Yeah that’s what my research is showing too. I need to go back and have another look tomorrow and confirm the calibre. They say it’s 7.7 but my research seems to indicate they were all 6.5.
There’s an easy way to check - take a .303 Snap Cap with you; if it chambers (pretty much at all) then it’s a 7.7mm Arisaka (the round is basically “.303 Rimless”); if it doesn’t go in, it’s a 6.5mm Arisaka.
Just to make like confusing apparently some of the Siamese/Thai Arisakas were also made in 8x50R, although many of those ended up getting converted to .45/70 after the war.
I am pretty sure it’s counted as ammo, getting it into Australia, you’d need to fill in forms… But sending it out of US is a whole different game, most won’t do it. Bertram Brass would be your best bet.
For any interested, I’ve decided not to get it. It is indeed 6.5 Jap. They wanted $275 and would not move on price. I just couldn’t justify it for a gun I’d never use and is basically a state sporterised Arisaka.
So I went back this morning and bought the damn thing. They took $25 off it in the end. Got it for $250. Will need to do more research on it but it seems like only between 1200 and 2500 of this police carbine were produced in the late 40s so that’s pretty awesome.
Pics when I collect it. Apparently the LRD has got PTAs down to 24 hours which is excellent.
Unfortunately forming 6.5 jap out of other brass is well beyond most of us, it can be done but sourcing brass is the best option for this one.
PPU ammo can be found and like posted above Bertrams or AV ballistic (who I couldn’t recommend more highly) are possibilities.
