8 x 58 R Sauer

[mike ford]

Larry,
While it may seem Reed's Ammo and Research didn't do what they should have done, I feel compelled to support them a little bit. While I don't know them, or their work, it seems to me that they did pretty much as much as could be expected, not having the rifle "in hand". From my above postings, it is clear that I would have started out with original length 38-55 Win. cases, which would have resulted in ammo that would have chambered, but would have noticeably expanded near the head and would have been a little short. In defense of Reed's, there is no doubt that if I sold such ammo to a customer that didn't expect the expansion, I would have been critized for selling dangerous( not really dangerous) ammo. Clearly, Reed's elected to use the other solution and make cases from larger ones. Since these rifles are known to have chambers with differing dimensions, and they didn't have the rifle to check the "fit", it's great that they got as close as they did.It seems they are willing to work with you in "making it right", and in my view, that should be the test. Once you fire the ammo in your rifle, one time, the cases will be fine for handloading. BTW, I'm not in the custom loading business, and do not sell handloaded ammo to the public, even if my comments make it seem that I do.
Mike

[Peter K]

John,Dan.....Snip.... When I did take the material from the back, I chucked a 32-40 file/trim, turned into a 7/8-14 threading die(not solid rethread die, it won't close on the thread and lock the trim die in), and trued with tailstock to hold the cartridge case.I did this for 8.15x46R, but it would work also for 8x58R. For 9.3x72R where you don't want to switch primers, you can do the same trick, but with 38-55 trim die. In both cases, the trim die holds the rim far enough away that you can reach either side of the rim. You will have to either lever the case out or bump it out with a rod through the headstock.
Mike

I love reading these threads which are full of useful information to get the old guns shooting. For me some pictures of the equipment and procedure would be very helpful. In any case, thank you for your unreserved sharing of a lifetime of dedication to this pursuit.
Peter

[mike ford]

Peter,
You are welcome. Maybe I can show photos sometimes, if it is convienent.Usually, I'm answering a question with a solution from some time ago, and the "set up" is gone.
Mike

[Leatherman]

Bird hunt, did you get reloading dies for the 8x58R Sauer? I got reformed brass from Buffalo Arms for the 8x58R Sauer and it was made out of 30 40 Krag too. I ran them through a full resizeing die before loading and they fit my chamber perfectly in my Herren falling block rifle. I also bought their jacketed .318 bullet listed as made specifically for the 8x58R Sauer . I shoot 1" or better groups at 50 yds with a 4x scope. I believe I got the reloading dies through Buffalo Arms too. I shot a whitetail with this rifle this past season. Great whitetail cartridge at reasonable ranges. image.jpg

[Tom H.]

Hi. New here but chiming in.
I actually had a 8mm Sauer cape that was .323. For the rifle, I took .303 British commercial brass (smaller base diameter than military .303), resized, and turned the base to diameter. The cases didn't last more than 3-4 loadings but they fit well. Don't try to swage the base or you can crack the die. Tough case to work with being between a web diameter between the .303 and 9.3x72.
I also thinned the rim from the back, not because it was easier but so that I could use pistol primers. It was a blitz action with fairly weak springs so the pistol primers worked better. Anyway, the chamber pressure was low so it wasn't a safety issue.
The gun shot well with 200 gr slugs and I am pretty sure that I used 4350.

Good Luck

Tom

[mike ford]

Since Tom correctly warned against cracking loading dies trying to swage the solid head of cases, if swaging is necessary, simple "ring" dies can be made instead. I try to limit each "step" to .010", which sometimes requires multiple dies and a simple hydraulic arbor press. If only a small amount is required, the die can be threaded to fit a heavy loading press. By turning a "parting/cutoff tool" width groove to the finished head diameter,ahead of the rim, closing up the primer pocket or flash hole, can be avoided.
Mike