It took forever but I finally reworked some .348 Win and some Lebel 8 brass. The .348 I buggered up the cutting to size so I ended up with several different sizes and my first time to the range I was more concerned about how the different size cases performed than I was about shooting groups, so it was all on blank paper at 25 yds. However even with a too light load I could see I'm going to like this gun!
Last Sunday I tried again with a heavier load (still want to go a bit higher) and played on the 50 yard targets. The 100 yd positions were all taken and I was having too much fun at 50 to wait for a spot.
50 yd target 1.jpg [ 27.39 KiB | Viewed 5927 times ]
I was using the Speers #4660 .44Cal .430" 240GR lead Semi Wad Cutter over 9.5 GR Unique. No issues with overpressure and still a wee bit aenemic so next time out I think I'll move up to 10.0 GR.
The Lebel I sized long enough to get the 2.2" OAL using the crimp groove on that .44 cal SWC, but buggered up the crimp. Two of the cases collapsed at the neck in the press, and two more some how collapsed using the tube magazine. Most I fired single shot, but four went through the magazine and elevator just fine. Those two were probably due to being too delicate with the bolt and ending up closing it when the lifter wasn't properly aligned so I hit the edge of the chamber.
Collapsed necks.jpg [ 20.46 KiB | Viewed 5927 times ]
Anyway, this is one fine gun!
