View Single Post
Unread 11-16-2014, 10:23 AM   #44
sheepherder
Lifer
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
sheepherder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal...
Posts: 8,181
Thanks: 1,398
Thanked 4,438 Times in 2,327 Posts
Default

I had a chance [first light] to shoot five rounds of my 5.56-to-7.65 conversion rounds today. 86gr JLRN bullet w/3.5grs of Red Dot and 4.0grs of Red Dot. Both loads out of a converted Star BM (barrel conversion detailed in another thread). (My 7.65 Luger is disassembled for barrel change).

The 3.5gr load was a pleasant surprise. All five rounds on paper. The 4.0grs load only cut paper once in five. No cycling in all ten, no ejection, and eight FTF's. Need to play with springs. I was hoping that the 7.65 would be a straight swap with 9mm but not the case. I may try a 4.3 or even 4.5 grain load of Red Dot, but the case is nearly full with 4.0grs. I stay away from compressed loads. I liked that the 3.5gr load was on target with no sight adjustments.

Star BM recoil spring is 'captive'. Easy to field strip & clean but difficult to change. I have two of these steel frame Star BM 9mm autos; one Israeli police surplus, one Spanish Guardia Civil. I'm thinking of re-springing one to 7.65 Parabellum. I have quite a few Star BM/BKM parts, just have to experiment with the springs...

Anyway, no problem with the case conversions. I was going to save the bright new Winchester cases for when I had the loads worked out for the Star but since they're out of spec I'll just work them in with the 'homeboyz'.
__________________
I like my coffee the
way I like my women...
...Cold and bitter...
sheepherder is offline   Reply With Quote