Need Info on 43 Mauser Bullet

jethunter

jethunter

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I got a 1871 Mauser coming this way, need to learn about the bullets. I'll probabaly get a mold if I can't find proper bullets.

Is 385gr 0.446" about right? Any suggestions for a mold source?
 
jethunter said:
I got a 1871 Mauser coming this way, need to learn about the bullets. I'll probabaly get a mold if I can't find proper bullets.

Is 385gr 0.446" about right? Any suggestions for a mold source?
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I have been slowly working through my stash of .446 dia. bullets for my 71 Mausers and they work fine. Mine were ourchased many years ago from a fella out in BC. I can't tell you which mold he used but they are a fairly soft alloy and weigh out at 350 grains. If you add these bullets to your line up you have just picked up at least one more customer although I suspect several more.
 
This book has information on ammunition for the 1871 and 1871/84 Mausers.

German Military Rifles and Machine Pistols, 1871-1945 By Gotz, Hans-Dieter
 
What velocity do people normally load this cartridge at? Is a gas check bullet worth the extra effort or is plain base OK?
 
polaris said:
RCBS makes the only correct mold for the .43 or 11mm Mauser.
385grs, .446cal, flat point bullet.
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This jet.......

I prefer to shoot the 385gr LFP vice the 340gr, although the Bullet Barn 43 Mauser 340 bullets shoot very well in my carbine. Both are .446

I still have some factory Dominion 385gr LFP left, bullets clover leaf at 50yds, about 1350fps, and since it wears Marbles sights, it shoots the Dominions 1.5" or better at 100yds off the bench.

I bought some 395gr LFPs off CGN last year .447, I don't know what mold the fella used but I'm getting about 1150fps thus far and pretty accurate, but not quite as accurate as the factory Dominion - which are really one-holers..........

If you mold some 385's, I will need some, cheers Ken
 
jethunter said:
What velocity do people normally load this cartridge at? Is a gas check bullet worth the extra effort or is plain base OK?
Click to expand...

I'm shooting hollow base 405 grain bullets at about 1200-1300 fps iirc. I've loaded it hotter during testing and never had any signs of leading.

I've used 4227 and imr 4198 both with dacron to fill the space. I like 28 grains of 4198 behind a 405 grain bullets. Very accurate and nice to shoot. The 4227 was so so not the greatest accuracy.

I've loaded 43 Mauser for several years and have experimented with several different rifles. I find .447-.448" to be the perfect size for all that I've loaded for.

I made a custom .4475" sizing die on my lathe and just size down 45 caliber 405 grain bullets for mine.
 
Hijacked. :)

They go for $100-$120 /box in the US, don't know what you could get for them here. I saw some for $100/box at a gunshow last spring in Edmonton, don't know if he sold them though.
 
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The Mauser 1871 bullet had a round nose.

The Mauser 1871/84 bullet had a flat nose because of it's tubular magazine.

Ref; " German Military Rifles and Machine Pistols, 1871-1945 By Gotz, Hans-Dieter ".
 
I need to order a mold but I want to double check the bullet dimensions - need your help.

For you guys that have loaded 43 mauser ammo and /or bullets: Pics would be nice, and the measurement of the bullet and the COAL would be very helpful.

:) Thanks Smellie for the info you PMed. :)
 
here are some pictures of my .43 Mauser reloads.

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  • bullets sized to .446
  • bullet lube, bees wax, Vaseline and canola oil
  • COAL 74.25mm
  • 29grs IMR 4198 + 1/2 sheet toilette paper
  • 13 grs Unique + 1/2 sheet toilette paper
 

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polaris said:
here are some pictures of my .43 Mauser reloads.

bullets sized to .446
  • bullet lube, bees wax, Vaseline and canola oil
  • COAL 74.25mm
  • 29grs IMR 4198 + 1/2 sheet toilette paper
  • 13 grs Unique + 1/2 sheet toilette paper
Click to expand...

Thank you, that's very helpful and much appreciated.
 
Make sure that you slug the bore before you order a mold. Most model 71s have a bore (groove diameter I mean) around .451 or .452, while the 71/84 is the .446. With black powder loads and soft bullets they will "bump up" and fill the larger bore reasonably well. Smokeless loads not so much. Have fun....Catnip.
 
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