WTB 8.1x72r brass

[dale]

I'd like to buy some 8.1x72r brass and also would be interested in buying a swaging die for same.
thanks
dale

[mike ford]

Dale, I use a 32-40 file-trim die to form my own cases( also called 8x72R). These are standard, although sometimes hard to find, dies that are cheaper and are useful for making other cases. The donor cases would be 9.3x72R and I find it easier if I full length size them to 9.3x72R first. If fireformed without a bullet, trim to 2.84" afterward. If you fireform with a bullet, you may have to trim before hand, or the cartridges may not chamber( they will lengthen during sizing). You can find cases, but they will be expensive. You might try Buffalo Arms or Huntington Die Spec.
Mike

[dale]

Dale, I use a 32-40 file-trim die to form my own cases( also called 8x72R). These are standard, although sometimes hard to find, dies that are cheaper and are useful for making other cases. The donor cases would be 9.3x72R and I find it easier if I full length size them to 9.3x72R first. If fireformed without a bullet, trim to 2.84" afterward. If you fireform with a bullet, you may have to trim before hand, or the cartridges may not chamber( they will lengthen during sizing). You can find cases, but they will be expensive. You might try Buffalo Arms or Huntington Die Spec.
Mike

Mike,
Thanks for your time. I did order one box of loaded ammo from Buffalo arms with 318 150gn bullets but want want to reload for it. It's a Merkel combination gun and the bbl. is marked 7.9. I will get a set of 32-40 dies. Thanks for your knowledge.
regards,
dale

[Diz]

Dale,

Graf & Sons has one set of RCBS 8x72R dies in stock for $149.99. Get a #3 shell holder too. They are not cheap but they will do the job. Mike's suggestions will also work. You may find that 0.318" bullets will be a chore to locate but Norma and S&B make them. Or you can swage 0.323" bullets down to fit. Lee Precision can make a push through sizer cheap and they work very well. We would all enjoy seeing your gun if you could post a few pictures. Best of luck with it.

Diz

[dale]

Hey Diz,

I have a 318 swaging die and will get those dies. the gun was made in 28 and I'll try to post some photos in the next day or so. You guys have turned this into a great day. Thanks

[mike ford]

Dale,
If you start with custom loaded ammo, you could likely do without any form dies. With reasonable care, you can do an awful lot of shooting with 20 cases. I use a set of 8x57(Lyman) dies to load mine, but remove the expander assy. and setting the dies enough above the shellholder enough to only necksize the cases. I make my .318" bullets from .321", 170gr 32 Win. Special bullets, because I found a "pile" of then, and they were made for velocities similar to what you can expect from the 8x72R. You can hardly feel the .321" going through the sizing die. I have also sized .323" bullets down, with complete satisfaction. I ( and I'm guessing Diz also) used .323" bullets made for 8x57, and even though I have very nice bullets made for 8mm Rem.; I consider them too "hard" for use in the 8x72R. Good luck. If you have a problem, someone here will help you.
Mike

[Diz]

Dale,

When you are ready, I may be able to help with some computed load data. Post those pictures if you get a chance.

Best, Diz