I'm new to c-96's but not to shooting so I decided to 2x check some of the stuff that was posted and add some new stuff as well.
I picked up a great condition c-96 from Checkpoint Charlie's (Wisconsin) a few months ago. The gun was matching with the exception of the bolt. Besides stripping and cleaning the only change was to order up a new spring set which was a cinch to put in.
It seems as if the biggest problem with the BH is what they can and can't digest, and if they can't digest it worrying about shearing that bolt block thing in the back if the ammo is too hot.
S&B being cheap and relaodable was choice #1 but being Chek left me wondering if it was too hot. (I've seen both written)
I fired 1 box through the gun and checked the bolt stop. With the new springs there is no hammering of this piece. If the bolt isn't hitting it in recoil, the springs seem to be doing their job.
I clocked it: the average was over 1500fps up to 1575 (HFS!)
Also a while back I found serious deviation between charges in the same box.
Unless I break it down and reload it again, I'm probably passing on using it consistantly.
I have not used Winchester, but I did end up with some brass and it is easier to reload than the S&B.
There is some corrosive Yugo Tok ammo floating around that has about 50% misfires so of course I bought some. I broke it down dumped the powder and found an average of 7.5gr per case.
I know that it isn't recommended reloading practice to use an unknown powder when reloading but I was doing this as an experiment more than anything else into a nearly identical case. The original ammo should be safe in the gun and I reduced the charge as well.
I reduced the charge to 7gr and using CCI primers and the new Hornady HP loaded up a few.
The velocity ranged from 1315 - 1340 fps and accuracy was good.
As far as consistancy is concerned, that is consistant so it appears that the powder isn't in question.
I plan on trying the same reduced load with the original head (87gr) today to see if it shoots. If it does, powder and primers would be cheaper than buying factory heads alone
Please post comments.
Good Shooting.
Tom
