Model 41 Carcano Reloading Help!!

[concretus]

I have a FAT 42 Model 41 that I was hoping to reload for. I've been reading about it is "highly recommended" that the .268" Hornady 160RN is to be used w/ either H414 or Win 760 and a magnum primer. I used CCI mag primer, prepared a load w/ 36.0 gr of H 414 and seated the bullet to the cannelure. I loaded some samples at 36.5 and 37.0 to see what would work best for this rifle....
The first and only round I fired w/ 36.0 gr of H-414 the bolt was difficult to rotate. When I got it open, the round was stuck in the chamber. After I tapped it out w/ and old cleaning rod, the primer was blown out. Is there something I'm doing wrong? I've been reloading for over 20 years and never encountered something like this. Do I need to slug the bore and / or possibly try .264 bullets or get rid of this rifle? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading. :thumb:

Information

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[vintage hunter]

According to the Hornady manual it specifically says use WINCHESTER large rifle magnum primers ONLY, that could very well be your problem. One more thing to look at is the brass you're using, these loads were developed with Norma brass, if your using something else it would be a good idea to do a capacity comparison of the two brands. When components start getting substituted and changed around from whats specified then troubles sometimes emerge. It also says that IMR 4064, AA4064, RL-15 and VARGET powders are suitable. I use the AA 4064 recipe with excellent results. With it I'm getting consistent 1 1/4'' 3 shot groups at 100 yds from my '41 Carcano.

[concretus]

With Norma brass? I am using Privi Partisan Brass. it was the first loading for them too. Do you have to use magnum primers with the other powders you have listed?

[Parashooter]

1. Slug the bore! Consider discontinuing use of the .268" bullet if groove diameter isn't at least .267".
2. Don't start in the middle. Recommended starting charge with H414 is 34.1 grains. See data sheet from Hornady, below.
3. Get some experience with .264" bullets before messing with the .268". The .264" Sierra 160 semi-pointed groups as well in my M41 as the Hornady .268".
4. Prvi cases and CCI magnum primers work OK for me with the .268" Hornady and 37 grains WC760. See SHOOTING THE 6

[vintage hunter]

Thats what the manual says, ''only Winchester WLRM Primers should be used with this data'' in bold print. I'm not one to deviate much from what the load manuals recommend, especially with firearms of questionable strenght like the Carcano. I use PRVI cases too but did a capacity comparison first and worked up carefully, paying close attention the the resistance as I seated primers. PRVI cases are very good but they require a close inspection before loading. I found some with loose primer pockets and a few with DOUBLE flash holes. You could try .264'' bullets but I've yet to see a Carcano that was accurate with them. Get a box of factory PRVI ammo and see how the empties extract. You could have a headspace problem but I think your primer choice is the cause of the stuck case. At the time when Winchester, Remington and CCI was the only choices around CCI's were the hottest primers on the market according to an article in GUNS & AMMO magazine.

[concretus]

The chart that Parashooter displayed is the one I went by. I'm going to get some Winchester primers. I also ordered some cerrosafe to cast the chamber and the bore.

[Parashooter]

The chart that Parashooter displayed is the one I went by.

Then why did you start at 36 grains?

[jmoore]

Notes: The loads developed for the 0.267" bullets in the Hornady 7th ed. manual utilized Prvi Partian cases, not Norma. The rifle used was a "M41", so at least the models are identical.

Excellent bore condition, particularly in the throat is very important when using bullets with long bearing surfaces Like the 160gr Hornady. If it's rough, you may be able to lap it out.

Although considered by some to be an "identical" powder, I've had rather better results using Winchester 760 than H414. Better accuracy and less pressure signs.

[concretus]

Nores: The loads developed for the 0.267" bullets in the Hornady 7th ed. manual utilized Prvi Partian cases, not Norma. The rifle used was a "M41", so at least the models are identical.

Excellent bore condition, particularly in the throat is very important when using bullets with long bearing surfaces Like the 160gr Hornady. If it's rough, you may be able to lap it out.

Although considered by some to be an "identical" powder, I've had rather better results using Winchester 760 than H414. Better accuracy and less pressure signs.

Thank you Jmoore

[jmoore]

BTW, the bullet diameter shown in the Hornady notes as shown by parashooter DOES seem to match what readings I've gotten using a micrometer that reads to the nearest 1/2 tenth.

Why exactly that size?