Am I better off paper patching or sizing down?

[Randy in Arizona]

Am I better off paper patching a .284 or sizing down a .308 for a 7.35 Carcano?

Already have 30 caliber molds, but wonder if the extra sizing will distort them too much.
The other option is to patch 7mms up to .301.


63

[mikeym1a]

I'm no authority, but, from the math standpoint, the .301 is only about .008 from the .308. You'd have to add .017 of paper to the 7mm to fill the bore. I'm still trying to figure out PP, so I don't know. If you have a .301 sizer, or know someone who does, try running the slug of your choice through it to see what it does to the boolit. Good luck.:neutral:

[Dusty Bannister]

Perhaps you have not done the basics yet to determine what size you actually need? Lyman Reloading Handbook 45th edition suggests a groove diameter of .302.

No mention of wether you slugged the barrel, or made a chamber cast. I am thinking those steps would be primary as you may not have to size down to .301 or even .302 if the throat is large. Do some more investigation so you know what you need before making a decision. Good luck. Dusty

[Larry Gibson]

Better off sizing down. A .30 cal sized, GC'd and lubed at .309 - .311 can easily be sized down in a Lee push through style sizer to fit the throat of your 7.35 Carcano. Phot is of 8mm cast sized down to .314 as describedBTW; if you need reloadable case I've some ammo (100 + rounds) that is commercial and boxer primed. PM me if interested and we can work something out.

Larry Gibson

.75501

[Randy in Arizona]

Thanks, Larry, but I have all the Prvi Partizan Brass I'll ever need.
I just want to load up some cheap plinking rounds.


64

[armexman]

Randy, PM Buckshot. He made a sizing die for me to use in sizing die for my 7.35; it is a beaut' to use and behold. I too have many cases and bullets, hope to one day find a GS mold, lingering on a dealers table. Then I will start using my 4 pound (Bubbadd)rifle for coyote! Hopefully when I move to AZ in 2017.

[GabbyM]

Quick check is to measure inside diameter of a fired case. Size to fit that.
Let the gun size the slug down to the bore.
If you have bore ride designs getting the .300" nose chambered in the bore may be a trick.
I'm not familiar with Carcano chambers or bores.

[Larry Gibson]

As GabbyM mentions; "If you have bore ride designs getting the .300" nose chambered in the bore may be a trick.". The 7.35 is well suited to lighter weight cast bullets though. The .30 cal designs that can be GC's, lubed and then sized down w/o noses to much worry about are many of the 115 - 130 gr bullets such as Lyman's 311316, 311359 and 311465 (was my favorite when I had a 7.35) or the RCBS 30-115-SP or the Lee C309-113-F, C309-120-R and the C309-130-R. Any of those should suit Randy's need for a good plinking cast bullet for his 7.35.

Larry Gibson