards.
At the same time I discovered the 375H&H would propel a 250 375 at 2900 (faster in "loose" barrels),and dropped another 4" at 400 yards. It kicked significantly less and burned less powder.
It was a great cartridge but did not do much the 375H&H did not do,so like John B I concluded a magnum jug 35 is just a 375H&H in drag.When I saw results of the 375-250 Bitterroot on Brown Bear,I forgot about big 35's,and all the other medium bores as well, including the 338 and 340.
