M95 success, I hope

[fatelk]

Well, I finally got to the range today to try out some cast loads in the old M95 Steyr 8x56R.

I've had this rifle for a decade or more. A year or two ago I got some Lee dies and molds. The bullets dropped at .329, and I'm sure you can figure out where that went.

Anyhow, the molds got lapped and "beagled", Buckshot made me a custom sizer (Thanks Buckshot!), and I got some 8mm gas checks.

I loaded a few rounds with 20 gr. of old H-240 and tried them out finally. I shot a couple through the chronograph; 1500fps - right around what I was looking for. I only had 5 to shoot at the target about 55 yards away, but was pleased to find a nice group of about 1.5". Sights will need seriously adjusted, but that's no big deal. Definite potential, in fact I will be happy with 3moa if it's consistent. And not a trace of leading!

Just don't ask me about the ak74 project. I'm about ready to break that darn thing over a rock and throw in in a dumpster.

[wallenba]

Lapped and beagled mine too, but I got the gas check shank too big and I can't seat a check now. If it ain't one thing, it's another. Lap and learn I guess. My 338 mold drops at .340, so I have a couple of dies coming from Magma to get it down to .335. I might yet start over with a new .329 mold. This time I'll cut the shanks off the boolits I use before I lap it.

[Three44s]

fatelk,

Don't feel bad .......... I shot a friend's AK74 a while back and could not hit the "broadside" of my Lead Bank .......... I'd swear, I have never shot anything so WORTHLESS ......... in my entire life!!!

Three 44s

[Buckshot]

.................The 2 boolit designs I've found that work best in the M95 if it has the normal "Over .329" grooves" which, I daresay 90% have is the Oldfeller design currently offered by BRP, or the RCBS 338 mould. Lee makes a 338 Mould but their lube grooves mike .316". That's very close to the bore of most M95's and sufficient lube possibly causes problems. The RCBS 338 design has .290" lube groove OD.

For me what has worked the best is to lube-size the 338 slug in a .338" die and then send it up through a Lee type .332", .333, or .334" depending upon what you need. A fine FNPB 205gr @ .336" can be had from Saeco, but it's expensive as it's a special order design. This one has been THE most accurate boolit to date for me but at only 1300 fps.

http://www.fototime.com/E5F797678DB6438/standard.jpg

A) Saeco 205gr FNPB drops at .336"
B) Lee 338
C) RCBS 338 boolit
D) The origional Oldfeller design, now offered by BRP

................Buckshot

[JeffinNZ]

Still want one. I have 5 charger clips on hand for the day the right rifle turns up.

[wallenba]

Buckshot, thanks for mentioning the lube groove depths. It's a valid concern I have overlooked. I'll take a look at the RCBS mold.