Odd cartridge need identifying

[alaskabushman]

I have a decent sized cartridge collection and am always on the hunt for new additions to my line-up. The other day I had the privilege to dig through a veterans "odd ammo" box. This guy used to work for CCI and gave me a cartridge which I cannot identify. It has an aluminium case and is berdan primed so appears to be part of the Blazer line from CCI. It has a .223 sized rim and overall length, but instead of a .223 bullet is has been necked out to be a straight-walled cartridge which appears to be around .35 caliber or so. In another twist is is loaded with a clear blue shotshell tip instead of a traditional bullet.
So my question is this, could this be a possible experimental/prototype cartridge developed by CCI-Speer? I'll take a picture and post it as soon as I have a chance. If anyone has an idea as to what it's supposed to be I'd like to know.

[alaskabushman]

IMGP2348.resized.jpg


this is the mystery cartridge next to a 9mm CCI shotshell and a .223 Remington for comparison.

[canid]

357 Rem Max?

case sure looks a hair too long.

[alaskabushman]

good guess, but I have a .357 maximum cartridge in my collection and it is a rimmed cartridge, whereas this one is rimless and apparently based on the .223. (its not headstamped)

[canid]

Darn, I missed that. It's about an eighth of an inch too long for that anyway, yes?

[alaskabushman]

I dont have my .357 Max case in front of me (its at home and I'm on vacation) but I think thats probably about right.

[randyt]

there has been interest and experimentation in .357 maximum rimless loads. I don't know if it has ever been commercially produced though.

[alaskabushman]

there has been interest and experimentation in .357 maximum rimless loads. I don't know if it has ever been commercially produced though.

very well could be, I'll be able to say more on that once I can sit this mystery round next to my .357 Max at home. I am inclined to say it is some sort of prototype since the same guy gave me a .223 CCI shotshell as well and I dont think those were ever produced. (understandably...whats the point?)

[LarryB]

IMGP2348.resized.jpg


this is the mystery cartridge next to a 9mm CCI shotshell and a .223 Remington for comparison.

Oooolala. I know zip about that but is it ever one beautiful and very unique round, or what! Love look'n into ol' guy's gear 'n stull like that. Merry Christmas friend.

[jmarshnh]

If the fellow is still around maybe he could give you some info on it.
Jim

[hunter63]

Very interesting.......cool thanks for posting.....

[Winter]

9X40 Lahti is my best guess.

ETA-Opps, 9x40 Lilja

Edit again-looks too long for the lilja.

[alaskabushman]

If the fellow is still around maybe he could give you some info on it.
Jim

I asked him what it was and he said he had no clue, just something he acquired during his employment with CCI. I was just hoping that whoever created this little guy was actually making something that actually existed, and if he was then maybe a reader could help me.

[alaskabushman]

9X40 Lahti is my best guess.

ETA-Opps, 9x40 Lilja

Edit again-looks too long for the lilja.

your right, those are a tad short. the .223 is 45mm long, and as you can see in the picture the strange cartridge has not been trimmed at all.

[alaskabushman]

I dont usually collect headstamps, just cartridges, but I HAD to grab the .30 GI 1906 I found yesterday...the 30-06 before it was known as the 30-06?

[hunter63]

Have you tried to contact CCI, customer service?

[randyt]

30-03 springfield

[alaskabushman]

30-03 springfield

Yeah I knew what it was, just thought it was cool.

[kyratshooter]

I think this cartridge is one of those things bored guys that work in factories create on their lunch breaks.

[alaskabushman]

I think this cartridge is one of those things bored guys that work in factories create on their lunch breaks.

I think your right, after a lot of looking and research I think I have concluded this is just a freak experimental cartridge. A cool addition to my collection nonetheless. Maybe I'll name it something myself....... .357 Alaskan Magnum...Honestly I'm surprised something like this hasn't already been introduced, a .35 caliber .223 based round with the same overall length? Think .35 caliber AR round moving at medium velocities. Why not have .35 Remington velocities out of an AR platform?