For the full episode with the hand loading instructional section, click here:
https://forgottenweapons.vhx.tv/videos/ep-8-71-84-app
Black powder military rifles of the 1860s-1880s are a really enjoyable group of guns. A lot of them are relatively reasonably priced, and they are actually pretty easy to reload for. The unavailability of factory ammunition (for most, although not so much for the Trapdoor) makes them seem like a daunting prospect, but for a pretty simple investment in tools and time one can make up ammunition and have a lot of fun with rifles like this.
That’s the idea behind a new series here on black powder military rifles. Each month, my friend – and handloader – Tom and I will take out a different model to have some fun at the range and compare how they handle. And then we will show you how to make the ammunition for them. So grab your pickelhaube, pause “Zulu” and join us! Today is Episode Eight: Mauser 71/84!
[OFF-TOPIC so ignore if you wish]
Recently FEDERAL introduced new cartridge dubbed BACKCOUNTRY
https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/federal-7mm-backcountry-review/
it is different in that it has case made from steel which they describe as Peak Alloy. Now I am extremely confused, why steel used by FEDERAL is Peek and not ferrum alloy? Or maybe Peak is new-fangled name for ferrum? Anyway this material allows higher pressure of 80000, as opposed to typical 65000. Supposedly
round can be run in regular rifles because the Peak Alloy case acts as a vessel that contains the excess pressure, preventing the action or receiver from experiencing more pressure than normal.
But would not that result in higher thrust at bolt (and therefore locking system) which I would expect to be proportional to product of base area and pressure?
According to the article in American Rifleman, they allude to the new case material gripping the chamber walls, thus lowering the rearward force transmitted through the cartridge base. Maybe an analog to the differing materials gripping each other as supposedly happens with the original Thompson SMG “Blish Lock”.
In my opinion this is one of many current marketing gimmicks, such as lever action AR’s and the .21 Sharps rimfire cartridges: attempting to sell more expensive alternatives to an already saturated USA gun market.
Marketing-speak aside, the only real difference is that it can be pushed to pressures that would burst brass cases. You are of course correct about bolt thrust, although using a Mauser base diameter should mitigate that (most modern actions are rated for Short and Ultra magnums).