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Thread: WTB/WTT 6.5 Jap brass, officially called 6.5 X 50

  1. #1
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    DukeInFlorida's Avatar
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    WTB/WTT 6.5 Jap brass, officially called 6.5 X 50

    An elderly friend gifted me his war trophy Type 38 Japanese Arisaka. It was given to him as he left Hiroshima, being part of the first boots on the ground there after the bomb. The rifle is complete with a non-numbers matching original bayonet and wooden scabbard. I've checked at all of the local gun shops here in Maine (I escaped the hurricane, and am still in New England until early next week), and cannot find any of the 6.5 Jap (6.5 X 50) ammo or brass.

    Would any of you have an inventory of reloadable brass that you would part with? I'm also looking for reloading die set, but not as worried about that as the brass.

    I've spent some time cleaning the war relic, and eager to send some boolits down the barrel. I can trade brass for brass if trades are more your fancy. Have lots of oddballs (except this one) that I could offer as trades. Please nudge me with a PM if you respond to this post.

    Thanks,


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    georgerkahn's Avatar
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    A friend has same rifle, and similar challenges. The brass he needs is rim-less, and several purveyors sell cases &/or ammo with the same numbers, but it is indeed rimmed. If you PM, I'll provide friend's name and 'phone number -- he doesn't have computers, etc. I believe he *may* have a very few cases/rounds... Up to you, if he may sell or share (???).

    I thought I'd better add this less you get offers, to learn the hard way (as I did, in ordering for friend) avoid getting the rimmed ones.

    BEST!
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  3. #3
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    labradigger1's Avatar
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    I did have an ample supply of nos Norma jap brass. May be a day or two till I can check inventory.
    Life is so much better with dogs!

  4. #4
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    bruce drake's Avatar
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    If Labradigger can't find his Norma (great brass) 6.5x50, you can make the brass from 3 other calibers.
    1) 35 Remington - neck down to 30 first and then finish necking down and forming the shoulder with the 6.5 Arisaka sizing die. You will have to add a 35 Remington shellholder to your die set.
    2) 220 Swift - neck up to 6.5 and reform the shoulder in the first pass and then trim back to 50mm. This case is semi-rimmed and you can use the 6.5 Jap shellholder (RCBS #15) or the shellholder for 220Swift/6.5Jap (RCBS #11)
    3) 303 British - this one is the most labor-intensive. You have to trim the rim down and cut an extractor groove and then cut 4mm off the case.

    +/-
    1) - easiest to form but the case neck is 1mm short at 49mm in length.
    2) - the semi-rim is the closest to matching the original case but has a propensity to stretch the cases on full-bore jacketed loads.
    3) - hardest to form but the cases last for a good bit.

    surprisingly, I recommend the 35 Remington cases as they last the longest but finding the brass is sometimes hit or miss.

    best advice, buy the Norma Brass. I don;t have any experience with the Prvi/Hornady 6.5 Jap brass so I can't tell you how they compare to the Norma.
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  5. #5
    Boolit Master kywoodwrkr's Avatar
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    Did you try Grafs?
    PPC65X50
    Dealer price $24.99 + shipping + dealer minimum.
    Non dealer
    Https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog...ategoryId/700? both PPU and Norma
    Gunboards has an outstanding forum for Firearms of Rising Sun .
    Double check assembly numbers for matching, versus serial number on side of receiver and trying to matchup.
    Last edited by kywoodwrkr; 09-17-2017 at 09:57 PM. Reason: Added add'l data

  6. #6
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    DukeInFlorida's Avatar
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    Thanks all, I am still on the hunt for reloadable brass. I think I want a couple hundred, somehow.

    I have read up on the various ways to remake other brass into 6.5 Jap, but it all seems tedious. Will try to find brass with proper headstamps.


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  7. #7
    Boolit Buddy
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    Pretty sure I have some and will get back to you by Wednesday.

  8. #8
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    labradigger1's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by labradigger1 View Post
    I did have an ample supply of nos Norma jap brass. May be a day or two till I can check inventory.
    I found some pics I had for insurance purposes. Appears I have at least 7 boxes of Norma, 140 cases +/-.
    $50 shipped if interested.
    Life is so much better with dogs!

  9. #9
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    BrassMagnet's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by labradigger1 View Post
    I found some pics I had for insurance purposes. Appears I have at least 7 boxes of Norma, 140 cases +/-.
    $50 shipped if interested.
    I have Lyman 310 dies for that, so if Duke passes, I'll take them!

  10. #10
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    DukeInFlorida's Avatar
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    I'll take those, please. I'm still out of town, so if it's OK, I will get payment to you by next Tuesday. If you will take PayPal, I can send payment immediately. Please advise.

    Quote Originally Posted by labradigger1 View Post
    I found some pics I had for insurance purposes. Appears I have at least 7 boxes of Norma, 140 cases +/-.
    $50 shipped if interested.
    Hi Ron, sorry, I have first dibs this time.

    Quote Originally Posted by BrassMagnet View Post
    I have Lyman 310 dies for that, so if Duke passes, I'll take them!


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  11. #11
    Boolit Buddy
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    Sorry, but I cannot find my 6.5 x 50.

  12. #12
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    Duke, I have some, 3 boxes nos and 57 fired. All Norma.
    I sent a pm Friday to you with the details.
    Life is so much better with dogs!

  13. #13
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    DukeInFlorida's Avatar
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    Yes, and we have made arrangements for sale of that brass.
    This transaction wraps up my quest for 6.5 Jap brass. I now have about 170 PC's in my possession. Thanks all who responded.


    Quote Originally Posted by labradigger1 View Post
    Duke, I have some, 3 boxes nos and 57 fired. All Norma.
    I sent a pm Friday to you with the details.


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