So I have an all original 7.7 aristaka and a 6.5x55 mauser. I like to shoot them but was trying to figure out how to minimize barrel wear. So what is the best combination to protect these old rifles, single base extruded powders pushing lead bullets at middle of the road velocity??? Any recommended powders that are easy on these war relics but still decent. I do shoot them at steel in the military bolt class.
7.7 should have a chrome bore , 6.5 swedes aren't high pressure. Shoot them and enjoy . Improper cleaning hurts more barrels .
Shoot light to moderate load Vit N165 in your Swede. It's one if not the coolest burning powder and an accurate powder too.
There's no need to load hot unless you need the velocity.... Usually a hot load isn't the most accurate and the target doesn't know or care....
In my youth I had a soft spot for 1903 Springfields. I liked to shoot them, a lot. But didn’t want to roast the bore. A friend/mentor turned me on to 180-220gr gas checked cast Bullets over top of 10-ish grains of Unique. You had to tamp the load back or use tissue as a wad, but it shot great and when I sold the guns to support my highpower habit they still had great looking bores. I would think you could do the same thing with the rifles you have. FYI, be sure to get all the copper out of the vote first to help avoid leading.
I wonder if trail boss has a low temperature. I know its bulky and good for downloading but no idea on temperature.
I shoot mild loads of Hv100 with Sierra 120s in my Swede M38. I shoot a slow 5 and let it cool. Seems to be working so far.
Good (poured yourself) Cast bullets will give you a lot of shooting pleasure, save your shoulder and the rifle.
Any cast boolit and a 16 grain charge of Alliant 2400 is a mild and generally accurate combo in either cartridge.
Gas checked lead bullets and an almost full case of Trail Boss. I've tried the "10-12 gns of Unique" and it works...but it makes me nervous.
It is considered the "universal load" over at Castboolits.gunloads.com It was originally used by reloading writer Ed Harris for cases larger than 7.62x39 and up to 30-06 for target loads out to 200 yds. He called it his "workhorse load". I have found that it shoots wonderfully more often than not, without messing with powder charges. The link is below. Give it a read. I think Ed knew what he was doin! http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?17574-Cast-Bullet-Loads-for-Military-Rifles-Article
