8MM Mauser case problems in the shell holder

[NavajoNPaleFace]

I came across something today I have never come across before.

I ran across some once fired 8MM Mauser Sellor and Bellot brass and when I went to size them I noticed about every third one was either very, very hard going in the shell holder or wouldn't go in at all.

The shell holder (RCBS #3) is the correct one for the 8MM and I've not seen any fit problems with R-P brass nor have I ever experienced such a problem with 30.06s, 6.5 X 55, etc.

I can't tell if it's a diameter problem or if the case 'rim' is too thick.

Has anyone have an idea of the reason for the problem?

I'm thinking it has something to do with S-B brass but I'm not sure, to tell the truth.

 

[Murphster]

I have recently begun to suspect there may be some variables in European 8mm production. I have an FN49 that I shoot Romanian surplus (1970's) through. Wanted some stripper clips and so I bought some Turkish ammo just to get the stripper clips they were on. The Romanian wouldn't function in the Turkish clip. The base of the cartridge was too wide and/or the rim was too thick. Would have needed a mallet to pound them out of the clips into the magazine. Wish now I'd put a micrometer to them but I didn't. I'll be interested in others' response to your problem.

 

[NavajoNPaleFace]

Murph, you may have hit it right on the nail.

I never thought about the European made brass versus US made.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Poodleshooter]

I've had this happen with .45 brass. Some of the heads seemed to be "set back" closer to the rebated rim. I just tossed the odd ones.

 

[mgjohn]

Try a #2 shell holder. Same but a little diffrent.

 

[David Wile]

Hey Navajo,

Like MGJohn said, try an RCBS or Lyman # 2 shell holder for the 8MM. I have always used the #2 for 8MM and do not remember ever seeing anthing that said to use a #3. Then again, maybe I have been wrong all these years.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile

 

[NavajoNPaleFace]

Thanks, mgjohn and David.

I can give the #2 a shot.

The RCBS #3 is the right one and it's also the same used for 30.06 which has the same case base diameter as the 8MM.

For grins and giggles I loaded the cases in the mauser and they seated fine and the extractor picked up the rim cleanly.

 

[NavajoNPaleFace]

BTW, G98, do you have a recommended minimum and max load and COL on the IMR 4350 data above?

Thanks.

 

[Black Snowman]

I know if I have the gas setting cranked up on my FAL the extractor will bend the rim slightly from the force of yanking the case out which will cause it to go in the shell holder tight or not at all. If I line them up I can usually flatten them back down in the resizing process but it can still throw off the seating depth if it's a little bent so I have to be careful.

 

[NavajoNPaleFace]

I never asked the guy how he came about the cases and it might be that they came from someone who shot them in a weapon as you did.

Sure makes sense.

Thanks.