35 Remington is one of my favorites, and Tom (DPCD) barreled a '91 Mauser to that for me; turned out to be one of the most accurate rifles I have!

I've been using the 180 gr Barnes TTSX with a load that chronographs to a bit over 2400 fps with no pressure signs and long case life. If you are interested in the exact load send me a PM.

Thanks Steve, I've worked out that the expanded case is almost identical to the 356 Win. so I'm going to use load data from that to start with.

Roger

If you are looking for a new Carcano project, the 220 Swift case is a close match for the Carcano. Except for the rim. That opens up the possibility of a 220 Carcano and all the Swift based wildcats.

From what I have read...
The steel used for Carcano rifles, came from Poldi Steel Works in Bohemia.
They are not as "fragile" as some people make them out to be. That doesnt mean run it at 65,000 psi, but they are quite strong.

I have seen these for sale on on-line gun sites in 8x57, 308 and all sorts of calibres........not sure if I'd like to fire them though

Roger

Roger, this has been a great project. Can't wait to hear field reports.
I was much more intrigued by the Carcano action after reading Frank de Haas's favorable analysis in his "Bolt Action Rifles" years ago.

I'm starting with 180gr hard casts in the load development but it will take a while as I'm just starting to move house and everything's packed away at the moment...

Roger

Roger, can you show more detail of how you modified the Carcano stock? Is the final pic one that you modified or is it one that is the result of the pantograph?

OK, starting from the top...
notched out the grip for a pistol grip, block of wood dowelled and glued in position, some wood screwed to the butt to increase length of pull and some body filler added to sides to widen....
second pic...
shape everything as required...
The cheekpiece was cut and shaped and then dowelled on...
then its a lot of sanding, spray cans of hi-fill primer, more sanding and then several coats of Epoxy enamel.
The better the finish on the template/ pattern stock the less finishing after the pantograph.
The epoxy gives a hard finish for the pantograph stylus to run on.
The grey stocks are patterns ready for the pantograph.

This is a very oversimplified description, but you get the idea.....



Roger

Roger, thank you for the info and pictures.
I wonder if the pattern stock would be strong enough for field use. I may try my hand at creating one.

The never ending saga...finally settled in to the new abode and can actually find some stuff in all these boxes...
Went to the range this weekend and fireformed some cases for the 35 Carcano...



Left to right...

35 Remington, 35 Carcano, 358 Winchester, and my own 9.3x55 Imp.

My next question, does anyone have one of those computer programs that give you ( estimated ) velocities, etc, given case capacities, powder and so forth?

What information do you need for this ?

Roger

Finally got hold of a Chronogaph yesterday and tested a couple of loads....

Averaged 2100fps with 45grs W748 and 180gr hardcast roundnose and 2200 with 47grs..

Roger