7.7 mm Japanese Ariska

[Beemer-mark]

I have a decent 7.7 mm Ariska that I would like to reload ammo for. I last shot it about 30 years ago with some factory ammo and it shot well enough. I had gathered reloading info about it in the past but now cannot find much at all, not even with google. My reload books only offer about 1 load each.

I seem to remember that I can reform 30-06 brass (of which I have plenty). True or not. Also, if I decide to cast, do .308 gas checks work OK?

 

[kritter]

wow that going way back but.

ok i remember resizeing 30.06 cases . we would blow them out to size with a light load and reload them by neck sizeing them only.. but. they are undersized before blowing them out.. something like .020 undersized and would bulge & some times split....better idea would be to get new cases from Norma....

as for loading,, most of these had a bore diameter of .311 but have been known to go up to .317.. best to slug your barrel to find out what you have.....

loads per lyman are .. (old 45th edition )

155 grain cast with g/c are..
unique starting 11.0 grains @ 1470 fps to max 15.0 grains @1739 fps
2400 powder 22.0 grains @ 1821 fps to max 24.0 grains @ 1953 fps

205 grain cast with g/c
unique starting 14.0 grains @ 1250 fps to max 14.0 grains @1524
2400 powder 21.0 grains @ 1607 fps to max 24.0 grains @ 1792
IMR 4227 28.0 grains @1923 fps to max 30.0 grains @ 2049

214grain cast with g/c
unique starting 10.0 grains @ 1214 fps to max 13.0 grains @ 1423
2400 powder 21.0 grains @ 1595 fps to max 24.0 grains @ 1739
IMR 4227 28.0 grains @1865 fps to max 30.0 grains @ 1992

and as normal..... keep in mind that these are old firearms, workmanship & materals and condition should always be questioned..... proceed at your own risk.....

 

[n4zov]

Here is a link to a good article on the .30-06 to 7.7 conversion process:

Collecting and Shooting the Military Surplus Rifle (2006) - Surplusrifle.com

Also, Midway carried Norma 7.7 brass if you prefer that approach. If you need more loading data, drop me a PM and I copy some for you.

The Arisakas are among the strongest bolt actions and if in good condition, you should not have any problems.

 

[Beemer-mark]

Thanks for the info, espicially the link. I was going blind with google. The link has me picked out perfectly when it says -

"and there would be the real cheap guys that will use some left over 30-06 brass laying around their bench for a freebie conversion".

I got so much 30-06 brass I don't know what to do with it. I've never reloaded for this rifle so I'd like to start. While it hasn't been fired in 3 decades it shot very well in my youth, has been stored appropriately so I'm not worried about shooting it now.