7.7 Japanese

[jdmacl]

Anyone reload 7.7 Japanese / 7.7 x 58mm Arisaka in the LA/OC area?
I came across a strange find, a box of WWII 30-06 brass that I believe was reformed into 7.7 Japanese. I'd like to find someone who knows the round, to confirm.

[bigbossman]

Anyone reload 7.7 Japanese / 7.7 x 58mm Arisaka in the LA/OC area?
I came across a strange find, a box of WWII 30-06 brass that I believe was reformed into 7.7 Japanese. I'd like to find someone who knows the round, to confirm.

The tell tale sign would be bulging at the base. 30 06 is slightly smaller and so bulges irregularly at the web. It was a common practice when 7.7 Jap brass was unavailable.

[jdmacl]

The tell tale sign would be bulging at the base. 30 06 is slightly smaller and so bulges irregularly at the web. It was a common practice when 7.7 Jap brass was unavailable.

Interesting and thanks. What I have are reloaded rounds, and the brass looks fresh and clean, so don't believe they've been fired in their current configuration.

[GunDog]

I don't recommend nor would I ever use reloaded ammunition of questionable origin. With that in mind, Norma produces new 7.7 Jap ammo which can be purchased thru Midway/USA and other retailers.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1001723170/?msockid=3d70995fa53a6b443e928e67a4786aef&pid=192380

[bigbossman]

I don't recommend nor would I ever use reloaded ammunition of questionable origin. With that in mind, Norma produces new 7.7 Jap ammo which can be purchased thru Midway/USA and other retailers.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1001723170/?msockid=3d70995fa53a6b443e928e67a4786aef&pid=1923 80

Agreed.

Additionally, I would not use 30-06 to reform to 7.7 Jap. I know it was common practice and I know a lot of reloaders consider it safe, but I have first hand experience that it is not. I followed "internet expert" advice back in the late 90's and reloaded 7.7 Jap using 30-06 cases. It worked...... until it didn't. One case let go at the web, and I got a face full of gas and debris when it was fired. I spent the next 30 minutes popping H380 powder balls out of my cheeks and nose - glasses protected my eyes. I still have the case on my reloading bench as a reminder.

7.7 brass and ammo is cheap, and certainly cheaper that medical attention. There is really no reason to chance a case rupture, when the correct brass and ammo is readily available.

[jdmacl]

Thank you all for the replies.
I reload, and shoot nothing but what I've reloaded myself.
I volunteer on a museum ship, and have taken up collecting WWII ammunition, when I can find it. I bought what were supposed to be WWII 30-06 rounds, but when I received them I immediately realized they were not. I have concluded they are most likely 7.7 Japanese.