Type 38 pressure issue

[jmoore]

Now a question, I have a good supply of reloader,15,17,19,22 and IRC 4350, 4895. What would be a good powder to use to fireform and how much of a charge ?

I haven't developed a particular powder preference for this round, but generally will start with IMR 4064 if the loading manuals seem to show that it's reasonably efficient. Mstly because it works very well much more often than not. As far as fireforming, I like keeping the pressures at normal working levels, lest the case not seat well against the breechface. The "o-ring trick" wasn't as successful as with true rimmed cases, but seemed to help some. At least it might center the case in the chamber a bit better.

ETA (way later): Another that comes to mind for the 6,5mm rounds is IMR 4320, I think. But I haven't been home since yesterday, so haven't looked up any records.

[vintage hunter]

In post #10 I stated all T38's concerned were made at Kokura arsenal, thats incorrect. Two are Nagoya arsenal 4th series.

[andiarisaka]

Good information guys. I noted the undersized Norma brass about 10 years ago, like many I thought my rifle had a headspace problem and started swaging .308 winchester down to fit. I wrote Norma about the problem and on their website it now shows ammo loaded with cases based on the .303 british casehead size. However, they must have millions of the woefully undersized cases to get rid of. I now make cases for my type 38 from either .308 or the easier way, the .303 british. One could neck up the undersized Norma brass to .30 cal, then resize in the 6.5 die, just enough to allow the bolt to close, to avoid seperation. Another way would be to lightly grease the cases before the first firing. Either way, headspace is moved to the shoulder rather than the .010" undersized rim. 30/40 Krag can also be used, but is harder to come by than .303. I'll bet a lot of type 38s have been junked by people thinking they had a headspace problem, when the problem was really undersized brass.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Very informative post for new and prespective Arisaka owners.
Thanks!

[Bruce McAskill]

Have you tried using 35 Remington brass to make the cases? The over all length will be a bit short in the neck length but it fits the chamber quite closely and extracts nicely. I have used the 35 Remington brass for years and it has work very well. I have also found that IMR 3031 works well with the 6.5. A charge of about 31 grs. with a 140 gr. bullet is accurate in two rifles and one carbine that I have.