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Steyr M95 and old ammo
cohenmj770
Member Posts: 21 ✭✭
Just curious if anyone out there has had experience with old (ca. 1935) ammo for the original 8 x 50R configuration, and is there anything that can be done about duds. I took my gun to the range on Sunday and it worked great with modern reloads (Gad Custom Reloaded Cartridges) but the original ammo were all duds and I gave up after about 10 rounds. This morning i pulled the bullet out of one of the duds, emptied the powder, and struck the primer with a punch and a tap hammer. It went off fairly well.
Is this an indication of a worn firing pin, or are the original ammo just a waste of money?
Thanks,
Mike
Is this an indication of a worn firing pin, or are the original ammo just a waste of money?
Thanks,
Mike
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Look at the dent in primers. Is it deep and centered. Compare the new and old cases.
Firing pin could be worn, not protruding enough - bolt has crud in it. Striker spring weak, broken. Take the bolt apart - clean, inspect, lube.
Firing pin protrusion 0.045 is like a universal number.
Some military production and some commercial with the Kynoch headstamp.
Some is the original spec load while most was loaded to meet the 1886/93 French Level Ball D improvement / modification
Some of this self contained small bore smokeless powder center primed single unit metallic cartridge ordnance is over 130 years old - and I shoot it occasionally to maintain an authentic connection to the overall period correct experience (all safety steps followed and PPE deployed)
I don't imagine there is much in the way of extant "modern standard pattern" loaded functional ammunition from this period still in existence or in use - and probably very little that pre dates my secret stash.
Yes some of the ammo does not function (is a "Dud") and some of it slow fires (pull trigger - 1 Mississippi - 2 Mississippi - 3. Mississippi - bang...) but I am adequately trained and equipped to deal with these anomalous events.
I do retain these cartridges and at home in the shop I separate the components to expedite a forensic examination and satisfy my curiosity (and save the brass and bullets)
Mike
Try to dissemble the bolt/firing pin, There is a long thin spring for it against the threaded on retainer. Clean or replace the spring.
IIRC, the threaded retainer may have a strike mark on it to mark and lock it in place.
Look here...
https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/steyr/m95-straight-pull
As for the ~10 or so duds that I had, I did try a double strike on each one with no positive effect. The dent in the primer looks centered and like a decent hit, but maybe it could be deeper. I checked gunparts, but their firing pins are out of stock. I'll try those quick checks first, as well as checking the length of the firing pin protrusion before i start a serious search for another firing pin.
Thanks again,
Mike
Better to breakdown for useable components and reload with new primer and powder. Molds for lead bullets are to be had. Sizing dies, lube, loading dies, brass, Books and the knowledge is Here and there, you just need to be diligent and safe with what you want to accomplish.
I thought that something I would never try was to reload. Now that I have the tools and equipment and have a friend that was willing to school me in the beginning and still helps I will always reload. I still buy old ammo if cheap and may try but usually just breakdown, cleanup and reload it. And asking about it on the site is a great way to get the vast knowledge that is right here with others more experienced with the older firearms.
God Luck to you in which ever direction you choose.