Carcano 6.5mm question

[bob40caliber]

Since getting dies for the 6.5x52 Carcano cartridge is a problem, can I get a little creative?
I have a set of Redding 6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser dies.
Can I possibly modify the 6.5x55 dies to load the 6.5x52?
I will be using the .264 diameter bullet.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Swampman]

It might be possible to mill the bottom of the sizing die shorter and use it for neck sizing.

You could probably use the seating die without modifications.

Understand that this would definitely be a third rate solution and would prevent using your sizing die for full length sizing of 6.5x55 in the future.

It also wouldn't do anything to resize the case body on the 6.5x52's, so unless the cases you intend to reload were fired in the rifle you're loading for I wouldn't even consider it.

My recommendation would be to keep your eyes peeled for individuals selling dies.

It couldn't hurt to place a WTB thread in the Buy, Sell and Trade: Reloading Components and Gear forum.

 

[Vernon102]

Also, the 6.5 Carcano has a groove diameter of .267, which is no longer made by anyone that I am aware of.
.264 bullets will not seal the bore and the accuracy will be iffy.

 

[Highland Lofts]

I bought two sets of RCBS 6.5 carcano dies off of E Bay. there is a semi-local gun store that had a used set of them. On another forum they were talking about reloading for 6.5 and some one said there was one place that had the right size bullets for 6.5 carcano.
I haven't reloaded for it yet, i would have to see where I read about it snd buy the right size bullets first.
There is a old guy out in Washington State that gets estate ammo and will get 6.5 carcano ammo occasionally. It is in high demand so it sells pretty fast.
Some body wanted to buy some a couple of monts ago and I picked a factory new box of Norma 6.5 carcano and left a responce and they never responded so I sold them to a local guy. I have a a little ammo for the one I have and have brass for it.
It is hard to find but is obtainable.
Buying the dies is a waiting game, they will come up on e bay.
There was a set of 7.35 carcano dies listed on e bay a month or two ago. I submitted an offer and they declined.

 

[Highland Lofts]

There are two sets of lee 6.5 carcano dies listed on ebay for over $122 each.
On Amazon there is a set of lee 6.5 carcano dies for $49 with free shipping for prime members.

 

[mstreddy]

If you are not familiar with Castboolits forum, I'd suggest joining over there. They have a very active Buy, Sell, Trade forum. I've seen Carcano dies pop up from time to time. And a Want to Buy post may help.

 

[bob40caliber]

Thank you all so far for the relpies.
The dies on Amazon are not available till Feb.
I will put out a couple of ads, as suggested.

But anyone else, please add your thoughts.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

I have had 39 years shooting Carcanos and reloading for them with a Lee Loader kit.
Norma casings made for the .264" bullet are thicker in the neck than Graf or FNM casings made for .268" bullets.
If you try the .268" bullet, use the tninner necked casings, and not casings made for .264" bullets.
I have bought mostly Norma factory loads in 6.5 Carcano and reloaded the empties with .264" bullets. I have also tried Graf .268" bullets and their casings. I see little difference in results on target. Perhaps if one had a Carcano with eroded or oversize bore, the larger bullet would work wonders.