Reloading 6.5x50mm Japanese?

[gryffinwings]

I know I'm going to have to load my own 6.5 Japanese cartridges myself. I have some questions. In particular, I'm looking at what is the best way to load this cartridge.

I have a Type 38 Rifle. Rifling looks amazing by the way. I've heard that the twist rate is 1 in 9. Barrel length is 31.5 inches. So I want to take advantage of that and try to make something decent for it.

It seems that the only place that I've seen any official load data for this round is Norma and with a variety of bullets.

https://www.norma.cc/us/Ammunition-Academy/Loading-Data/65-Japanese-Arisaka/

Historical data for what the japanese used is a Spitzer bullet weighing 139 grains, 33 grain powder charge (which will change due to modern powder), running at around 2500 FPS.

So if I make a modernized 6.5 Jap cartridge, should I expect it to run comparably to modern 6.5 cartridges?(I've heard this is the case) Or will it have a bit more velocity due to the length of barrel?

[FLIGHT762]

You need to do your homework for the 6.5 Japanese. There are issues with PP and Norma factory brass being undersized near the case web. Norma may have taken care of the issue, but I believe PPU didn't.

Lots of information on the web. Hopefully, a seasoned 6.5 Japanese reloader will show up here and address some of the issues you need to know before getting into reloading this cartridge.

[gryffinwings]

You need to do your homework for the 6.5 Japanese. There are issues with PP and Norma factory brass being undersized near the case web. Norma may have taken care of the issue, but I believe PPU didn't.

Lots of information on the web. Hopefully, a seasoned 6.5 Japanese reloader will show up here and address some of the issues you need to know before getting into reloading this cartridge.

[Divernhunter]

I load for my 6.5jap and have some loads if you want to PM me that I got out of my books and a gun mag.
I suggest if you only have one rifle that you do not FL size. Neck size or partial FL resize.

[gryffinwings]

I load for my 6.5jap and have some loads if you want to PM me that I got out of my books and a gun mag.
I suggest if you only have one rifle that you do not FL size. Neck size or partial FL resize.

I PM'd you, I am interested in the data that you have.

I've continued some research about load data. Apparently, Lyman removed load data for 6.5x50mm Japanese from their manual, because it's not in my 50th Edition, I saw a post that it was in the 45th or 46th edition, which makes me a little frustrated with them.

[glassparman]

I have used the PPU brass without any problems.

[aspenvalley]

Hodgdons has 20 different loads listed. That is were I always start looking.