Carcano shooting

[Andy]

Andy did you do that in multiple steps, of just one swage?

When you going shooting to try some things out?

Both! I only used the 0.266" die, but I sized it in about six steps, screwing down the die one turn after each pass. I used Imperial sizing lube, but I think other lubes (even motor oil) would have worked.

I want to go shooting this month - I need the carbine (possibly today!), although I could use my M91, and want to load up about five each of a variety of bullets (Hornady 0.268" (sized to 0.267"), Hornady 0.264", Hornday 0.264" with drilled base, Hornady 0.277" sized to 0.267", and cast) and that will take some time. I think I'll use H4895 for all of them with Standard Primers.

I would be happy to coordinate the trip with you.

 

[wesson357]

I've tried resizing several type of jacketed bullets. If the bullet is too long, once resized, they end up banana shaped. (.277 140G SST sized to .268 for exemple). Shorter bullets look fine but, I never had really good accuracy yet.
Cast bullet rocks!

 

[Claven2]

Hi Andy, a coordinated trip is doable - where are you now? Eohc?

 

[Andy]

Hi Andy, a coordinated trip is doable - where are you now? Eohc?

Yes - EOSC.

 

[Craig0ry]

Can someone point my in the direction of a bullet swage for .266, I've reloaded alot of years but never had to do this. It's new to me.

 

[wesson357]

You can have a Lee bullet sizer of almost any size for around 20$

 

[Andy]

Can someone point my in the direction of a bullet swage for .266, I've reloaded alot of years but never had to do this. It's new to me.

Lee has two systems: "Classic" where each die is fully standalone; and the newer "Breech Lock" design where you buy a generic sizing kit and any adapters needed for your press, and separate bullet sizer and punch for each diameter you need.

https://leeprecision.com/bullet-casting/bullet-sizing-kit/

https://leeprecision.com/custom-classic-bullet-sizing-kit.html

https://leeprecision.com/1-1-4-12-bl-update-kit.html

https://leeprecision.com/breech-lock-bullet-sizing-kit/

I have a Custom Classic type in 0.266" that sizes cast to 0.266" and with jacketed they tend to spring back a bit to about 0.267".

 

[dakotamar]

Lee has two systems: "Classic" where each die is fully standalone; and the newer "Breech Lock" design where you buy a generic sizing kit and any adapters needed for your press, and separate bullet sizer and punch for each diameter you need.

https://leeprecision.com/bullet-casting/bullet-sizing-kit/

https://leeprecision.com/custom-classic-bullet-sizing-kit.html

https://leeprecision.com/1-1-4-12-bl-update-kit.html

https://leeprecision.com/breech-lock-bullet-sizing-kit/

I have a Custom Classic type in 0.266" that sizes cast to 0.266" and with jacketed they tend to spring back a bit to about 0.267".

the newer method is better, I have bought the 'bullet' and starting to buy those ones. more sizing options and cheaper once you buy the holder for the die, subsequent dies are cheaper than buying the old system. the old system has fewer sizing options and thus required more 'custom' sizes which cost more.

 

[dakotamar]

does anyone have an info source for using unique and a 163Gr cast bullet (NOE)? I had a page that gave that information and even talked about cutting one of the bands off to create a 135Gr bullet but can't find that page anymore...

 

[Andy]

the newer method is better, I have bought the 'bullet' and starting to buy those ones. more sizing options and cheaper once you buy the holder for the die, subsequent dies are cheaper than buying the old system. the old system has fewer sizing options and thus required more 'custom' sizes which cost more.

Right on all counts!

A shameless copy of the NOE system (a fine alternative), but I don't mind.

https://noebulletmolds.com/site/product-category/sizing-tools/

 

[Andy]

does anyone have an info source for using unique and a 163Gr cast bullet (NOE)? I had a page that gave that information and even talked about cutting one of the bands off to create a 135Gr bullet but can't find that page anymore...

I'd be comfortable going to 8.0 grs of Unique. Here's what I have used with a 175gr cast bullet:

8.0 grs of Unique - 1100 fps
14.0 grs of SR-4759 - 1380 fps
22.0 grs of H4198 - 1620 fps
26.0 grs of H4895 - 1635 fps

I treated these all as close to max loads for cast bullets.

 

[Andy]

Here is my bullet lineup:

L to R - Hornady 2645, 160 gr, top half sized to 0.264"; bottom half to 0.267"; Hornady 2640, 155 gr with 3/16" "divot" in base; Cast GC 175 gr Lee "Cruise Missile" dropped at 0.267", Cast GC 145gr Lyman dropped at 0.266"



I'll use H4895 with Standard primers. Perhaps 27.0 grs for all.

 

[Claven2]

I think the starting load for jacketed 160's is around 27.5gn, so it should work and should shoot low, which is ok given how high these usually shoot.

 

[Andy]

I think the starting load for jacketed 160's is around 27.5gn, so it should work and should shoot low, which is ok given how high these usually shoot.

Yes and H4895 behaves well with light loads.

If these guns are sighted for 300M, shouldn't they be 6-7" high at 100 yds? I am thinking I'll put four large targets in a square and aim for the centre for my first five shots.

 

[Claven2]

Yes and H4895 behaves well with light loads.

If these guns are sighted for 300M, shouldn't they be 6-7" high at 100 yds? I am thinking I'll put four large targets in a square and aim for the centre for my first five shots.

If I recall, with a 6 o'clock hold, they are supposed to shoot about a foot high with the original surplus ammo at 100m.

With light bullets at around original velocities, I saw 20-24" high at 100 using .264" 139gn ppu soft points.

 

[Eaglelord17]

Don’t forget when aiming a Carcano it isn’t like a Mauser. You need to put the front sight tip at the bottom of the v-notch, not in line with the top. Not saying anyone isn’t or is, just a friendly reminder for those that may be having some severe sighting issues or are unaware.

 

[Claven2]

So interestingly, you are not supposed to bury the notch shooting milsurp. It's a normal sight picture, and soldiers were taught to aim for the belt close in, but to shoot to point if aim at 300m as I understand things.

For 100m shooting, I do bury the needle though, as it were.

 

[fritzhanzel]

Rubber, cut it and glue it on.

 

[Andy]

Don’t forget when aiming a Carcano it isn’t like a Mauser. You need to put the front sight tip at the bottom of the v-notch, not in line with the top. Not saying anyone isn’t or is, just a friendly reminder for those that may be having some severe sighting issues or are unaware.

That's part of it. Do you then hold at 6 o'clock or on the centre? Or do you line all three up (on the red dot in these crude pics)?

 

[tiriaq]

My 91/41 grouped very high above point of aim at 100m. About what would be expected with a theoretical 300m zero. For my shooting, I prefer point of aim, point of impact.
So, I just replaced the front sight with a higher one to get the group closer to point of aim at 100m. Kept the original front sight, of course.