Best group yet with My T99 Arisaka sporter.

[R.W.Dale]

YEEEEEEHHHHHAAAAWWW!!!!  This rifle is quickly turning into the best $200 I've spent on anything firearm related. I shot this little 1/2" group today using IMR4320 under a Sierra 180gr SP. Velocity was 2320 fps average range was 100yds.  Through the original chrome lined barrel! I think I'll be taking this little gem hunting with me over the weekend.
 

 
 Anyway I'm not trying to show off (very much that is) but I just wanted to share in my elation Happy. Thanksgiving

[Oldtimer]

Col. Charles Askins once observed that the only interesting rifle was an accurate one.  Congratulations on a fine firearm.

[Slamfire]

Some of these oldies will surprise you, I've got a type 38 that a .257 bullet drops righ through. If I had it rebored a .270 reamer wouldn't clean out the old rifling, yet it shoots bullets as if they were wire guided missles.  

[bja105]

Some of these oldies will surprise you, I've got a type 38 that a .257 bullet drops righ through. If I had it rebored a .270 reamer wouldn't clean out the old rifling, yet it shoots bullets as if they were wire guided missles.  

Aren't they .264"?

[Slamfire]

The standard is a .256 bore, with a .264 bullet. A lot of foreign rifles have deeper rifling.  

[Robert357]

Whatever you are doing, based on the accuracy you are getting, it is working for you.

I have co-worker who has a Type 38 in 6.5 mm that I reload for.  It tends to shoot way high and doesn't have anywhere near the tight groups you are getting.

Any suggestions on things you have tried and found that work, would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Slamfire]

I got the best performance from my Type 38 by seating the bullets out until they nearly touched the lede. Bullets shorter than the 129 Hornady wouldn't stay in the case when seated out that far, and you have to be careful with them. 140s are just to danged slow, so I rechambered it to .260. Substituting the front sight insert from a Swedish 96, and the adjustable peep from a 99 I've made a pretty good truck gun.    It shoots 3" high at 100 yards, but I haven't had an opportunity to try it at longer ranges. Maybe I should have stayed out west.  :eek:

[S.S.]

I shoot .264's through my 38 not 257's ?
I have heard several folks talk about 257's
and getting TERRIBLE accuracy...I would think so
as they are not contacting the rifling..
The confusion may have been caused by the fact
that many 38's were rechambered to a 6.5-257 Roberts
wildcat cartridge.

[Slamfire]

I wasn't shootin' .257s, just illustratin' that some foreign 6.5s have larger than standard bores and deeper riflin'.
When WWII started there were several stories in the American Rifleman, denigratin' "that Jap .25" whch might have cause some confusion among souvenier users. The Marines quickly learned that the 6.5x50SR was not something to be sneered at.  :wink:

[kombi1976]

Australian soldiers were fond of the 6.5 Jap too.
With a mild report and low recoil as well as excellent accuracy it made for a perfect sniper rifle in the jungles of New Guinea.
When Japanese soldiers were captured or dead were found in the forest many Aussie guys took the rifles and any spare ammo to use themselves.
The 303 is a great round for making an enemy stay down when they're hit but it wears on the shoulder after a while, especially shot prone with a brass buttplate.
After shooting my friend's M96 6.5 Swede sporter the other day which was using factory loads, is light & without a recoil pad, and finding it really comfortable I can only imagine that the 6.5x50 must've seemed like a gentle caress after wrestling with a No.1 MkIII.
A T38, bubba'd or otherwise, is on my wishlist.
BTW, does anyone know what sort of setup the Japanese used for snipers?