8MM Reloading

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  • Gunner106

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    Mar 4, 2019
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    Good afternoon guys,

    Just picked up a M48 chambered for 8MM. Interested in reloading especially now that I have this rifle, heard it was a good caliber to do handloads for. But I’m without a clue on where to start.

    What are the basics/suggestions I need to at least start reloading this caliber?

    Thanks!
     

    dougstump

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    Nov 22, 2010
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    Where are you located? I'll have to dig under the loading bench, but I think I still have dies and maybe some brass. I mostly loaded cast lead boolits, I know I have the mold.
     

    Gunner106

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    I’m out of Metairie, I see you’re in Shreveport, i’ll actually be heading up there next weekend.

    really want to know what would be a good set up to get as well, for loading. Something small scale for the 8mm.
     

    dougstump

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    Have you reloaded other calibers, or are you starting out?
     

    Gunner106

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    Blue Diamond, that would be much appreciated.

    Doug, yes sir, i’d Be just starting out. I’m looking at the Lee Turret Press, it’s been looking like what I need to at least get started.
     

    dougstump

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    If we can get together when you're up this way, I have a bunch of extras you might be interested in. An old Lyman single press, two sets of 8mm dies, Pact digital scale. I'll have to see if I can dig anything else up.

    Are there any other calibers you're interested in?
     

    Gunner106

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    Sounds like a plan! but outside of 8mm, I would say .38/.357 and .45acp. Other than those, not many other calibers until I get another rifle chambered in something else :D
     

    dougstump

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    OK, I've got you set up with .38/.357 and .45 ACP dies, not new but serviceable. I also tossed in a couple of older reloading manuals, they're banged up some (they went through Hurricane Andrew down in South Florida), but they will get you started. Oh, I also found 24 8mm cases, they are in the tumbler right now.

    How are you fixed for .38 special & .45 ACP brass?
     

    Gunner106

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    That’s not even a problem. I can definitely make them work.

    i have some brass that I been collecting from the factory loads i’ve been shooting. I want to say I have maybe 40 or so casings for both .38/.357 and .45, so I hope that’s a good medium for different load testing.

    That 8mm brass is gonna come in handy for sure. I’ve been trying to buy factory Ammo from nearby stores but i was only able to get my hand on one box so far.
     
    Last edited:

    dougstump

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    Unless I get ambitious, the dies and press will need some cleaning (sweat equity). 40 cases for each pistol caliber? Totally inadequate! I'll have to do something about that.

    Please let me know by Friday when we can meet up this weekend. We go over to our Texas house for the weekend so I'll have the stuff in the truck.

    You're going to need a power measure and will probably want a priming tool. You can prime the cases using the press, but it's a pain in the butt. Hopefully we can discuss it over lunch. I've only been reloading for 50 years so I'm still learning.
     
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