Since the case capacity of the 7.7 is about 6 grns. larger could it outperform the .308? The factory loads seem to favor the .308.Any 7.7 handloaders out there?

Larry

In "theory" when loaded to similar pressures 7.7 could outperform 308win but the problem is you'll never find any reloading data that stout and for good reason. Even though the type99 is a robust rifle the chamber dimensions are all over the map some of which are downright scary to see the brass after the first firing.

My advice is to treat the 7.7 jap as you would a 30-40, 303 or a 7.65x53


Some other 30 caliber military cartridges that are better suited to the task of "besting 308" are 7.5x55, 7.5x54mas, 7.62x54r and of course 30-06

quote:

Originally posted by 90lx:
Since the case capacity of the 7.7 is about 6 grns. larger could it outperform the .308? The factory loads seem to favor the .308.Any 7.7 handloaders out there?

Larry

YES.

Capacity is about half way between the .308 and the .30-06, so in a good rifle, using new modern brass, maximum practical performance would be somewhere in between too.

Of course, in a crappy chamber, you might experience problems, but that is true with any rifle cartridge fired in a crappy chamber.

Just work loads up carefully, and examine your fired brass throughly at each step along the way (after both firing and re-sizing) to make sure you are not getting incipient splits, separations, etc., just as you would with anything else you handload.