Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact
NitroExpress.com: Forming cases for 6.5x53R

View recent messages : 24 hours | 48 hours | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days | 60 days | More Smilies


*** Enjoy NitroExpress.com? Participate and join in. ***
You are not logged in. [Login] Main Index · Search · Active Topics
New user · Who's Online · FAQ · Calendar

Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Mannlicher Discussion forum & Archive
Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Pages: 1 | 2 | >> (show all)
Spud303
.224 member


Reged: 25/05/11
Posts: 48
Loc: ACT, Australia
Forming cases for 6.5x53R
      #236520 - 08/10/13 07:42 PM

I managed to pick this 1899 Steyr Mannlicher in 6.5 x 53R up at the Melb auction. The photos don't do it justice as it is great condition with an excellent bore. Should be a great shooter. Barrel is marked "Nitro proved. Shot & regulated for Manton & Co Calcutta by George Gibbs, Bristol.

I'm just about to order up a set of dies from CH4D and would like some advice on forming cases from .303 Brit. Should I order case forming die as well?
This is my first Mannlicher and I'm very pleased to have found one in such nice condition.
Thanks
Spud [image]http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/Webley455/media/Steyr189965x53RGibbsb_zps94e8083d.png.html?filters[user]=124406958&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=1[ [image]http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/Webley455/media/Steyr189965x53RGibbsA_zpsba65b0d5.png.html?filters[user]=124406958&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=0[/image] /image]

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Igorrock
.400 member


Reged: 01/03/07
Posts: 1650
Loc: Finland
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Spud303]
      #236523 - 08/10/13 08:16 PM

I canīt see those fotos so I help you a bit. Very nice rifle, I especially like that box which model is IMO quite uncommon.






--------------------
http://promaakari.wordpress.com/

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Spud303
.224 member


Reged: 25/05/11
Posts: 48
Loc: ACT, Australia
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Igorrock]
      #236524 - 08/10/13 08:32 PM

Igorrock...thanks very much for your help with the photos. Still trying to figure out what I did wrong!
Yes it's a nice little outfit with the fitted box etc. My new Fallow deer rifle once I get some ammunition sorted out.
Spud

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
HuntingSchneider
.333 member


Reged: 02/04/06
Posts: 381
Loc: Tamworth, NSW
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Spud303]
      #236528 - 08/10/13 11:11 PM



I've not bothered with the form die.

I trim the .303 brass to length and run through the FL die.

I use Winchester brass as I find Remington tends to crumple.

Use a good lube, not just a case size. I use the Lee stuff in the tube or CH4D's own paste.



.

--------------------
Liberals, stealing firearms since '96.
Steal one firearm, you're a thief. Steal a million, you're a Prime Minister.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Carpetsahib
.333 member


Reged: 29/04/07
Posts: 435
Loc: Western NC
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Spud303]
      #236532 - 09/10/13 02:11 AM

You may not need case forming dies. You can remove the bullet seating punch and use the bullet seating die as a case forming die. I have found that that works extremely well in reforming .444 Marlin brass to 7x57R.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
kuduae
.400 member


Reged: 13/01/10
Posts: 1792
Loc: middle of Germany
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Carpetsahib]
      #236547 - 09/10/13 08:07 AM

I use a 7x57 FL die, expander stem removed, first. Followed by a 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer FL die. Trim to length. Some rifles need a slight reduction of rim diameter.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Claydog
.375 member


Reged: 17/08/12
Posts: 937
Loc: Katherine, Northern Territory ...
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: kuduae]
      #236549 - 09/10/13 09:01 AM

That is a nice Steyr. I like the straight stock on this one. Any chance of more photos? I bought Bertram cases for mine.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Spud303
.224 member


Reged: 25/05/11
Posts: 48
Loc: ACT, Australia
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Claydog]
      #236555 - 09/10/13 01:34 PM

Thanks to all for the tips on forming cases.
Claydog. I like the straight stock too. More photos when I finally get my hands on the rifle...currently in my "28 day cooling off period".... Curse you John Howard!!

What does "shot & regulated by George Gibbs" actually mean? Did his company fit the sights(rear -standing 100 yds and 2 folding leaves, front - hooded silver bead)? What bullet weight & speed combination should I be aiming for? Thanks
Spud

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Claydog
.375 member


Reged: 17/08/12
Posts: 937
Loc: Katherine, Northern Territory ...
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Spud303]
      #236556 - 09/10/13 01:41 PM

Spud,
I have an Army Navy Steyr that has shot and regulated by army navy etc. I believe it to mean they received the completed rifle and literally shot it and regulated the sights before on selling. Look forward to seeing some photos, especially of any numbers and markings.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Igorrock
.400 member


Reged: 01/03/07
Posts: 1650
Loc: Finland
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Claydog]
      #236560 - 09/10/13 06:58 PM

There is a big difference between Army & Navy and Gibbs. First one was just a trader but Gibbs had their own factory. IMO Gibbs bought the rifle in-the-white from unknown maker (from Birmingham..?) and finished it before selling to trader Manton & Co.

--------------------
http://promaakari.wordpress.com/

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Claydog
.375 member


Reged: 17/08/12
Posts: 937
Loc: Katherine, Northern Territory ...
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Igorrock]
      #236561 - 09/10/13 10:28 PM

Igorrock
Agree, there is a big difference between Gibbs and Army Navy. It had always been my understanding, quite possibly wrongly, that when marked " shot and regulated by ", that was all that company had done. Mine looks almost identical to a Gibbs I have seen but of course there is the possibility that my Army Navy came from Gibbs. It does have a number on it with a B which I have been told is a Gibbs trait. I am always keen learn more on these.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
2152hq
.300 member


Reged: 20/05/12
Posts: 126
Loc: USA
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Claydog]
      #236585 - 10/10/13 12:21 PM

I use a 308 or 300Sav die to sometimes push the shoulder back first,,but not always.
I find it's needed more on 303 HXP military brass that I use a lot rather than the 30 Krag brass I use occasionally. Heavier constructed I guess.

Otherwise lube it up well especially at the base. Avoid too much lube around the neck or you'll get dents in the reformed neck. One push into the 6.5 die and there's your case but with some trimming to do of course.
An intermediate step into a 7mm die or something else close to that is a good idea but I've been lucky not having any problems sidestepping it (so far).
Some brass may buckle w/o doing that though.

I use 6.5 Mannlicher Schoenauer dies.
The 303 HXP I have to reduce the base a few .000" before they'll chamber. Not needed on the Krag brass (Remington). But I'd rather keep the Krag brass for the Krag as it's getting harder to get now.
The HXP needs an inside neck ream to remove a 'step' inside at the bottom of the neck from the forming process. No reamer available, so I used and continue to use a 'G' drill (IIRC that's the one I keep in the box). It's about .262d and cleans everything up OK.
Once they are 'drilled', I run them through the FL sizer again only this time with the expander plug in place and the necks are ready for a bullet to be seated.
Never had a problem.

No rim turning but I've read where some have had to do that so they'd work OK in their rifle.

220 Swift can also be used if your rifle will work with the smaller dia rim on that case.
The 220 case has 30-06 size rim, the body is about right for the 6.5. Not much trimming after reforming and no neck turning to be done.
Can be used to make 6.5 M/S too but you have to turn the rim down of course and cut the extractor groove out a bit.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Huvius
.416 member


Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3556
Loc: Colorado
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: 2152hq]
      #236586 - 10/10/13 02:03 PM

I believe that Gibbs probably barreled the gun with their own barrel and their style of sights.
The stock may just be from Steyr.
I had a similar rifle which had a "B" prfix number as well. It is my understanding that this is how Gibbs identified rifles which they rebarreled, either to resell as new or even in the case of rebarreling one of their own previously sold rifles as in the case of my Farquharson.

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
kuduae
.400 member


Reged: 13/01/10
Posts: 1792
Loc: middle of Germany
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Huvius]
      #236634 - 13/10/13 06:44 AM

AFAIK the Steyr factory did not sell barreled actions or actions only to other gunmakers. But as the M92, 93, 95 Romanian/Dutch/Portuguese military rifles were made only for export anyhow, they sold complete military rifles to anyone wanting them. As St.George Littledale once wrote to Denis Lyell: "In 1895 Sir Edmund Loder gave me a Mannlicher rifle, bayonet and all complete on the eve of starting for Tibet. Had only time to have sighting altered. On my protesting that I had a room full of rifles and did not want any more, all he said was try the Mannlicher, and like Lily Langtry and the soap, I have used no other since." (quote from Truesdell, The Rifle) The British imported the complete military rifles and sporterized them to varying degrees. Here are the Mannlicher ads from the 1910-11 Jeffery's catalog. As you see, the cheaper grades No. 4,5,6 retained the shortened military straight gripped stocks, with "civilian" sights and maybe checkering added, while the higher grades No.1, 2, 3 were restocked with pistol grip stocks. I know an "Army & Navy" M95 Mannlicher with such a sporterized and checkered military stock, still showing the plugged cleaning rod hole at the foreend tip.





Here is a Mannlicher that conforms in some way to Jeffery's No.1. It was proofed and probably restocked in Birmingham.



George Gibbs of Bristol did a lot of Mannlicher imports and remodelling in a quite distinctive style, also supplied other name gunmakers like Rigby, Fraser, Purdey or Atkins with his conversions. In wide parts of the British the 6.5x53R Mannlicher cartridge was called the .256 Gibbs Rimmed. According to Kirton Gibbs used the letter prefixes of his serial numbers this way:
A = completely made by us,
B = barrelled action by another, stocked, sighted and finished by us
C = complete gun bought in from another maker
This is my B-prefix G.Gibbs in .256 Gibbs Rimmed, receiver dated 1899. It retains the original Steyr military barrel, but stock, sling eyes and sights are clearly Gibbs.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Huvius
.416 member


Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3556
Loc: Colorado
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: kuduae]
      #236635 - 13/10/13 07:43 AM

Quote:

According to Kirton Gibbs used the letter prefixes of his serial numbers this way:
A = completely made by us,
B = barrelled action by another, stocked, sighted and finished by us
C = complete gun bought in from another maker




Hmmmm...
Not sure I would go with this entirely.
My 256 Gibbs Farquharson - obviously entirely made by Gibbs and rebarreled later by Gibbs - has a 'B' prefix on the barrel.
My Gibbs Mauser (.280 Ross) has a 'B' prefix number on the barrel and action.
My Gibbs Mauser (318) has a 'B' prefix number on the barrel but not the action. Same with the Steyr I had - 'B' on the barrel but not the action.

I surmise that the 'B' prefix denotes the changing of the barrel (maybe sighting, swivels etc.), not neccessarily that BOTH the barrel and action are from outside of Gibbs.

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
kuduae
.400 member


Reged: 13/01/10
Posts: 1792
Loc: middle of Germany
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Huvius]
      #236640 - 13/10/13 08:56 AM

Huvius, I see no contradiction here. Gibbs certainly never made their own Mauser actions and I doubt they had their own rifling department post-1900. They certainly bought in their smokeless barrel blanks, already reamed and rifled, from the specialized Birmingham barrel makers who supplied all the British guntrade.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
lancaster
.470 member


Reged: 06/05/08
Posts: 9038
Loc: There's a lighthouse in the mi...
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: kuduae]
      #236646 - 13/10/13 10:56 PM

Quote:

AFAIK the Steyr factory did not sell barreled actions or actions only to other gunmakers. But as the M92, 93, 95 Romanian/Dutch/Portuguese military rifles were made only for export anyhow, they sold complete military rifles to anyone wanting them. As St.George Littledale once wrote to Denis Lyell: "In 1895 Sir Edmund Loder gave me a Mannlicher rifle, bayonet and all complete on the eve of starting for Tibet. Had only time to have sighting altered. On my protesting that I had a room full of rifles and did not want any more, all he said was try the Mannlicher, and like Lily Langtry and the soap, I have used no other since." (quote from Truesdell, The Rifle) The British imported the complete military rifles and sporterized them to varying degrees. Here are the Mannlicher ads from the 1910-11 Jeffery's catalog. As you see, the cheaper grades No. 4,5,6 retained the shortened military straight gripped stocks, with "civilian" sights and maybe checkering added, while the higher grades No.1, 2, 3 were restocked with pistol grip stocks. I know an "Army & Navy" M95 Mannlicher with such a sporterized and checkered military stock, still showing the plugged cleaning rod hole at the foreend tip.




thanks kuduae for telling this story
to my knowledge Steyr was making 10000 M 92 and romania get only 5000 for a military test which led to the development of the Mannlicher M 93. until 1995 when the netherlands adopt the mannlicher M 92 as the model M 95 there was no need for Steyr to make another lot of this rifles and they had enough work to make the M 93 for romania.
does this means every british mannlicher was one of this 5000 not bought by romania? when the netherland order the M 95 Steyr had probably also no rifles for sale because to fullfil the order was more important than selling a sporter.
a problem for me is the so called "production overrun" by steyr. it was not common that a firm does making more than the order they had, it cost them a lot of money.
facts ,imho ,are: a big firm like steyr dont make a rifle for selling them as sporters, at least not in this time when every small bore bolt action was needed as a army rifle. they were busy more than enough to work for the big customers.
question is what had happen if Steyr dont had this 5000 rifles for sale. the sportsman's had probably to wait 5 years more when the Mauser 98 was making the the M 88 obsolete and surplus.
when was the lee enfield rifle first time available as a sporting rifle?

--------------------
Norwegian hunter misses moose, shoots man on toilet
.
bringing civilisation to the barbarians

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Huvius
.416 member


Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3556
Loc: Colorado
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: kuduae]
      #236651 - 14/10/13 02:53 AM

Quote:

Huvius, I see no contradiction here. Gibbs certainly never made their own Mauser actions and I doubt they had their own rifling department post-1900. They certainly bought in their smokeless barrel blanks, already reamed and rifled, from the specialized Birmingham barrel makers who supplied all the British guntrade.



I guess my point is that Gibbs used 'B' prefix numbers even when rebarreling their own rifles which they themselves manufactured.
Interestingly, another Gibbs Farquharson I own was rebarreled by Gibbs but has no numbering anywhere on the barrel at all.

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
kuduae
.400 member


Reged: 13/01/10
Posts: 1792
Loc: middle of Germany
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: lancaster]
      #236652 - 14/10/13 03:23 AM

lancaster, you simply underrate the manufacturing capacities of the Oesterreichisch Waffenfabriks- Gesellschaft, Steyr. During the 1890s Steyr was the biggest gunmaker in the world. Besides making thousands of Mannlicher M95 straight-pull rifles not only for Austro-Hungary, Bulgaria and even Siam, they made many other models for export just as orders came in and the customers could raise the funds. They made lots of (German)M88 rifles for export to Latin America. They even made M92/M96 actions and M92/95 actions side by side, with production years overlapping. For instance, my Portuguese M96 (same action as Rom. M93 with reinforced magazine box and ejector in bottom of receiver)has a receiver dated "Steyr 1898", while my Gibbs on a Dutch M95 action (same as M92 with ejector on bolt head) is dated "Steyr 1899". So it was no problem for OEWG to divert a few dozen rifles from the military production to fill a civilian order, f.i. from England. This happened post-1900 too. My M1900 Mannlicher-Schoenauer action with a B-prefix Gibbs serial number is dated "Steyr 1901". My Gibbs Mannlicher-Schoenauer on an M1903 action from the military production, but without a Greek crest, is dated "Steyr 1905". As you know, on Steyr made rifles you find the model designation on the receiver ring, the production year on the left receiver wall.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
kuduae
.400 member


Reged: 13/01/10
Posts: 1792
Loc: middle of Germany
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Huvius]
      #236653 - 14/10/13 03:38 AM

Quote:

I guess my point is that Gibbs used 'B' prefix numbers even when rebarreling their own rifles which they themselves manufactured.
Interestingly, another Gibbs Farquharson I own was rebarreled by Gibbs but has no numbering anywhere on the barrel at all.


Yes, I agree, as Gibbs used "bought in" barrels for rebarreling. BTW, many of the .256 barrels on Gibbs Farquies I have seen look a lot like Steyr military barrels (spares?)to me, maybe rethreaded to fit the actions, but the shape is the same.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Claydog
.375 member


Reged: 17/08/12
Posts: 937
Loc: Katherine, Northern Territory ...
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: kuduae]
      #236660 - 14/10/13 01:29 PM

Kuduae
All the information above greatly appreciated.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Spud303
.224 member


Reged: 25/05/11
Posts: 48
Loc: ACT, Australia
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Claydog]
      #236668 - 14/10/13 06:26 PM

I've really learnt quite a bit from these posts. Thanks to all....now I really can't wait to get hold of my Steyr!
Spud

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ireload2
.224 member


Reged: 11/08/13
Posts: 41
Loc: USA
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Spud303]
      #239408 - 17/12/13 11:56 AM

I have experimented with forming these cases a lot. Here is what I learned.
All dimensions in inches.

To do the intitial set up of your dies you can use once fired .303. Do not mess with once fired cases for actual shooting.

Start your brass for shooting with new cases. Most of mine are made from Hornady Frontier cases.
Due to the current high cost of brass make sure you have a good setup so you do not waste new cases.

There are a number of variations you can use to form these cases but this is the best for me.

1. Expand the case mouths to remove all the dents.
2. Use a Pacific 7.35 Carcano sizer to push the shoulder back. (die is .315" ID)
This sizer moves the shoulder back and supports it with out a bulge like you will get with a .308
Win. die. The Pacific is large enough at the base that it does not size the base undersize.
3. Size the neck with a Pacific 6.5 Carcano trim die. (Neck is .300 ID) Does not size the base.
4. Size the entire case with with a 6.5X53R trim die. My die is made by RCBS. Set headspace to the
shoulder so you can feel a slight drag when the bolt closes.
5. You can size only the neck with a 6.5X55 die or use a FL sizer.

If you have a .250 Savage trim die you will find it very useful for forming these cases too.
The neck is about the right size (trim dies are normally .010 larger than FL sizers) and the
small diameter shoulder works too.

Many dies and operations yes
I normally pre-trim after OP 3 Then trim again after op 4. My chambers are much longer to the
case mouth than the 2.110 lenght given for trim to length. They measure 2.153. Since the .303
body is smaller in diameter than the 6.5X53R it blows out a bit when fire formed and gets a
little shorter. I trim to 2.150-2.152. When fire formed they shorten to 2.148-2.145. After the
brass is fired once I resize and trim to 2.145.

The Dutch chambers are .453" in diameter at the rear just ahead of the rim.
Check your new brass to make sure it is .452" or smaller.
I have measured PRVI and old lots of Norma brass that are larger than .453. So stay away from
oversize case heads.

If you use this process and reasonable care you can get 100% yield from your new cases.
I would recommend you anneal the necks after the first firing.

Edited by Ireload2 (17/12/13 12:03 PM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
tinker
.416 member


Reged: 12/03/05
Posts: 4835
Loc: Nevada
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Ireload2]
      #239420 - 17/12/13 02:59 PM

I've had great success with WW .303 brass directly to the 6.5 mannlicher dies.
My dies are 6.5x54 MS dies made at RCBS
My rifle is Jeffery 6.5x53r

FL size then trim one
Load and shoot
Set FL die to match shoulder at your chamber
Carry on...




Cheers
Tinker

--------------------
--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--



"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
2152hq
.300 member


Reged: 20/05/12
Posts: 126
Loc: USA
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: tinker]
      #239422 - 17/12/13 03:50 PM

I do the same as tinker,,straight into the 6.5 M/S sizer then trim them. I use some HXP 303 brass and with that I have to inside neck ream,,I use a drill for that. It's a common letter or number size,,don't recall which it is now. I just keep one in the die box for that purpose. Sounds crude but I see no difference at the range. It just removes a slight ledge at the bottom of the neck inside where it meets the shoulder on a freshly formed HXP military case.
Commercial 303 or 30-40Krag brass seems not to need any inside neck reaming,,at least none that I've used so far.

Don't be skimpy on the case lube when you do the sizing operation, just avoid excess on the neck so you don't end up with dents in the newly formed 6.5 neck.

Neck size only after the first firing. They last quite a while for me, but I use minimum or near min loads anyway.

I've had good luck using 220 Swift brass.
Not that 220Swift is all that common but you never know who has what lying around.
I was fortunate to have a 100 or so cases given to me.
Expands easily in one step, definetly easier to do than the 303 neck down process. The slight semi-rim of the 220 works in my rifle as well as the full rimmed variety case. Might not work in others though.
They make good 6.5 M/S cases if you turn the rim down.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27009
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: 2152hq]
      #239453 - 18/12/13 04:28 AM

For a lark, I just checked some of my Dominion .303 cases and they are all .4515" at the base, ahead of the rim.

My Swift brass is way undersized compared to .303 or .30/40 Krag, with bases at .440".

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ireload2
.224 member


Reged: 11/08/13
Posts: 41
Loc: USA
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: DarylS]
      #239578 - 20/12/13 06:06 AM

If you measure RCBS 6.5X54 Mannlicher Schoenauer dies at the base they are about .005 smaller than the RCBS 6.5X53R dies. As a result you squash the base of your formed cases way undersize if they will yield. You are abusing your MS dies trying to size a solid .451-.452 dia case head to .446 to .448. The reason is the two rounds differ dimensionally. The 53R head is about .005 larger than the MS case. You will have sway back rounds that have to blow out each time they are fired.
If you do not have the right sizer, buy a Lee body or complete die for the 6.5 Carcano and polish the base open to about .453. Set it to locate the shoulder properly. RCBS and other MS seater dies are oversize enough to seat bullets in 6.5X53R ammo.

I sure would not use Swift brass due to the undersize case heads.

I use the more complicated sizing process because it will yield 100% good cases with no collapsed shoulders.

As far as thick necks go measure your chamber neck diameter.

Take a good 6.5X53R case and expand the neck with a long taper punch to about .310 to .315 diameter.
Then insert the case in the bolt face and shove it into the chamber. This will crush the funnel shape down with the chamber neck. Extract the case and measure it. It will probably measure .299-.300 diameter. If you do not believe you number just repeat the process. If you think you have a doughnut in your brass measure a loaded round can compare to the case neck diameter.

Edited by Ireload2 (20/12/13 06:07 AM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
tinker
.416 member


Reged: 12/03/05
Posts: 4835
Loc: Nevada
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Ireload2]
      #239596 - 20/12/13 10:15 AM

My MS die doesn't form the WW 303 case head down in diameter.
Works great, brass functions beautifully.
The MS die is likely 40 years old or older.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
2152hq
.300 member


Reged: 20/05/12
Posts: 126
Loc: USA
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: tinker]
      #239669 - 22/12/13 09:12 AM

Like Tinker,,I don't swedge the case head at all, just the brass ahead of it. If anything, sometimes I used to have to trim the head dia down on some 303 brass to allow chambering. Not so with the HXP stuff.
After the first firing it's neck size only.

My 220 Swift cases are .446/.447dia at the head.
From what I read,,and I realize I can't believe everything I read,,that's about right for the 220 brass.,,and about right for the M/S case.

If that's 'small' for the x53R it doesn't seem to be so (at least for my rifle). They form, load and fire just fine.
Some 1915 dated x53R Military ammo I have mics .448 right ahead of the rim

Makes fine M/S cases too if you need to.
No lop-sided swayback cases,,no cracks, just usable brass that go 6 to 8 loadings then I toss them.

No thick neck problem with the 303HXP,,just the small step at the base of the neck inside after forming. Probably heavier brass in the Military cases or just the thicker wall forming up where the new neck is being pushed back too.
The drill takes care of it nicely. ('G' drill, I went and looked. .261d and probably cuts a bit oversize so it's OK. Slips right into the case mouth and down to the 'step'. A quick couple of twists and it's clear.)

Keep it simple.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
FrankS
.300 member


Reged: 06/10/08
Posts: 114
Loc: New Iberia Louisiana
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: 2152hq]
      #239681 - 22/12/13 10:54 PM

not to stir things up, but it seems to me that all the makers did not discard the origional military barrel when building up their sporters. I was wondering if this was done with an eye towards ecomony or maybe they felt that the military barrel shot well enough for their purposes. here in the States a custom rifle usually means a new barrel at the very least. I don't know how many barrels you see on gunbroker being advertised as being "takeoffs" But there are a bunch.Frank

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
sparks1
.275 member


Reged: 16/03/13
Posts: 54
Loc: USA
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: FrankS]
      #239690 - 23/12/13 05:10 AM

Not to upset the cart either...

Is the 6.5Gibbs the same case? Here is a link to a company making that brass, though I see it is a limited run and needs sufficient backorders for them to make it.

http://www.qual-cart.com/

Actually, upon looking at their catalog, they offer the above mentioned and the 6.5x53R later along with the 6.5x54 M/S. Not cheap, by any means, but would have the correct headstamp.

--------------------
Integrity is easier to keep, than to regain.

Edited by sparks1 (23/12/13 05:21 AM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
2152hq
.300 member


Reged: 20/05/12
Posts: 126
Loc: USA
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: sparks1]
      #239706 - 23/12/13 02:53 PM

I ran accross a (6.5) 256 Gibbs Magnum sporter built on a 1903 Greek action and bbl at a show. Couldn't walk away from it for the price of $450.

There were also an entire line of (Rocky) Gibbs Magnum rounds made up in wildcat fashion (in the 60's IIRC) including a 6.5 version. Those are based on the standard 30-06 head size.

The 256 Gibbs Magnum (George Gibbs Rifle Co) is usually represented as being based on the 6.5 Swede cartridge with it's slightly larger head size.

With all that Al Gore internet info I went forth and expected my Geo. Gibbs sporter to be chambered for the larger Geo. Gibbs '6.5 Swede' head size version,,but it is not.
Standard 30-06 head size it is. I've since read where other owners have found the same thing to be true.

So my bargin priced used 6.5 Swede die set bought in anticipation of being able to be altered & used to make brass to feed the Gibbs sporter now simply pushes the shoulder back on 30-06 and 270 brass. With some trimming and carefull fiddling, I can make the Gibbs sporter shoot and is another fun range toy w/it's Aldis Bros scope in QD mts.

I don't know if the new brass being made is the old (Geo Gibbs Rifle Co) .256 Gibbs Magnum,,and if it is,,is it 30-06 head size or 6.5 Swede head size.

Or is it just 1960's Rocky Gibbs wildcat 6.5 Gibbs Magnum brass (probably not)

I made that more confusing than necessary didn't I,,sorry for that.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Sarg
.400 member


Reged: 20/01/07
Posts: 1365
Loc: Nil
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: FrankS]
      #239737 - 24/12/13 09:49 PM

Quote:

not to stir things up, but it seems to me that all the makers did not discard the origional military barrel when building up their sporters. I was wondering if this was done with an eye towards ecomony or maybe they felt that the military barrel shot well enough for their purposes. here in the States a custom rifle usually means a new barrel at the very least. I don't know how many barrels you see on gunbroker being advertised as being "takeoffs" But there are a bunch.Frank



Well on those military barrels, I don't know about the rest of them, but this is what a old Steyr carbine did with old ammo & wait it gets even better, it was delayed ignition like shooting a Flintlock !

This was at 90yds or so, as that's where the tree stump I shot from was & the big tree I nailed the target on to.




But it gets even better, the crown on the barrel looks like this !!






Barrel is quite good on the inside, it wasn't until I shot a bunch of those hard 160gr FMJ rounds out of her & she cleaned up nicely, I was going to cut her up for a sportier, but I have a Gibbs now (and I use her bolt in him) & just got a WR Steyr in 375Ex 2 1/2, not in hand yet how ever .

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27009
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: Sarg]
      #239745 - 25/12/13 03:48 AM

That's "SOME" shooting for such a crown!! I'm quite sure I would not have even tested it before re-crowning?

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Sarg
.400 member


Reged: 20/01/07
Posts: 1365
Loc: Nil
Re: Forming cases for 6.5x53R [Re: DarylS]
      #239757 - 25/12/13 02:27 PM

Yes I was amazed, hence I took photos of target & crown, I just wanted to make the old girl go bang really, you know ?

Then I found some old Exmil rounds that misfired or had delayed firing, still fun to shoot, but better if they all went bang !

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1 | 2 | >> (show all)


Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Extra information
1 registered and 7 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:  CptCurl 

Print Topic

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Rating:
Topic views: 21064

Rate this topic

Jump to

Contact Us NitroExpress.com

Powered by UBB.threads™ 6.5.5


Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact


Copyright 2003 to 2011 - all rights reserved