A new loading challenge, 6.5x53.5R Daudeteau.

[Rusty Goose]

I now have a new loading challenge/puzzle to solve. I just picked up an Uruguayan 1871 Mauser/Dovitis chambered in the 6.5x53.5R Daudeteau cartridge. I was considering putting this under the single shot heading because it is not dressed in it's original military uniform. But since it's roots are military I figured others loading this round would be here.
The barreled action has been really gone over, polished and blued a really nice deep finish. The bolt handle has been replaced with a spoon type. It has the original ladder type rear sight, the front sight is now a ramp style with a fiber optic orange insert. The original brass trigger guard has been trimmed up a bit. The stock is a very fine custom job with beautifully executed checkering on the fore end, pistol grip and wooden butt plate.
The bore is very shiny clean with very deep, sharp rifling. It slugs to .268/.265.

I have bought plenty of 7.62x54R brass from another member, but sourcing a lead cast .268/.269, 160gr boolit may be a bit difficult. I also need to source dies, it appears the ch4d set seems to be a great way to go, just back ordered awhile.

[ulav8r]

Such a ratty thing, you should send it to me so I could keep it out of view from onlookers.

[Texas by God]

That is an amazing rifle. Good luck with the gittings and thanks for sharing.


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[JHeath]

Can you beagle the mold up to that diameter?

[Bmi48219]

I don’t know about reloading for it but that’s quite a transformation. Even the pistol grip kinda grows on you. Nice rifle!

[Wayne Smith]

You are on a cast boolits website. Are you casting yet, or is this just a toe in the water? If you are casting the custom mold makers are likely to already have what you need. If you are not casting I'd suggest you start that while you wait for CH4D to make your dies.

You didn't state that you ordered dies, so if you haven't go ahead and call them. Then you will be in line for when they make them.

[Rusty Goose]

I haven't yet fully jumped into the casting process yet. I have just been producing round balls for buckshot and muzzleloading. I am on the "notification list" when the dies become available on Strobl.cz. Meanwhile I am half looking for a 6.5 Swede sizing die to start working on some of the 7.62 brass.

[Adam Helmer]

Rusty,

Very nice rifle. I have a fondness for the 6.5MM and have many. I hope your quest renders a nice hunting companion for yourself. 6.5s Forever.

Be well.

Adam

[Ajohns]

I went with those dies, they work well
Also, use the 7.62 brass as it's better to work with than ones made from 45/70.
To get going I bought the Carcano boolits from Steinel and they seem to work well. Havent tried theirs from the 266469 yet.
Hope you get it shooting!

[TNsailorman]

Great little rifle. Should be fun to shoot. I personally like the round pistol grips better than the traditional square type. I also like the brass trigger guard. Thanks for the eye candy. james

[turtlezx]

Your rifling is only .003 ??

[Rusty Goose]

You're right, that doesn't sound (or look right) I need to try again. I don't have much on hand the correct size to slug the bore. The .30 round ball I have is a bit much to ask to fit.

[Delkal]

You're right, that doesn't sound (or look right) I need to try again. I don't have much on hand the correct size to slug the bore. The .30 round ball I have is a bit much to ask to fit.

If it is dead soft lead the ball it will fit. Place it on the muzzle and start giving it light taps with a small hammer. It will go in. When it is almost flush with the barrel you can even take a small punch and carefully drive the slug in to the barrel leaving a thin lead doughnut..

[K43]

Nice wood. Good luck in your pursuit.

[Gtek]

Very, very nice, a talented set of hands for that transformation!

[herian67]

Accurate molds can make you a mold to fit.

[Rusty Goose]

OK, second time slugging the barrel results- .265, .255.