Hi Drilling-Man,

You are correct that many of the belted magnums do in fact headspace on the shoulder. And most reloaders that I've known that shoot most of the belted magnums will reload their cartridges to headspace on the shoulder...if the cartridge is to be fired in the same gun it was originally fired in. This practice usually increases case life, usually increases accuracy potential, and usually reduces the need for case trimming (though not always). And on all the belted magnums with sharp shoulders and little case taper this practice works very well.

When the "Belted Magnum" originated it was done with the specific purpose to insure proper headspacing on cartridges like the .300 H&H and the .375 H&H. Both of these cases drastically taper from the rear to the front of the case.....and additionally have long "sloping" shoulders....that do not provide a good headspacing index. Holland & Holland designed these cartridges specifically with the "long tapered design" to insure reliable feeding from magazine to chamber. (They also designed them to moderate pressures to insure a large margin of error for operating pressures in tropical climates.) And in fact the original Holland cartridges "did" headspace on the belt. Both of these cartridges are very well designed....did what they were intended for....and did it with a maximum of reliability and a minimum of problems. (Most of the problems associated with either cartridge early in their life was primarily due to insufficient bullet design......the cartridges were a resounding success!)

And once again you are absolutely correct in the assertion that the belt became a "marketing gimic". (And from a purely commercial point of view.....it worked also.) But nearly all of the modern belted magnums would mechanically work just as well....(and in many cases better)....without the belt! I was only pointing out the original purpose of the belt.....and an explanation of headspacing...and its purpose!

Assuming andy_o hangs around the shooting sports long enough...and remains inquisitive...he'll learn all the nuaunces. Actually I believe the .375 H&H was the original idea...and usage...of the belt. And it occurred in 1912, I believe! Since then it has gone on to become a "marketing ploy". Fortunately, we seem to be moving away from the belt except in those instances when it actually might serve its original purpose!