I'm considering this for my next build. CZ 527 converted from 7.62x39. So how to go about it? Rebarrel? 7.62x39 dies with a .358 expander? Anyone make 358 Gremlin dies? My main concern is the mag OAL and the impact on case capacity. For those who have the mag what is the max OAL ?
358 Gremlin 358x39
- Thread starter Shakky
- Start date
Just my opinion, but unless you are looking to build a subsonic rig, .358 caliber is too large for the case capacity of the X39... if the plan is to shoot 180 grain bullets, you can do that at 7.62... 200 grains and up really needs more powder. There are better cases to work with at .35 cal.
This won't sound rational. I like .35 cal. I have a .35 Remington pump and a .35 Whelen bolt action. If I can make this thing into close to .35 Rem numbers Ill be happy. Max shot is 80 yards and really under 50 yards for the most part. So I intend to drive a 200gr bullet at 2000 fps.
Hey, I am a big .35 cal fan too... and I have done more than my fair share of silly builds... I built a .358-375 Ruger, which is a functional beast of a cartridge, BUT... I could have just left it as the .375. So I am not throwing stones, if you really want to do this project, then go ahead and get it done. It helps if you know what your goal is, what are you trying to accomplish? In the case of my .358-375 build, I had a take-off barrel in .350 RM and an unused Ruger M77 Mark II .338 WM, so the building blocks were already in my shop... as much as it didn't make sense, it worked for me... and it is a tremendous long range thumper with 225 Accubonds.
As for your build, the blown-out Grendel Case gives you a little more space for powder... as for equaling .35 Rem performance, the Grendel capacity is approximately 35 grains water versus the .35 Rem's approximate 50 grains water... I don't think you are going to accomplish that goal.
Sounds a lot like a 357 Maximum. Even the rim diameter is about right to use the 7.62X39 bolt. No need for any forming, anything custom (reamer, dies, brass, etc.) and lots of load data.
Feeding from the mag could be a challenge as you'd be going from rimless to rimmed.
Feeding from the mag could be a challenge as you'd be going from rimless to rimmed.
Last edited:
- Location
- WMU247 near Edmonton
sounds interesting.
I'm working on sorting out a 357Herret project. (30-30 Improved shortened and necked up to 357)
but now I'll need to look at this case too.
I'm working on sorting out a 357Herret project. (30-30 Improved shortened and necked up to 357)
but now I'll need to look at this case too.
You're basicly wanting to build a rimless 357 maximum.
The case capacities should be very close.
It would be a good cartridge with lighter bullets and similar loads for the 357 maximum.
I have loaded my Martini, chambered for the 357 Maximum with Speer 250 grain flat base, spire point bullets.
Velocity isn't spectacular but it's capable of anything a hot rod 357 magnum will do with the bullets associated.
The case capacities should be very close.
It would be a good cartridge with lighter bullets and similar loads for the 357 maximum.
I have loaded my Martini, chambered for the 357 Maximum with Speer 250 grain flat base, spire point bullets.
Velocity isn't spectacular but it's capable of anything a hot rod 357 magnum will do with the bullets associated.
It could be.
Would its rim diameter (0.378") be an issue with the 7.62X39 boltface (0.447")?
It uses 9mm (0.355") bullets. There is a vast variety of designs for handguns, most in the <150 gr range, but less than for 35 cal (0.358"), particularly heavier than 150 grs, which goes from 38 Special bullets to 358 Norma Mag (125-250+ gr). I suppose they could be sized down to 0.355".
Would the 7.62X39 mags work? - maybe.
Had one those herretts in a contender. Fun gun. Worked on deer about the same as a 35 Rem does. - dan
Yes, 350 Legend uses a 223 bolt face so 527 in 223 rebarelled would be the ticket, components, dies, factory ammo all available. The cartridge was designed to feed from 223 mags so I can't see there being any issue other then time and $$ required for the barrel change.
There are 350 Legend factory rifles, they are not CZ quality, like the Ruger American, Winchester XPR for example, I think a 527 in the Legend would be a nice little Carbine.
