loading for an antique c96

[KotKotofeich]

The gun is old so I'm looking to strain it as little as possible.

Options (to the best of my understanding):

heavy bullet - lower load - lower velocity - barrel and chamber are under pressure longer

light bullet - higher load - faster velocity - barrel and chamber are under pressure less

If I'm wrong - please correct me. Otherwise, the question is - is there a difference in how fast the pressure builds and does it make a difference?

 

[bearhunter]

The gun is old so I'm looking to strain it as little as possible.

Options (to the best of my understanding):

heavy bullet - lower load - lower velocity - barrel and chamber are under pressure longer

light bullet - higher load - faster velocity - barrel and chamber are under pressure less

If I'm wrong - please correct me. Otherwise, the question is - is there a difference in how fast the pressure builds and does it make a difference?

Google Wolf Springs and get a +15% spring kit for the pistol. Keep the oringinals for posterity. This will stop the pistol from sustaining any damage from regular loads.

By the way, the 7.62x25 that is offered in the 2280 round cases, is to HOT for the C96. The Wolf Kit will dampen the effects of this ammo but it won't be enough to feed it a steady diet of the stuff.

I recently picked up a C96 from one of the fellows on this site. It came with a bunch of broken springs and he claimed he hadn't shot it or even tried to cycle it. He has been pretty upstanding in the past so I believe him.

Thankfully, there was no damage done by the hot ammo to anything, other than a few collapsed springs.

If you're going to shoot one of these old girls or any of the older firearms around, change out the springs. They are the most likely parts to fail.

 

[antiqueguy]

Google Wolf Springs and get a +15% spring kit for the pistol. Keep the oringinals for posterity. This will stop the pistol from sustaining any damage from regular loads.

By the way, the 7.62x25 that is offered in the 2280 round cases, is to HOT for the C96. The Wolf Kit will dampen the effects of this ammo but it won't be enough to feed it a steady diet of the stuff.

I recently picked up a C96 from one of the fellows on this site. It came with a bunch of broken springs and he claimed he hadn't shot it or even tried to cycle it. He has been pretty upstanding in the past so I believe him.

Thankfully, there was no damage done by the hot ammo to anything, other than a few collapsed springs.

If you're going to shoot one of these old girls or any of the older firearms around, change out the springs. They are the most likely parts to fail.

never shoot 7.62x25 in a mauser c96 the pressure is way over that of the 7.63x25 mauser

id shoot cast loads if it is a true antique (pre 1898) heck id shoot cast loads even if its not antique alot easier on the gun

 

[KotKotofeich]

Springs have just been replaced, have the old springs in a ziplock bag

It is a true antique and I know not too shoot the tokarev ammo in it.

So, again, does anyone know if pressure builds faster if there is more powder in the case? Otherwise it looks like a lighter bullet would be gentler on the old girl.

 

[hk33ka1]

Mine is only about 90 years old and I either used Fiochi ammo or loaded with a Lee cast bullet. I'll see if I can find the data later.

 

[mbogo3]

I have data for the .30 mauser do you want it? Harold

 

[KotKotofeich]

I have some data, but I'd appreciate anything extra anyone might offer. Attaching my data:

Probably going with an 86 gr bullet and bullseye powder... unless it's best to use a heavier bullet.

 

[hk33ka1]

Lyman 30 Mauser
86gr FMJ
Bullseye 4.8gr- 5.4gr max
Red Dot 5gr - 5.8gr max
Unique 5gr 6.2gr max

I shoot the Lee 93gr .311" bullet as cast and I think mine were 89gr with WW lead. I use 4.5gr Win 231 and mine cycles fine. Lymans case data for a slightly heavier bullet is what I used. This is also a nice bullet for light loads in .30 cal rifles.

 

[KotKotofeich]

If cast bullets are preferable, can anyone point me to where I can get them? I've never cast my own and it would take me a while to ramp up to that (equipment + skill + logistics since I live in a condo)

 

[antiqueguy]

If cast bullets are preferable, can anyone point me to where I can get them? I've never cast my own and it would take me a while to ramp up to that (equipment + skill + logistics since I live in a condo)

cast can be had theres a few places bullet barn has some 32 round nose bullets(.312") aroun 78gr and some .32 (.313) 96gr bullets problem is you need to have a good fit or else you will get gas cutting and leading plated bullets use cast data but can be a bit under bore marstar has some berry's bullets RN 71gr

 

[hk33ka1]

Nothing wrong with jacketed. I just use cast because I can make them myself. I could send you some when I cast some more of that size. antiqueguy is right about sizing. If you don't actually slug/measure your bore a good rule is .001-.003" over the normal jacketed size, hence my .311" boolits in the .30 Mauser.