Hi folks,
Haven't been around for a while, glad to be back (used to be Eric but the 'puter didn't like that name anymore).
I have to tell a short story and ask a few questions. After spending a couple weeks visiting, working on a cabin, moose hunting and generally enjoying life in Alaska my brother headed on home to VT. While visiting we discussed the usefulness of .35 and .375 whelen cartridge for Alaskan game. A week after he gets home he buys a .35 whelen built on a mauser action. I gave him heck and told him to find one for me.
He calls tonight and says it's been too rainy to cut wood so he stopped by the gun shop looking for a scope for his new whelen. Scopes are too expensive, so he wanders over to the used gun rack. He spots a nice redfield 3x9 on a mauser that they have on consignment for $300 including scope. It's a nice mauser 20" bbl, spooned bolt, 70 degree safety, hinged floorplate with fancy release, monte carlo stock and hard rubber butt pad that is starting to crack a little. Blueing is nearly new and stock is too. He looks on the barrel and sees H.O. Ackley .375 WH !! Gun shop owner doesn't know who in VT would want one of those - you can't even buy shells for it! Brother wants to know if I'll give him $200 plus shipping for the gun so he can keep the scope for $100. I say SOLD!!(always knew brothers would be good for somehting)
So now I have a project on the way. A reloader for many years this wildcat stuff will be new for me. A few questions:
Whats the best way to make brass for this animal. I suspect I will need to expand the neck and fireform the case. Should I start with 30-06 or 35 whelen or does it matter? Any neck expander die recomendations?
I know there are supposed to be headspace/shoulder issues so I was interested to read Marshalls tech note on using the collet dies to neck size only. Once I get the brass formed that seems to be the way to go.
Any favorite pet loads/bullets out there for those who use this round?
This will be my moose rifle and I'll probably use it for caribou and possibly bear. Probably 250 to 270 gr loads to start. Maybe 225-235 if it will help it reach out some more for caribou.
I'll be putting a composit stock on it to preserve the wooden stock for when I may ever want to re-sell the gun. Anybody got any favorites for a composit stock on a mauser action. I expect this gun will kick some as it is light and short with a big caliber. A decent stock can help with that kick.
Any other advise on my new project is appreciated.
Thanks for your help, sorry for the long post.
Eric
Haven't been around for a while, glad to be back (used to be Eric but the 'puter didn't like that name anymore).
I have to tell a short story and ask a few questions. After spending a couple weeks visiting, working on a cabin, moose hunting and generally enjoying life in Alaska my brother headed on home to VT. While visiting we discussed the usefulness of .35 and .375 whelen cartridge for Alaskan game. A week after he gets home he buys a .35 whelen built on a mauser action. I gave him heck and told him to find one for me.
He calls tonight and says it's been too rainy to cut wood so he stopped by the gun shop looking for a scope for his new whelen. Scopes are too expensive, so he wanders over to the used gun rack. He spots a nice redfield 3x9 on a mauser that they have on consignment for $300 including scope. It's a nice mauser 20" bbl, spooned bolt, 70 degree safety, hinged floorplate with fancy release, monte carlo stock and hard rubber butt pad that is starting to crack a little. Blueing is nearly new and stock is too. He looks on the barrel and sees H.O. Ackley .375 WH !! Gun shop owner doesn't know who in VT would want one of those - you can't even buy shells for it! Brother wants to know if I'll give him $200 plus shipping for the gun so he can keep the scope for $100. I say SOLD!!(always knew brothers would be good for somehting)
So now I have a project on the way. A reloader for many years this wildcat stuff will be new for me. A few questions:
Whats the best way to make brass for this animal. I suspect I will need to expand the neck and fireform the case. Should I start with 30-06 or 35 whelen or does it matter? Any neck expander die recomendations?
I know there are supposed to be headspace/shoulder issues so I was interested to read Marshalls tech note on using the collet dies to neck size only. Once I get the brass formed that seems to be the way to go.
Any favorite pet loads/bullets out there for those who use this round?
This will be my moose rifle and I'll probably use it for caribou and possibly bear. Probably 250 to 270 gr loads to start. Maybe 225-235 if it will help it reach out some more for caribou.
I'll be putting a composit stock on it to preserve the wooden stock for when I may ever want to re-sell the gun. Anybody got any favorites for a composit stock on a mauser action. I expect this gun will kick some as it is light and short with a big caliber. A decent stock can help with that kick.
Any other advise on my new project is appreciated.
Thanks for your help, sorry for the long post.
Eric