[jk2008]

I would like to reload for my Type 66 Siamese Mauser and I know that both RCBS and CH4D make custom reloading and form dies for the caliber. Do any of you experience with these dies? Is one manufacturer better than the other? Any pros and cons I should consider? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, John

 

[Francis C. Allan]

Check with Patrick Hernandez. He can be reached at the following e-mail address: [email protected]

He is an experienced reloader for this caliber.

Frank

 

[smzeigler]

I have a set of RCBS from Buffalo Arms if I remember correctly. Work a-okay. No experience with CH4D. I used to use 8mm Lebel dies. I think that is why Frank sent you to Patrick. He know his stuff. You can form brass out of 7.62 Russian or buy preformed .45-70 from Buffalo Arms and one other company, but I am drawing a blank on the name. Sorry. Patrick also has good reloading data as well. They are fun to shoot.

Shannon

 

[Ronin48]

My first thought was, my condolences on the death of your rifle. Then I see loading dies. Whew, you had me worried.

 

[Riceone]

My dies are CH, I'd buy which ever one is the cheapest. Both brands are excellent

 

[Riceone]

My dies are CH. I'd buy which ever one is the cheapest, both brands are good.

 

[jk2008]

Check with Patrick Hernandez. He can be reached at the following e-mail address: [email protected] He is an experienced reloader for this caliber. Frank

Thanks, Frank, I'll send Mr. Hernandez a message. I saw on another older thread that you had been looking for data sheets for individual Siamese Mauser rifles. Is this still the case? If so, let me know where I can find a blank data sheet and I'll send some data your way. John

 

[jk2008]

My first thought was, my condolences on the death of your rifle. Then I see loading dies. Whew, you had me worried.

Ha! I didn't see that when I wrote it... I'll keep my loads on the light side to make sure this doesn't happen. ; )

 

[jk2008]

smzeigle and riceone, Sounds like I'm good with either brand. Thank you both for the responses. John

 

[1886lebel]

I personally like RCBS dies, just my preference.


Load Data ...
Siamese 8x52Rmm Type 66
Original Cartridge:
Case Length: 2.047 / 51.9938 mm
Overall Length: 2.941 / 74.70 mm
Rim Diameter: .560
Rim Thickness: .065
Base Diameter: .506
Neck Diameter: .348
Bullet Diameter: .321 ... 181gr. spitzer boat-tail bullet, lead cored, a gilding-metal or copper-washed steel FMJ jacket
FPS: 2250 / MPS: 685

Nosler .323 180 gr. Ballistic Tip SD: .246 BC: .357 bullet ... (this was the closest to the original specs above)
Results:
IMR 3031 ... 38.5 to 38.7 grs. = 2250 fps
IMR 4064 ... 40.5 to 40.7 grs. = 2250 fps
IMR 4320 ... 42.5 to 42.7 grs. = 2250 fps
IMR 4895 ... 42.3 to 42.5 grs. = 2250 fps
Case: Remington R-P / Reformed by Buffalo Arms
Primer: Winchester Large
Case Length: 2.037
Overall Length is 3.037


I recently tried to use both IMR 4350 and IMR 4831 in load development and this powder is just to slow burning for this cartridge as it was leaving alot of unburnt powder in the barrel, stick with powders that have the same burn ratio as the above I have posted. My next load development project is Winchester 748.

Patrick

 

[rr2241tx]

I use CH4D dies and made my brass from Hornady and Prvi Partizan 8x56R. The fireforming shots were every bit as good as the reloads. Using 8x56R brass saves a lot of work over starting from .45-70 or 7.62x54R and your brass blows out to very nearly perfect on the first shot. I used an RCBS trimmer with a 7.62x54R shell plate and made myself a 52.0 mm gauge out of a broken Allen wrench. I used my .323 pilot before running the expander ball through the reformed brass. It was a bit of work to make the ammo the first time out but completely worth it when it shot to the sights the very first time out.

 

[Francis C. Allan]

Dear jk2008;

Yes, I am still taking data sheets on the Type 46 rifles. I have the update of the Siamese Mauser booklet about 50% complete at this point and the more information I have the better. I am especially interested in the inspection stamps and other information stamped under the receiver if you happen to take it apart. That is not requested on the data sheet but you can add it to the back. I can send you a data sheet if you can not find one quickly. Thanks in advance for your help.

Frank

 

[jk2008]

Frank,

Sorry for the delay in responding... Is this the most recent version? http://www.castle-thunder.com/datasheets/siamds.pdf

Also, would pictures of the markings be useful?

Thanks,

John

 

[Francis C. Allan]

Dear John;

Yes that is the latest. I could also use any information you might have on marking appearing under the receiver if you ever take it apart, but this is not necessary unless you happen to have it taken down for a thorough cleaning.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Frank

 

[Kilroy was here]

I'm a bit late on this thread, but I thought I'd chime in since I've been actively loading 8x52R lately.

I use S&B 7.62x54R brass trimmed down to 52mm. It's held up quite well with no case splits, but as everyone notes, the area just ahead of the rim bulges out slightly. The shoulder fireforms perfectly everytime. Up until I got my CH4D dies (good stuff, by the way), I used to run the brass through the 8x56R die to open the mouth to .329. I then used the 8x50R Lebel seater die. After firing I would just neck size and reload as normal. This actually worked quite well, but I'm a stickler for getting proper dies. The bullet I use is thrown from my Lee .329" 205 grain round nose mold. Unsized dimensions are around .331 (my Siamese's bore is .328). I lube them with Allox and do not size them. It seems to really, really like them. Yesterday, I was shooting 1.5" five round groups at 100 yesterday and in the past I've gotten even smaller. It does however shoot about 7" high, so once you adjust, it's a wonderfully accurate rifle.

The powder charge I've been using in these loads is 23 grains of 4198, which is also my pet load for .30-40. I haven't chronographed them yet, but I hopefully will in the coming week. My initial estimation on the velocity is in the neighborhood of 1,600-1,700 feet per second.

I hope you get set up to reload for your rifle. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to reload for it and how accurate they can be. Hope your's does as well as mine.

 

[DocAV]

I have used .45/70 with a lot of work (sizing, trimming, Rim turning and bevelling, etc, for making 8x52R T66 cases;

I have also tried 7,62x54R with a base sleeve to centre the brass and avoid lopsided bulges, but the best and easiest is 8x56R Military brass (Berdan) ---either Austrian 1938 or Bulgarian 1930s brass cases...simply size and trim, and shoot. (using the origional powder reduced to 80% and the original bullet.
Further reloading is with either cast lead GC, or .323 Flat based bullets.
I suppose Prvi/Grafs 8x56R Boxer Brass will do just well.

The Important thing is the rim thickness and belvel, so that the case chambers well and does not jam or break the extractor claw.

Dies, I have had RCBS for over 30 years...no problems for reloading or case forming as a last step ( Use 45/70 cases--9,5 Mauser BP die, .33 Win die, and finally 8x52R dies...anneal cases.).

Regards,
Doc AV