7.7 Jap Bullets
7.7 Jap Bullets for Reloading
The 7.7x58mm Arisaka (aka 7.7mm Japanese or 7.7 Jap) was the standard rifle cartridge for the Imperial Japanese Army's Type 99 rifle Arisaka. Americans naturally got a front row seat to this cartridge’s performance in the Pacific Ocean theater. We also rechambered approximately 130 thousand Type 99 rifles for 30-06 during the Korean War, although it appears few of them were actually used in combat.
Military surplus 7.7x58mm Arisaka ammo has always been a rare commodity even immediately following the war. Fortunately this cartridge takes the same .311/.312 bullet as the 303 British, thus letting it piggyback on the demand for the more popular round’s components. A ball 7.7x58mm Arisaka cartridge would have had a 175 grain bullet, which the 303 British Mark VII projectile is only one grain lighter than. So similar are the two rounds that you may even carry over 303 British reloading data to the other. With the correct expanding bullet you’ll find that your Type 99 rifle is just as handy for taking whitetail as it would have been fighting for Emperor Hirohito.
Several manufacturers offer new brass for the 7.7x58mm Arisaka, although the especially thrifty can take their time to reshape 30-06 or 7.92x57mm Mauser cases.
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Hornady .310 Diameter Bullets - 174 Grain FMJBT - 100 Count
$35.85Cost Per Bullet 35.8¢ per bullet Bullet Weight 174 Grain Bullet Caliber 303 Brit, 7.62x39, 7.7 Jap Quantity 100 Bullet Type Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail (FMJ-BT) Manufacturer Hornady Manufacturer SKU 3131 -
Sierra .311 Diameter Bullets - 150 Grain SP SPT - 100 Count
$44.95Cost Per Bullet 44.9¢ per bullet Bullet Weight 150 Grain Bullet Caliber 303 Brit, 7.62x39, 7.7 Jap Quantity 100 Bullet Type Soft-Point (SP) Manufacturer Sierra Bullets Manufacturer SKU 2300
