Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles 219 Donaldson Wasp

I posted a question in the "wildcat" thread but I am getting no response..........Does anyone on here have any experience with this wildcat? If so, what brass is best to form the case? Is there any concern about standard 30-30 brass being to thin? If so, how is the 25-35 brass or the 219 Zipper brass soon to be offered in Midway? I know the 375 Win brass is heavier, but it seems hard to get and would require alot of form steps. Any one have any ideas that would be great.

Mark H

Mark,

I hesitate to answer as I've only known one shooter that actually owned a .219 Donaldson Wasp, but will give it a go....

The .30-30 route is not the best way to go according to my recollection (it has been a very long time ago). I distinctly remember my friend using .219 Zipper brass. Shortened, necked, and fire-formed. The .30-30 can be used but requires an additional process (IIRC).

The Wasp is a nice cartridge, the introduction of the .222 signaled it's doom. Seems to me I recall reading that it developed high chamber pressures, but don't quote me on that.

Regards,
JB

Mark,

I don't have any experience with the Wasp, even tho' I almost bought one a couple of years ago. Of course, the best brass to form for it is the .30 American. But that is pretty scarce these days, I'm sure. Probably after that would be Norma or RWS .25/35 or 6.3x whatever the metric desgnation is. That brass would likely be more consistant than American made brass.

Of course, the best answer is to forget it! But if that is an itch that needs scratching, then by all means, you've got to scratch it! There are other cartridges that give similar performance with a lot less work, But I'm sure you already know that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ...Idle thoughts from an mind...the9.3Guy

The 219 Donaldson Wasp might be described as a sharper-shouldered blown-out 219 Zipper, for that case has most often been used to form brass for this early "forties wildcat" Wasp cases, however, have also been made from 25-35, 30-30 and 22 High Power brass as well. I had a 219 Donaldson Custom Mauser Model 1898 with a 29" 1 in 14 twist. If my memory is correct I was pushing a 50 grain spire point at about 3600fps.
Good Luck
Bill <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hey 9.3. I agree but it is not my itch <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> My buddy has had an itch for this wildcat for several years. He currently has a Ruger #1 in Swift. We figure pull the Swift barrel and install a new Wasp barrel. If he wants sometime down the road it can be a Swift again. (plus we have a Swift reamer...so we can make a Swift when ever <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />) Let me know if you get a line on any 30 American cases ........What about the 225 Win case. I know the rim is smaller but the other Dia should work. It is a semi rimmed case of strong make, and is an Imp Zipper. ?????just a thought.

Mark H

There will be somw extractor issues with the swift/ Donalson case witch.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Catnthehat

Mark,

If you have the "Handloader's Manual of Cartridge Conversions", check out the .224 Donladson Ace. If I'm not mistaken, that is the same as the .219 Donaldson Wasp, except using .225 Win cases. Although, as CatintheHat mentioned I seriously doubt you will have any extractor issues with the #1. As you may be aware, the #1 has a spring loaded extractor, and they are pretty forgiving. At any rate, the .225 Win case should solve case availablity and forming problems. And, of course, would elimainate any extractor issues, as well. Hope this helps...the9.3Guy

[color:"blue"] [/color] Donaldson brass is avail. at www.eabco.com.

Another place you might want to check is Buffalo Arms Co. They specialize in odd caliber brass. Their phone number is: 208-263-6953.
Don