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Thread: Anyone loading for 6.5 jap?

  1. #1
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    Anyone loading for 6.5 jap?

    As per title really. Been offered a type 38 carbine but would definitely need to be reloaded for.

    Would probably use ppu brass. Cheap speer bullets.

    Not sure what powder.

    Cheers

  2. #2
    Member Cordite's Avatar
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    Original load was flat base spitzer 138 grain, so I'd start there, don't get fancy and hope 6.5 boat tailed SMKs will do anything but misbehave - they were my first load because I had them lying about, we all had fun firing them at the range while the rest stood behind trying to guess where they'd impact... (-: My next load try will be flat-based, heavy round noses, if they fail Miss Arisaka 38 will be a safe queen come wallhanger.

    The twist will stabilise a heavier, round nose bullet (which was the original military load) and it's more likely to suit your rifle if it is at all generous with its throat or bore. OK so a heavier bullet does more of a rainbow, but how far out do you want to go with open sights? The main problem is accuracy, not trajectory. I read somewhere in a WW2 report that the Japanese rifle bullets often keyholed back then, before hitting stuff, but there was a lot of racist propaganda about. They certainly keyholed on impact and made a mess, no doubt fully intentional.

    The actions are very strong so a lot of leeway with the smallish case. I say "smallish" because the 6.5 jap still has 1.5x the muzzle energy of a 5.56x45NATO. It's really the WW1/WW2 Goldilocks cartridge and would be today except for being a long action.

    Hogdon has load data, some examples:

    Name:  hogdon6.5jap.jpg
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    Let's know how you get on.
    mimms2 likes this.
    An itch ... is ... a desire to scratch

  3. #3
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    The idea is mainly as a range toy. Bit of history. Maybe shoot a deer in the Bush

  4. #4
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    i have used the Speer 140 HCSP Hot Cor and Hornady 140 SP Interlock depending on whats around and/or cheap, always the flat base. Can hit a gong at 100metres with ease, I don't bother doing groups with mil surp rifles as I don't use them for hunting or competitive target shooting, just fun at the range.
    Russian 22. and Cordite like this.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Slug View Post
    i have used the Speer 140 HCSP Hot Cor and Hornady 140 SP Interlock depending on whats around and/or cheap, always the flat base. Can hit a gong at 100metres with ease, I don't bother doing groups with mil surp rifles as I don't use them for hunting or competitive target shooting, just fun at the range.
    What powder?

 

 

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