| The Siamese is one of my
favorite rifles. Unfortunately, too many of them have been sporterized and
it is getting harder and harder to find one unmolested. Even I have one
(already desecrated) that his been converted to .45-70 (click
here). A pristine example like this is a very beautiful thing to
behold.
The Siamese in unique among mausers
for its design in handling a rimmed cartridge. This is why these are often
converted to other rimmed rounds like .45-70 or .30-40 Krag. In fact, when
shooting this rifle, I use .45-70 (and 8x56R) converted cases. Either
turning the rim diameter of the case or opening up the bolt face is
required, since neither case has the same rim diameter as the original
8x52R round. |
Reloading:
www.buffaloarms.com
has already converted .45-70 cases
www.ch4d.com
has the dies (8x52R)
I use standard 180gr .323 8mm
bullets
Load data for 7.62x54R (or if you
have it, the finnish wildcat round that uses the 7.62x54R case necked up
to 8mm. I think the Vihtavouri powder manual lists this.) should be
appropriate. Start at minimum loads. Work up slowly.
YMMV |
