reloads in a semi?

[USNmars]

I am wondering if anyone reloads for their semi. I already convert '06 brass to 8mm for my mausers and I bought a ton of pulled bullets years ago. My thoughts are if you use a CCI No 34 primer you wouldn't have any issues. Does anyone load for their 53? I figure it may give me something to do when the snow is falling this year.

[42rocker]

I know that several do, one (JBaum) reloads but it is for his full auto. I'm sure that several others will chime in with their info. Myself I'm saving the brass and like you making the reloading plans.
Looking forward to hearing some of the brews.

Later 42rocker

[mksshoot]

Greetings USNmars, here's the reloading specs that I use in my Wiselite M53 semi auto in 8mm. With Remmington 185gr. sp bulk bullets I load 49.5 grains of IMR 4350 and I also use CCI #34 primers. The bullets are seated to an overall cartridge length of 3.050 inch. Now this leaves the cannilure outside the case neck so I use a collet type crimp die to crimp the bullet solid in the case, that way there is no chance of a bullet being pushed back into the case during the feed cycle. These loads chronograph at an average of around 2325 fps. I chronographed some YUGO 1978 vintage 196 gr. ammo and it averaged about 2245 fps so these loads are real close in performance. Also they show no pressure signs on the brass or fired primers. One thing I would like to mention is that you should check the firing pin protrusion on your bolt and make sure that it is around .060 to .070 Check with the bolt out of the gun and the locking wedge forward and the locking rollers fully extended outward, then push the firing pin all the way forward out the bolt face. It's best to measure with a dial indicator if you have one. I don't know if you have a one piece firing pin or the two piece design in your piece but the protrusion past the bolt face is the same. Check your rounds one at a time for firing and cycling then go to two rounds at a time to check firing and feed function. Manually eject the second round (unfired) and look at the primer for signs of firing pin strike. You will likely see a slight mark on the unfired primer but as long as there isn't an indentation you wont have a slam fire. Thats why the firinf pin protrusion is so important as well as keeping the pressures within reason. If you load your rounds up around 2600 fps or so you'll likely see more of an indentation on the primer of your second round. My wheapon cycles fine with a booster size of 13mm with these loads and I have also shot these loads with a booster size of 11.5mm These loads shoot well in mine and they don't beat the gun to death plus reloading keeps my costs down allowing me more trigger time!

[USNmars]

well I tried them today and they ran great. I actually think a lot better than the surplus i have been using. Even the little things like loading the belt went easier. The reloads slid right in the belt like silk while surplus seems a little tight. So over the winter I will be mass producing for the spring and summer fun. Thanks guys!

[mksshoot]

Happy times ahead!