Newish from New Hampshire

[erich]

Hi all,

My name is Erich, and I joined the forum some time ago, but realized that I haven't yet posted. I tend to read more than post, so please forgive me. I found this group when attending the Vintagers Vintage Cup event in Rhode Island. I've had Mauser military style rifles for years, but have always been interested in the classic sporting rifles and drillings. I don't see them too often and still have a lot to learn, which is why I'm here. Hopefully with more information, I'll know what I'm looking at when purchasing.

Thank you for your time,

Erich

[mike ford]

Erich,
Welcome, aboard. We are glad to have you, and are looking forward to your input.
Mike

[sharps4590]

Welcome Erich! As Mike said, glad to have you.

[erich]

Thanks fir the welcome. I'm hoping to find a drilling in the near future. Have always been fascinated by them since my great Uncle showed me his years ago.

[oskar]

Are you looking for a collectable piece or one to take out and hunt with?

Welcome

\oskar

[erich]

Something to take out and hunt with. I'm thinking 16x16 with a 9.3x72R variety, but am open to other calibers.

[mike ford]

Erich,
I like 9.3x72R, especially with cast bullets, but I think you would be better served with a 6.5/7/ or 8x57R(or maybe 7x65R)for your first drilling.Of course, it's your money, you can buy what you want.I suggest a 16x16with one of the calibers listed and with a scope.I prefer 60-65cm barrels, and if you could find an Einstecklauf(insert barrel- in 22LR or Mag),this would be useful. Simpson Ltd. has some drillings that fit this discription, at reasonable prices.Their drillings are used, so a careful reading of their discription will prevent misunderstandings.Some work may be necessary or desired, but would be reflected in the price.
Mike

[oskar]

Mike is spot on.

I have a 9.3x72R just because it was the caliber of the first drilling I ever used. Ammo is expensive $60./20, the 6.5x57R, 7x57R, 7x65R and 8x57R are about $20/20. All but the older 8x57R (.318 bullet) can be loaded with off the shelf bullets and usually their rimless counter part reloading dies can be used with a different shell holder. There are cast bullet molds available for them from most of the makers, the 9.3x72R needs a custom mold due to the sort of standard .364 groove diameter, it does vary down to .358 from what I've heard. Standard 9.3/.366 bullets are out also as they are too heavy and too stoutly constructed for the 9.3x72R. That said if your willing to put up with the headaches it is a fun cartridge to shoot and does turn some eyes when you pull one of those big long cartridges out of the bullet trap although it is only in the 38-55Win class power wise.

[mike ford]

It is worth noting that "off the shelf" 32 Win.Spec.(.321") can very often be used for loading 8x57IR or 8x57R/360 ammo. Groove diameter in these rifles very often exceeds .318". Generally, if a bullet is not too much over groove diameter and will easily fit into a fired (and not resized) case, it can be used to load for that rifle.You have to "work up" to the final load, don't just change bullets in an estabilished load.
Mike

[erich]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will keep them in mind when looking at firearms.

Erich