7.35 Shelllholder?

[Dalebert]

I got my Lee die set for 7.35 yesterday and began loading some rounds. Not happy with the #2 shellholder Lee uses. It's a sloppy fit and intended for 30-06 and its siblings.

Do members have recommendation of a brand/model of shellholder that will hold the 7.35 carcano case more securely.

Not too much of an issue for me now as I'm simply loading new brass. But I'm concerned I'll have issue pulling case out of die when I start resizing cases.

Information

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[vintage hunter]

When I began loading for the 7.35 the only way to get cases was to neck down and trim Norma 6.5 cases. I use Lee dies also and have never had any rim jumping issues with the somewhat oversized Lee #2 shell holder that was included. Just make sure the cases are lubed good and you should have no problems.
Just out of curiosity I looked on the Midway site and the only shell holder they listed made specifically for the 6.5/7.35 Carcano is the Hornady #21.

[browningautorifle]

If I could start my reloading again and was buying gear again, I'd buy the universal shell holder kit. It has one of every number in it. If you need a different one you just keep trying them until you find the one that fits. They didn't have those kits when I started.

[musketshooter]

Try an RCBS #9.

[Dalebert]

Thanks for the feedback.

I may try a couple other brands of shell holder. Cost is low and I don't want to mess up expensive brass. I've got a dozen rounds loaded with .298 150 grainers. I intend to try out the new M38 this weekend, even if it means shooting in single digit temperatures.

[Dalebert]

Got my Hornday #21 shellholder yesterday. Specifically intended for Carcano. Perfect fit.

[browningautorifle]

Excellent! Now off to the reloading bench with you. I had the same issues when loading 6mm Lee Navy, no reliable ammo until I loaded it myself. It was nice to be able to go through 40 rounds one day and not worry about cost.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

7.35 Carcano uses the same shell holder as 6.5 Carcano.

If you cannot source the "correct" one from RCBS etc., try a shell holder for 7.62 x 39 or 6.5 x 54MS. Neither of those is PERFECT, but unless you are doing EXTREME reforming, will work OK.

As for bullets: good luck. My 1973 Hornady loading manual has data and dimensions and lists ONE projectile; the Hornady .300", 128gn spire point.

If you are planning to go wild and shoot it a LOT, track down a tool and die maker who may be able to make a die (or two) to squeeze .308" 125gn bullets down to .300". The Jugoslav 125gn, LEAD cored, "gilding-metal"-jacketed bullets, sized to .300" would be good if you can find any, alternately, any of the 125-130 gn .308 HOLLOW points would be good feed-stock.

Alternately, if you know a "friendly" CNC shop, get a bunch of bullets turned up from soft BRASS. They will need "grease grooves", like a cast bullet, NOT for lube, but to allow for metal displacement. This should provide a suitably weighted bullet (the originals are VERY light for their size), of approximately correct form.

And don't forget to rustle up a decent stash of the 6-round Mannlicher-style clips.

Happy historical shooting!

[Bruce_in_Oz]

But wait! There's MORE!!

This mob: http://www.ammo-one.com/735MMCAR.html Ar advertising 7.35 ammo stuff.

Haven't seen that since the early 1970s!

Our Serbian Cousins to the rescue.....again?

[Bruce McAskill]

Yup PPY (Prvi) makes the ammo now.