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Hi all,

I have been interesting in getting hold of an .43 Mauser but getting hold of ammo seems to be quite hard (not surprising since its a very random caliber) but was just wondering if anyone shoots .43? If so where do you get your brass etc from?

Thanks in advance

- Zolacat999

Welcome to the forum!

Why not introduce yourself on the New Members forum?

I shoot a bit of 11mm Mauser, mainly in my '71 just because I have a penchant for single shot rifles. I hardly shoot my 71/84.

I use Bertram brass, it isn't cheap but good kit if you keep it annealed.

People use 45-70 but I have found it short and a bit sloppy, the 11mm Mauser has a peculiar stepped head/base which is hard to recreate unless you have a lathe and are skilled enough to use it. I assume from the question that like me you have neither the skills or the equipment.

So bite the bullet and cough up for the Bertram or find someone with the skills and technology to make you some up form a different parent.

Have look on Buffalo Arms they might just have some converted brass cheaper than Bertram, the exchange rate, shipping and the customs need to be considered when working out the final price.

Like Drmia says---Bertram is the way to go, but be sure to anneal the brass before you use it---if not, it can split on first firing. This is one of the "easy" obsolete calibres, both dies and a suitable mould are available from Lee. I use 70grn of Swiss no4---it fills the case and hence I don't need to crimp, so the brass lasts indefinitely. I don't re-size at all, just seat a bullet on a thin card wad over the powder in the re-capped case. Bullets are dipped in "Wonderlube" melted in the microwave and used as cast, not sized at all.
I don't use the magazine in my 71/84, but, if I was to use smokeless powder and wanted to use the mag, I would crimp to avoid the risk of the bullet being forced back into the case on feeding and increasing the pressure.
Fred

I know nothing,

Have a look at this site it might be of interest,
http://www.quickfireauctions.co.uk/index.php

DM

Thanks for the replies guys, very helpful and has given me a lot to get started on