OT .43 Mauser Loads

[Seamus]

OT .43 Mauser Loading

Howdy,

I just acquired a fine example of an 1871 Mauser carbine and am seeking information on black powder loads.  Brass, dies & .446 bullets are all available from Buffalo Arms.  I am considering a reduced load of 60g 2F Goex under a Walters Wad, COW or Dacron filler, another wad & bullet.  I’d be interested in hearing any recommendations any of you may have, thanks.

Seamus

[Kent Shootwell]

Do not use the wad and or cards with a Dacron filler. You will ring the chamber. If you feel you need a reduced load use all cards or only a filler like corn meal. The powder or powder with filler must be in contact with the slug with out a compressible filler.

[StrawHat]

Here is a bit of information on the M71 and the 43 Mauser.

http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/article.cfm?tocid=750&magid=56

Kevin

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[Trailrider]

The only caveat I would add is to "slug" the barrel to determine the actual groove diameter of the rifling. I once had a M71/84 (the repeater) and the groove diameter turned out to be .451"!  But when the Canadian manufactured CIL Dominion brass I was using was loaded with a .451" bullet, it wouldn't chamber. I had a chamber reamer made that opened up the bottleneck so the larger bulleted case would chamber. As the .43 Mauser cartridge is bottlenecked, I wouldn't use a Dacron filler.  I never shot mine with black powder, as the action is amply strong for lighter smokeless loads.  My data book shows that I used 40 gr. of IMR4198 loose in the case behind a Lyman #457483 Gas Check bullet sized to .451" for a MV =1732 ft/sec. Recoil was mild and accuracy fair. I would expect there are a number of loads for .45-90 that could be used, as powder capacity is similar. [Usual disclaimer: I cannot be responsible for accidents or incidents arising from the use of the above data in guns other than my own. And maybe not then!] The M71 single shot may NOT be as strong as its repeating successor.

[john boy]

A 43 Mauser (11x60R, or 11.15x60R) ... 77gr of FFFg powder with a 386gr bullet = 1430 fps
Skip the wad & COW - shoot the powder straight

Seamus, sent you a PM

[Seamus]

Thanks to all for the useful replies.

 The carbine is marked "11" on the left side of the receiver. That may bode well for .446 bullets.

 I will try some loads with full cases of 2F & .446 bullets & see how they do. Ideally a hollow based bullet may help with needed expansion into those deep grooves.

 One resourse I checked on an 1871 someone used a .451 bullet but it would not chamber until he FL resized the entire cartridge!

 John Boy, thanks for the note on the PM. I sent you a PM with my new email address & changed my email on my forum profile.

 I'll post some pix if I can & a range report once I do some shooting with it. Further comments & recommendations are welcome.

 Seamus

[sail32]

These two books have cartridge information for the 71 Mauser and the 71/84 Mauser.

 “German Military Rifles and Machine Pistols 1871 – 1945”,
By Hans Dieter Gotz. Translated by Dr. Edward Force, CCSU. Includes information on assault rifles and Sten copies.

And “The German Rifle, A comprehensive illustrated history of the standard bolt-action designs,
1871-1945”. By John Walter. Includes information on the use of captured French Chassepots
He quotes from Gotz.