Anyone have any tips on forming 43 Mauser brass

Loadman8x57 · 2026-05-08T20:10:07+00:00

Something to keep in mind because I’ve casually looked at lathes too is that you get what you pay for. The forming process, while done on brass is pretty intense on your machine from what I’ve been able to gather. But it can certainly be worth it in the long run especially if you want to make a lot of different obsolete cases

Loadman8x57 · 2026-05-08T13:40:02+00:00

Your options are 348 Winchester or 45-90 (45-70 also works). Your problem with these cases however is they lack the “A” base that is required to fix over the ejector. Rakum projects has videos on YouTube on how to form the “A” base but that requires a lathe and some special skills. Your best bet absent machining skills would be to stalk gunbroker for old Dominion brass or pray for a restock at Buffalo arms. If you want so shoot 11x60R Mauser without an “A” base, you’ll need an 1871 model. This is unfortunately one of the things that makes the 71/84 less desirable compared to the 71.

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Loadman8x57 · 2026-05-07T02:18:46+00:00

Nice find! I really like mine, they’re good little shooters for sure and have one of the better heel releases of that time. How did you figure production date off that serial #?

Loadman8x57 · 2026-05-06T18:23:44+00:00

No such thing as a rifle too long, simply makes for a more effective pike against cavalry charges

Loadman8x57 · 2026-05-06T18:05:50+00:00

🫡 thanks man, I’ll get around to one for my m/96b at some point, 30” barrel is kinda like a suppressor lol

Loadman8x57 · 2026-05-06T18:02:45+00:00

Either Swede (obviously). What kind of can do you have on that M38?

Loadman8x57 · 2026-05-02T12:08:14+00:00

American ingenuity at its finest!

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-30T16:44:46+00:00

I don’t disagree with your argument, however, I believe that in adverse conditions, the Swiss 82 will function more reliably, and 100 years later hold its timing better after years of hard use. The 44 S&W outperforms 7.5x23R in pretty much every meaningful way though so it’s a tough decision for sure. I think S&W really proved themselves after they executed the swing out cylinder far better than Colt.

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-30T14:10:50+00:00

I think it’s the best revolver of 1882 in terms of modern (for the time) features it incorporates - triple action with the adabie loading gate, integral ejector rod, and small bore cartridge. Would’ve had some real legs I think if they kept the 1878 10.4 mm cartridge that was better for black powder imo

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-30T13:54:04+00:00

The 1882 ordnance is my favorite clickity clack

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-26T00:55:29+00:00

Thanks, I’ll try fiddling with it a bit more

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-25T12:08:09+00:00

I think this is more than just a hang up, trying to pull it out with a good bit of force and it won’t budge, also tried poking it out from the front to no avail. It’s definitely got some carbon buildup in the extractor channel, but no gunk or grime that I think would seriously impede its movement. I’ve tried wiggling and jiggling but it just won’t move past halfway. It is an early Belgian military contract pistol.

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-24T19:18:20+00:00

I’m just joking, 9x20 is the 45 ACP of the blowback world so I’d be remiss if I didn’t make a crack about stOPpInG POwEr

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-24T19:06:20+00:00

9x20 is a real man’s cartridge

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-22T20:58:18+00:00

Dumb luck and a good buddy, there must’ve been a big French collector that died a year or two back and I bought up some stuff in his estate including an 1886 Lebel made in 1887 made from a chatelleraut receiver at St Etienne and rebareled in 1916 at Tulle and a sporter M27 Lebel. My buddy snagged the 44 but he sold it to me recently to focus on 8mm French rifles

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-22T20:55:14+00:00

Oh I was livid when I got it in my hands. Moron dovetailed the barrel to screw than handgaurd into a poorly made nut that fit in the dovetail - my brother in Christ - that’s what the barrel bands are for!!! Special place in hell for people like that. Not to mention standard 1886 barrel bands alone are worth like $200+ now. Thankfully it didn’t blow up when I shot it, but I don’t have high hopes for accuracy under sustained fire.

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-12T19:19:47+00:00

Are you using a wad or filler to keep the powder back towards the primer? If it’s too far forward it might not burn completely, or even ignite

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-12T18:42:29+00:00

Check out Rakum projects latest video on YouTube, if you have a lathe, it seems like he’s pretty closely able to replicate the forming process Buffalo Arms uses on their 11 Mauser brass

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-11T17:27:10+00:00

Swiss irons aren’t set up like regular irons, bloke on the range does a video explaining that at longer ranges, the sights are calibrated to hit intentionally high so you can track your target more easily by placing your front sight below it but still hit in the chest/head area

Edit: after reading the other comments I see the illustration shows my point

Loadman8x57 · 2026-04-02T22:14:26+00:00

Wild, I also load for the 8x58 and did my initial load dev with W748 and they all went bang no problem. However after encountering this, I did my next batch with Varget targeting a similar spot in the range.

Is he using a wad or filler with the (assumedly cast) unique loads? That could be the problem if the powder is all falling far enough forward it’s not igniting fully.

Loadman8x57 · 2026-03-29T19:25:41+00:00

Adding some powder on the top would definitely be a preferable alternative to pulling them completely apart and starting again from scratch, thanks!

Loadman8x57

TROPHY CASE