Any Broomhandle Shooters Here?

[Westwindmike]

A friend just traded for a Broomhandle Mauser in 7.63. He got some brass and dies with it so he intends to load for it. Just wondering if anybody here has a cheap source of factory ammo? He's looking to keep a box of factory ammo around with it.

 

Also, what bullet are you using to load for it? He has tried a cast boolit that weighs about 95 grains and it shoots ok.

 

And is the 7.63x?? the same as .30 Luger? Or 7.65 Parabellum? I've read the Tokerev ammo is dimensionally the same but too hot for the old Mausers.

 

Any insights I can pass along to him?

Thanks!

[TrickyNicky]

I'm so jealous my teeth hurt.

That's all I got.

[hipower]

I'm so jealous my teeth hurt.

That's all I got.

 

Ditto. I went to the TMCA meeting last fall and found a very nice condition Chinese 9mm. Worked up a very good trade deal on it. Then tried to push a little more.  Dumbass! I left without it. 

[leroy]

Mike... Take a look at an old Guns Digest "Cartridges of the World".... The one i have is probably from the 70's....I think it will list some data and bullet weights for the broomhandle.... By the way; i think they are great!!  A real piece of history...

 

PS--- Googled this:http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?48262-30-Mauser-Load-Data

 

probably a good place to start... Looks like your buddy needs to slug the barrel to see what size the bullets should be....

 

Hope this helps...

leroy

Edited April 22, 2014 by leroy

[Westwindmike]

Thanks Guys!

[zgunbear]

I have one I am thinking of getting rid of. They are neat old guns. Almost like a three dimensional interlocking puzzle. The only screw is the one holding the grips on

[Hershmeister]

[quote name="zgunbear" post="1141447" timestamp="1398167695"]I have one I am thinking of getting rid of. They are neat old guns. Almost like a three dimensional interlocking puzzle. The only screw is the one holding the grips on[/quote] Don't tease us like this unless you mean it! ;)

[1gewehr]

Do not use the surplus Tokarev ammo.  You have a classic pistol designed almost 120 years ago for a very early smokeless cartridge.  Don't take chances on cheap ammo.  If you are going to shoot it, get new springs for it first! 

http://www.gunsprings.com/Semi-Auto%20Pistols/MAUSER/1896-1912%20%28BROOMHANDLE%29/cID1/mID40/dID172

 

The 7.65mm Parabellum or .30 Luger cartridge is an entirely different round.  Less powerful as well.

 

The C96 was in continuous production from 1896 through 1945 in Germany.  While expensive to make, they were very popular as they handle and shoot well.  Even Winston Churchill used one at the Battle of Omdurman in 1898 as a young officer.  Many were also made in China in the 1920's and 30's. 

 

You should try to find a wooden stock/holster for it.  It is legal to shoot with one (even a reproduction), and it makes a nice little carbine.