Hi all,
Previously posted under 8x58 Sauer that I wanted information for my H. Barella drilling. had assumed it was 8x58 1/2r because the 3 rounds that were in the bullet trap were so headstamped. did not want to shoot those because of doubts about how they were loaded. made 3 rounds out of 9.3x72r brass by using 32-40 dies.(did not want to spend $200+ for custom dies for a gun that won't be shot a lot) trying to find the correct bullet seating depth slid a bullet into the rifling and discovered that the chamber is actually for 8x72r. loaded ammo is available in that caliber for $130- 20 rounds, but with .323 bullets instead of the .318 that the barrel slugged. since the 8x72r is also a straight tapered case as is the 8x58r, using the 32-40 dies made a case, fireformed it to the chamber, loaded it with 24grs. SR4759 powder and 190grs. lead gas check bullet. resulted velocity 2005fps at 10'. waiting for new 9.3x72r brass and will test for accuracy.
Lessons learned never assume a chambering, do a chamber cast or otherwise definetly identify the caliber and barrel size.
bauer
