7.65X53 Argentine

[superbee922]

I recently purchased an 1891 Argentine Mauser and plan on reloading for it. I have several questions I was hoping I could get some help on.

1. I purchased some Speer .311 180 grain RN bullets and would like some powder / load recommendations. There seems to be a lot of 150 grain data out there, but not so much on 180 grain bullets. I think the original round designed for this rifle was a heavier, roundnose type, so I thought the Speer might be a good choice to shoot accurately.

2. I eventually would like to cast lead bullets for this rifle. Could someone recommend a mould which they have had success with in the caliber?

Thanks in advance for your help and advice

 

[Cosmoline]

Careful with this one. The later Argie Mausers were '98 pattern and the load data I found was for them. That is, a lighter bullet at good velocity. The '91 is a different beast. It was built for shooting a 200-220 grain bullet at sedate velocity. I used .30-40 Krag data for mine with good results. I didn't have much luck with the 180 .311". The Woodleigh 215 grain .312" were a lot closer to the mark.

 

[rcmodel]

The Lyman #49 manual has a chapter on the 7.65 Argentine Mauser.
And while the data was tested in a M1909 98 Mauser, they state the loads are safe in older 1889 Mauser but you should not use the Max loads listed.

There is no mention of the 1891 Model being unsuitable for these loads.
And I have used them in the past with good success.

They list 125, 150, 174, and 180 grain Jacketed loads.

And 170 & 200 grain cast bullet loads.

I would recommend you get a copy of the Lyman #49.

rc

 

[superbee922]

Wow, those Woodleighs are expensive!

 

[superbee922]

RCModel, how far below maximum would you recommend to hold up at? 1 grain below?

 

[rcmodel]

I would recommend starting with the start load and working up until you find a load that shoots accurately..

As for the Max loads listed in the Lyman manual??
They are safe in a 1891.
If they were not, Lyman would have put a caution in the text.

Not safe in an 1889, which they did clearly state.

rc

 

[superbee922]

Yep, begin with starting loads and work up carefully.

Lyman max. loads should be safe in the 1891 Mauser, provided no signs of excessive pressure are encountered along the way? Great!

Got it! Thanks!

 

[Icky The Great]

Sierra makes a 174gr HPBT Match in .311dia 303cal. #2315
I also purchased some 180gr spire boat tails from Graf's a good while back. I am using an 1891 model and have acceptable accuracy for it being sporterized.
According to the old Norma card which came with ammo it states they are using a 180gr sp semi point bt at 2592fps. I have seen no usable loads listed for this in newer books. In the Speer #8 manual (1970) it has 175gr and 180gr round nose loadings. It has 8 powders for each. I am guessing some of these powders are no longer availible. I would caution to use due care while working a load up.
Also the velocity figures shown in the older book denotes:
"There were two military loadings. As used by Belgium and Ecuador, a 215 gr. bullet was given a muzzle velocity of 2034 fps. As used by Turkey, Argentina, and Peru, a 154 gr. bullet was given a muzzle velocity of 2788 fps. Velocity figures for both bullet weights were taken in 30" barrels and would be very much less in 24" barrels."

 

[superbee922]

If I can find an accurate load for the Speer round nose in the 2400-2500 fps range I will be satisfied. I would like to take the 1891 deer hunting, and I think such a load would be pretty effective.