8 X 56 Mannlicher/Schoenaur

[sharps4590]

I am looking at a 1908 Mannlicher/Schoenaur and I believe it is chambered to the 8 X 56 MS. The seller says he doesn't know. What I have seen is the proof marks that show 7.9mm and 56 1/2 and a number 3/28, (stamped just like that), which I'm pretty sure is the proof date. Is that a reasonable assumption?

[Axel E]

All M1908 Mannlicher-Schoenauers left the Steyr factory as 8x56 M-Sch. If you encounter them in another chambering, f.i. 7x57 or 8x57IS, they have been rechambered or rebarreled by another. The original proofmark should be the NPv mark of the Vienna proofhouse, responsible for Steyr too. 3/28 should be the proof date, third gun proofed 1928.

[sharps4590]

Axel, thank you very much!! The NPv mark is there.

[mike ford]

Vic,
The 8x56 MS is easy to load for. If you load 8X57, you can use the same dies( you may or may not have to shorten them a little-still useable for 8x57) The rifle will tell you which bullet dia.to use. I have heard of M1908s chambering 8x57, if yours does, don't assume it has been rechambered,a little excess headspace puts it within range or 8x57 min.headspace.Neck length can be a problem in this case.The rifle will tell you what it wants.
Mike

[Axel E]

The 8x56 M-S uses 8mmS = .323" bullets. Even these may be a bit undersized, as the CIP max bullet diameter of the 8x56 M-S cartridge is 8.25 mm = .3248", while the max bullet for the 8x57IS is 8.22mm = .3236". Usually this doesn't matter, but some M1908s have slightly oversized barrels by today's standards.

[sharps4590]

Mike, thank you!! It's a rimless, bottleneck case, after the stuff I've been working with the last couple years it should be a slam dunk...lol!! I don't have the rifle yet, we're still negotiating. The '03 got away from me and as you said, they're kinda pricey. The 08's come quite a bit less and for what I want it for the chambering isn't that important....not as important as some of the sellers seem to think it is. This one isn't pristine but neither am I. Mechanically everything is supposed to be fine, it's the cosmetics. It is dovetailed for a scope mount and the mounts are gone, so there's a big ol' slot where the mount should be. The rear has the usual holes where it was tapped for the rear mount. Other than that, from the pictures it looks pretty good.

Axel, thank you again also. As stated above, the deal hasn't been closed yet. I'm just wanting to gain a little knowledge beforehand and I appreciate everything!!! Some things I can find on my own, others....I guess I could but no telling how long it would take me. No doubt I'll slug the bore....I have to try cast bullets but with this one I won't be using the sacred black powder....I'll have to revert to this newfangled smokeless stuff.....lol!!

[mike ford]

Vic,
As Axel said, some have oversize barrels, but are usually fairly accurate with .323 bullets. If not, then cast bullets or PRVI .329 bullets, sized to match the barrel should work.
Mike