Originally Posted by
Patrick Chadwick
I don't get that. Please explain.
As Vintage Hunter has gently hinted, buying SAAMI or CIP gauges is probably ACWOTAM for rifles not built to those standards. Measure the head clearance (described often enough, so please search the forum) on both a new, unfired case and a fired case. That will give you a very good idea of how much stretch is taking place in the body of the case, and will also show that neck-sized reloads are going to be a much better fit. From my experience with Norma cases (weak/undersized rims tearing in the resizing die), I suggest you stick with PRVI. Regard the first firing as a fire-forming exercise and then use neck-sizing only. If you have not got or cannot find a Carcano neck-sized, then simply back off the sizing die about 1/2 turn for resizing.
And clean the chamber thoroughly with a bronze (or brass) brush. Gauze is better, if you can find it*. One or two scratches can be caused by roughness on the feed ramp. Scratches all round indicate a dirty or corroded chamber.
*Bronze gauze is sold as filter material. I obtained mine from a model engineering supply company.