WCChapin | Checking Progress – Further Testing of the Lyman 311413 in 7.65×53 Mauser
William C Chapin
Further evaluation the pointy Lyman 311413 cast bullet in 7.65×53 Argentine Mauser, fired at 25 yards from two additional rifles – my 1891 Argentine Long Rifle, and everyone’s favorite Argentine Mauser – Dirty Tina.
Another batch of ammunition was prepared (same cases neck sized with a .303 British LEE Collet Die) and expanded with an NOE .312″ x .316″ insert in a LEE Universal Case Expanding Die to provide proper case neck expansion, a gas check on the same Lyman 311413 bullet, and an increased cartridge overall length to accommodate the gas check.
Additionally, two “control” cartridges were prepared with proper neck expansion, unchecked bullet, and the same seating depth as the original batch to evaluate the effect of neck expansion.
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7.65×53 Argentine formed from wartime DEN head stamp .30-06 brass (RCBS Trim/Conversion Die and RCBS Full Length Sizing Die)
Lyman 311413 cast from range scrap / wheel weight mix, water quenched (about 17 BHN before powder coating)
Triple powder coated Harbor Freight Red 400° F for 13 minutes – no aging after coating.
Gas Checked and Sized .314″ with NOE Push Through Size Die
8.7 BHN (.076″ dimple with LEE Lead Hardness Tester one day prior to firing)
Remington #9 1/2 Large Rifle Primer
16.0 grains Alliant 2400 (Thrown 1.28cc LEE Deluxe Perfect Powder Measure)
The powder charge was based on the Ed Harris “Cast Bullet Loads for Military Rifles” universal charge for the 1500-1600 fps 200 yard target load. A gas checked bullet is recommended in the article.
Semi-progressive loaded on a Dillon AT 500 / RL 550B
Station 1: LEE Universal Expander Die / NOE .312″ x .316″ Expander Plug / Dillon RL 450 Prime
Station 2: Dillon Powder Funnel B
Station 3: LEE Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet Seating Die
Station 4: LEE Factory Crimp Die (Light crimp to remove case flare)
I am Curtis from Jackson, Michigan. My firearms interests include shooting, reloading, casting, a bit of collecting, and occasional competitive shooting.
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