Recently became the caretaker of an early 1930's Franz Sodia, Felrach, Austria Cape Gun (hammer) in 16 ga - 6.5x70R.
Now the hunt for proper brass begins. Any ideas of suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I checked the local Mom & Pop general store, they said they'd been out of that one for awhile now!
Yes, I entered a WTB notice for 6.5x70R brass and dies in the Classified section.
Have an inquiry in to Bertam Brass USA about brass (sent inquiry today).
Of all things, found a firearms shop in England that listed Bertram 6.5x70R in-stock and for sale.
Only difficulty is, they're not allowed to Export brass! Sometimes the world's just too goofy!

I'm generally not a shotgun user, but the older European hammer guns hold great appeal.
I greatly appreciate the old world craftsmanship and fine quality - they loved their work, and it shows.
From what can find on the 6.5x70R, it should make for a pleasant shooting and fine smaller to perhaps up close medium game cartridge.
I do have one each: 16 ga Krieghoff .22 LR extra and .22 WMR extra adapters/inserts.
Have used the Krieghoff .22 LR insert in a 12 ga drilling, many years ago. The work splendidly.

Indeed, looking forward to the upcoming adventures with this Cape Gun...

That is a nice looking little gun. The peep sight is a plus too.

Measure the base and rim diameters of the chamber. I bet a 9,3X72R brass will work, taper sized down to 6.5. Trim to 70mm if necessary. The 9,3X70R and the 9,3X72R use the same brass, with the X70R shortened slightly. Same with the 6.5X58R Sauer, 7x72R, etc.

The base is .427-.430 and rim .483-.486, depending on ammo brand and variances in chambering by the makers.

Many of the old rounds are based on the 9,3X72R case. They're a lot cheaper than Bertram brass and can be found here if you look hard.

That's a beautiful combo gun! The Germans call it a buschflinte (rifle/shotgun) in the SXS version. The English commonly made their Cape Guns with the rifle on the left side; the Germans most often made the combo with the rifle on the right.

I believe 6.5x70R is based on a much smaller head size: 9.0 mm (.354”) and rim 10.7 mm (.421”)

Might be. A chamber cast is in order, IMO. I know they made a 7X70R and 7X72R that were based on the 9,3X72R case, but every maker had some pet round they used or created. The 6.5X58R used the 9,3 case or one very close to it.

Be sure you slug the bore. 6.5s can be all All over the place, my 6.5x58R Sauer has a groove diameter of .260 and I swage .264s down. And yes the 6,5x58R can be made from 9.3x72R, in fact the brass made from 9.3x72 is a better fit than the Bertram 6.5x58R Sauer.

I've always liked the way you Craft ammo for your guns.

Buffalo arms list 6.5x70R in the Bertram brand, out of stock bu they might be able to get it or a call to Bertram and see if they export it.

https://www.buffaloarms.com/6-5x70r-basic-cases-bertram-b-ber6570rb.html

9.3x72R(right) 6.5x58R Sauer from 9.3x72R(center 243 for reference(left) C&H 264 to 260 swaging die to reduce bullet diameter

I have a Johann Springer sidelock combination in 16 gauge over 6.5x70R. I also have two sets of dies so if you need a set, send me a message.

In case you missed this website, it’s a great reference.


https://naboje.org/en/node/3739

Tried to Private Message you, but site won't let a Private Message be sent/not able to at this time.
Since last I posted about the Cape Gun, have been accumulating brass.
You mention you have 2 sets of dies. What brand and how much, if you'd be willing to part with 1 set?
thank you for your time,

They are RWS. I can sell a set for $110 shipped Priority Mail. [email protected].

Have sent you an email, thank you...

Hello, my name is James Langston, I have a J. PeterLongo Austrian Drilling 1912 that I purchased from GunBroker a month ago. It's been a challenge also with the cartridge but still working it. I have fired the drilling about 40 times so far but my brass has an issue. Had to purchase a scope and make my own rear mount base. I have and issue with the brass from Bertram USA so this is what I emailed them.I purchased 100 pieces of 6,5x70R brass from Bertram Brass USA. On the bottom of the rifle barrel it is stamped 6,3 1/2. Back then they measure from the lands (this is just for your info).I have some questions about the brass that may have to be answered by the techs or your re-loaders/sizers. I inserted some pics also to show. Here is the issue that I am having. I have a set of RCBS dies. Every time I size a round of brass it leaves a small crack about 1/4in around in the same place. Ample amount of RCBS case lube is used, and also have taken the center of the sizer and looked inside if there were any defects, none that I can see. After sizing and trimming, the brass fits perfectly in the chamber. At the range the ammo all fired perfectly but by the cracks expanded/lengthened, I do believe that this is only to be once fired brass, and at almost $5.00 a piece of brass, this is not feasible. I do not believe with the craftsmanship and technologies of the old Austrian gun makers that this was an issue. I have come up with some theories that may explain the issue.
1. There is too much brass to resize in the die. (extremely hard to resize) Bertram should test the brass in RCBS dies in your factory to look for cracks.
2. My RCBS dies are not made correctly/incorrect tolerance.
I was wondering if you have heard any other issues with this round being reloaded, or please give me what is causing the problem.
I only have about 55 piece's of new brass left and I don't want to reload anymore since I can't fix this issue. At $479.00 per 100 pieces, you should understand. I have been reloading for over 20 years and this is the first with the main body cracks. Thank You, James (I would like to begin a tread with you, since we have both obsolete cartridges). I also have all the load data and I had to pay for it from a European site.I am having difficulty and cannot insert my photos so this is my address if you want some photos and info. [email protected] Thanks,