I have a M-38 Swedish Mauser that I've had for quite a while but never got around to trying out. Finally put together a couple loads using VV N340 powder. VV had recommended it for lead bullet loads since 2400 was hard to come by. It's a good bit faster than 2400, about 2 grains faster in the 30-06.
I had no data at all, so guestimated a load based on it's burn rate, which on the chart I have puts it about at Power Pistol and HS-6, a tad slower than Unique. I picked 12 grains for the Lyman 268645 (163 grs) and the Lyman 266469 (147 grs). Both bullets cast .268" in wheel weights. That's just big enough to seal the groove diameter, but far under the .272" throat. Both bullets were tapered a bit in a taper die I made with a taper pin reamer. (This gets the GC up in the case neck.) The nose of the 268645 is tapered coming out of the mould but the die tapered it down about .001" more. The 266469 as-cast is a straight Loverin style.
First I tried the 268645. Velocity was 1455 with a standard deviation of 3(!). For issue, open sights, I was quite pleased with the 100 yard group!
Yes, those are lube spatters on the target.
The 266469 did not do as well. Velocity was 1524, SD 9.
The bore was heavily leaded after this last group. I'm going to have to work more with the 268645. Maybe I should think about scoping this little carbine...
Glenn
