Kropatcheck reoading

[BDantella]

Hello,

I have a Kropatcheck "Treasury gun" 8X60MMR. I got a die set for it. The die set came at a .318 8X60MMR "Mauser". Is this right for a Kropatcheck? I also have been reading I could use the 8X56R loads. I have a Ster that uses them. The military ammo I have is spritzer so I would be using the tube magazine in the gun with them naturally. And I also thought this gun was a BP gun. Can it hold silver powder? I read where it can. Someone please fill me in. Thanks. Bob Dantela

[mike ford]

BDantella,
I'm sorry to inform you that the ".318 8x60mm R Mauser" dies you have are not correct for your rifle. While the Kropatchek is an old military rifle, rather than a German/Austrian sporting rifle, I happen to have very limited experience loading it for a late friend and mentor that had a custom ammunition business. The cartridge you need is very similar to the 8x60 R Guedes M85 Portuguese which was for a single shot rifle that was the immediate predecessor of the Portuguese Kropatschek rifle you have. These rifles were made in Austria by Steyr, causing the impression that this is the correct forum, while a military one really is. Nevertheless, we will do what we can to get you on the right track. The Mauser 8x60 R( both .318 and .323" versions) was loaded in a case having a head diameter of around .468" and rim diameter of around .524". The cartridge you need, however, has a head diameter of around .543" and rim diameter of around .620". Both cases have a similar case length of 60mm or about 2.36". The listed bullet diameter of the Guedes is .326", which is not a commonly available diameter. The cases I used for my friend's job were from original military ammunition that required pulling the bullets, dumping the powder, hydraulically depriming, annealing the necks, re priming, re charging with an American powder, and seating a .323" softnose bullet. If you can't find ready made cases, you will have to make your own, possibly with more work than I had to perform. Possible cases include .348 Winchester( headsize .01" too large, length .1" short, now only seasonally available), and 450-400 3" or 450 3 1/4" Nitro( both available from Hornady, close in headsize but too long, may require neck turning/reaming after forming/trimming.) Prvi has .329" bullets, now, that can be sized to fit. Your use of the term "silver powder" leads me to believe you may not live in the USA. If this is the case, components other than the ones I suggested may be available to you. You may find one of the military rifle forums or reloading forums more helpful. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Mike

[Peter K]

Powder coating a .323 bullet once or twice could bring it up to .326. It's an easy and relatively inexpensive procedure using the shake and bake method. I use clear coat rather than a colour on my bullets.
Peter