The Vetterli-Cartridge 10.4x38R
The Vetterli-Cartridge 10.4x42R
Six months ago I got one of those famous Vetterli model M1881 "Stutzer". But the main problem was to find some ammo for this rifle. The Rim fire cartridge is not available at the market anymore so you have to reload yourself.
Because the old cartridges in the .41 Rim fire are not available the rifle has to be modified to center fire. Normally your gunsmith will do the center fire conversion. But if you have the appropriate tools you can do this job easily.
Now let's talk about the ammo. The old ammo isn't available. And the available ammo could cause some troubles while firing...
From left to right: two original loads 10.4x38R with PC89, then two original loads 10.4x42R from "Eidg. Munitionsfabrik, Altdorf" and two reloaded cartridges with the cases of the 10.3x60R! These loads were loaded with bullets of Hornady .430 300 Grains.
For reloading this cartridge I took some of my empty cases 10.3x60R. Then I shorten the cases down to 42.00mm. The next step was to push the case thru the RCBS dies 10.4x42R. The bullet of Hornady .430 300 grains has to be re-dimensioned down to 10.74mm (0.424 in). It is an easy job with the appropriate bullet press.
The primer is from RWS (R5341). I loaded the rounds with the powder of Rottweil with the number R910. I took 23.0 grains and I will work up the loads 'till the case will show some pressure signs. The OAL of the cartridge has to be exactly 56.00mm. Here again is a picture of all the steps from reforming an empty case of 10.3x60R to the finished reloaded cartridge...
Empty cases in caliber 10,3x60R for reforming and reloading the 10,4x38R or the 10,4x42R are available by clicking here. The price of 100 cases is EUR 55.00 or US$ 62.00 excluding shipping costs.
Conception & Realisation: Collani Interactive