Anyone load for 43 Mauser?

[mazo kid]

I have a friend that wants to shoot a few black powder loads in his 71/84 Spandau Mauser. Obviously I don't want to invest a lot of money in this venture. I have heard that cases can be made from 45-90 (which I have). I am wondering if a 43 Spanish die (which I also have) will work to form the neck? I know Buffalo Arms has brass also. Any other suggestions? TIA

[Beekeeper]

Mazo Kid,
I load for my Mausers and use Bertram brass.
The 45/90 brass can be used but you must put an "O" ring on the brass against the head to keep it out enough for the firing pin to get a good whack.
The 45/90 brass head is thinner than the 43 Maiser brass.
43 Mauser brass is called "A" head brass due to the extended center.
I use 65 grains of FFG black Diamond powder in the Bertram and it fills to the base of the neck.
75 grains of the same will not fill to the base of the neck on the 45/90 so if you use 45/90 brass you will need to use a cotton ball packing between the powder and the wad/boolit
I use the Lyman 446110 340 grain boolit in mine
My grooves/. are .449 so I have opened up the mold to get the proper size.

Were it me I would have him spring for the Bertram brass as it makes it easier for the first loadings and if he wants to continue then go to the 45/90 brass

My $.02 worth!!


beekeeper

[StrawHat]

Two places to find info.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?5007-loading-for-the-43-Mauser-11mm-Mauser

http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/article.cfm?tocid=750&magid=56

[Chicken Thief]

When/If using 45-90 brass remember this:

Size long and turn the die in until the brass wil just chamber.
Thus you will have no problems that require O-rings and the likes. Ie no headspace issues!
The 43 Spanish is just a tad small in the neck, but things will even out at the first fireing.