Reloading European Brass

[Mikey]

Folks - got a bit of a problem here.  I shoot a couple of european calibers, the 6.5x55 and the 8mm Mauser, and have accumulated lots (and I mean lots) of prime quality empty brass that I cannot currently reload.  I find the brass does not fit the shell holders made for American made ammo and the large rifle primers at too deep for the primer pockets. 

I know I can locate shell holders made specifically for these two cartridges as the case head is ever so slightly larger than those for the 308/06/45acp/etc., but what primers would I use and where can i purchase them.  I was thinking possibly RWS primers but was hoping some of you folks could steer me in the right direction regarding primers and the like.  Thanks for your help.  Mikey.

[skb2706]

If you are using true 6.5 x 55 brass made outside the US it actually is a little larger rim diameter.

US = .473" nominal dimension

European brass = .480"

Because standard US bolt action rifles have long used .473" as one of the standard head sizes, they make their brass to fit. I would call RCBS and ask I am sure they can help you.

I have no clue about 8mm brass but I am thinking it may be the same problem.

[Graybeard]

Dunno Mikey the only European brass I've ever used was Norma .243 cases and for them the same shell holder worked as I use on all my other '06 and .308 case cartridges. I'm betting something from any of the major makers will work you just gotta find the right one. As already has been mentioned I'd call the die makers and see what shell holder number they recommend.

[PA-Joe]

Are these brass cases boxer primed (one hole in case) or berdan primed (two holes in case)? It makes a difference in what you can use.

[Sweet 6.5]

Hi

I use Norma and S&B (best accuracy) for my 6.5x55. My shell holder is number 3. Not much help
seeing that I have no idea what make it is but I think it is Lee that is just too big. I also
have a number 2 but only the US brass fit in this one.
I just force the Federal primers in seeing that they give me the best accuracy (I promise it
makes a difference) but I have used CCI before and they went in easier.

Looking again at this - not much help!

Sweet

[skb2706]

Ok standard .473" headsize case take RCBS shellholder #3

Your foreign brass 6.5 x 55 mm brass takes RCBS shellholder #2

$7.95 from RCBS in stock

https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/,DanaInfo=shop.rcbs.com+MainServlet?storeId=webconnect&catalogId=webconnect&langId=en_US&action=ProductDisplay&screenlabel=index&productId=3029&route=C10J092

[Mikey]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it.  Mikey.

[Sweet 6.5]

 

Ok standard .473" headsize case take RCBS shellholder #3
Your foreign brass 6.5 x 55 mm brass takes RCBS shellholder #2
$7.95 from RCBS in stock
https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/,DanaInfo=shop.rcbs.com+MainServlet?storeId=webconnect&catalogId=webconnect&langId=en_US&action=ProductDisplay&screenlabel=index&productId=3029&route=C10J092

I told you I have a 3 and a 2, and sometimes the one works and sometimes the other one works!