Tweet
A collector friend has a conundrum - a Mannlicher-Schonauer (Model 1908?) with 2019 UK re-proof as 8x57JS, bore slugs a .323", retailed (assembled?) by Casimir Weber in Switzerland with a Hammerli barrel (RH Cie); gun number 1260. However, chamber is too short for 8x57. It has Austrian NPV proof marks and 17339.09 which I take to mean 1733rd gun proofed, in Sept 1909. Is that surmise correct? Any thoughts on calibre?
-
-
In it’s original configuration as a M1908 in 8x56 M-S the rifle was proofed as gun number 17339 by the Vienna proofhouse in 1909. Later, it was rebarreled by the Swiss gunmaker. As the Swiss had no government proof, the rebarrel job is undatable. You mention British proofs for 8x57, but your photos don’t show any London or Birmingham proofmarks. I don’t know why your loads don’t chamber? Handloads not resized to minimum dimensions, dirt or rust in chamber, torn off case neck still lodged inside? Make a chamber cast. -
kuksmith,
The nominal and normal cartridge for the 1908 MS is the 8x56 Mannlicher Schoenauer. Dimensions of this cartridge are very close to the 8x57 IS and they are often confused. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the mod 1908 sometimes will chamber an 8x57IS or 8x57I cartridge. Also, if the rifle was re-barreled it is possible that the cartridge was changed at the same time. Confusion comes in by your statements that it was re-proofed by the UK as an 8x57 IS and at the same time your statement that the chamber is too short for 8x57IS cartridges. You didn't say where the chamber interfered with an 8x57IS. If the interference is in the length of the cartridge case or in neck length it may still be 8x56 MS. This is because a headspace gauge has no neck area. If it is in the overall length of the cartridges he is trying to use, it may be 8x57IS and the problem could be with the magazine length. The 8x56 MS had a round nose bullet and if an 8x57IRS cartridge had a spitzer bullet instead of round nose it might not fit the magazine, even if the chamber is correct. It is not possible to know, without having the rifle and ammunition "in hand".
I don't know why this didn't get posted when I wrote it, anyway the rifle still needs an "in hand" examination to determine answer the question.Comment
Comment