41 Swiss not fitting in my Vetterli

[obnoxiousegg]

Hello!

I'm new here. I purchased an 1878 Swiss Vetterli Rifle, and sent the bolt off for conversion @ gads custom cartridges. I also ordered 100 rounds from there.

I went to the range to test it all out, and none of the 100 rounds I ordered fit. They all would stop about 1/2" from being in battery, and seemed to be just hundredths of an inch or so wide near the base of the cartridge.

These cartridges are formed from 8mm Lebel. I've called Gads custom cartridges back and he wants me to send him my rifle and the ammo. I'm a little nervous about doing this.

Is there another option? Has anyone else had this problem? Is boring out the chamber a little bit an option?

Thanks in advanced!

[maxreloader]

Well... what is your time worth and safety for that matter? If you have the dies I would pull one of the bullets, remove the primer, FLS with some Imperial and then see of the case fits your chamber... if not you have larger issues at hand.

[Battis]

I had the same problem and on this forum I learned how to fix it. I use .348 Winchester brass, not the 8mm Lebel, though I had one Vetterli that needed 8mm Lebel to eject.
After I load the cartridge, I remove the decapping pin from the sizing die and run the loaded round into the die very slightly. It's a pain, but it works.
What size/weight bullets were used? What is the OAL of the cartridge?

[salpal48]

Yes, It your loading Them as usual. You will find They will not Chamber because of the Boolit Diameter. Since the original Used a Healed Boolit. . The solution take Your ammo and Run the Loaded cartridge back into The sizer. . This will reduce The neck and boolit to chamber.
The Lead Boolit Might be a Little loose In the case but aGood crimp will Hold. I have to do this every time I shoot
If that does not work Then you have other problems .
Try 1 round and see

[John Boy]

If I remember correctly the 1878 Swiss Vetterili bullet diameters were 2 different sizes and several different chambers:
There are several variations of the ammo for the vetterli the .41 rimfire..the 10.4x42R the 10.4X 38R.the 10.4x47R(Italian)
Sounds like you need to slug the bore and also do a chamber cast. I have 0.415 and 0.428 for the 10.4x38R bullets if you are interested

[17nut]

If I remember correctly the 1878 Swiss Vetterili bullet diameters were 2 different sizes and several different chambers:
There are several variations of the ammo for the vetterli the .41 rimfire..the 10.4x42R the 10.4X 38R.the 10.4x47R(Italian)
Sounds like you need to slug the bore and also do a chamber cast. I have 0.415 and 0.428 for the 10.4x38R bullets if you are interested

The original Swiss military load is the 10.3x38R rimfire (.41 rimfire is something you US guys invented!!!).
The 10.4x42R is the civilian centerfire version of the round.
The 10.4x47R is the Italian round for their Vetterli Vitali rifle.

The Swiss Vetterli is a bit odd in the fact that it has no distinct step between chamber and leade. It is a design that allows loads of fouling and still ensures positive chambering.

http://www.swissrifles.com/ammo/#10.4
http://www.ch-munition.ch/vetterli/index.htm

[Battis]

I have some vintage rounds and I pulled one - it's hollow based and it appears to be paper patched.
Accurate Molds sells a few different molds for the .41 Swiss.

[TAC14]

Pull a load, FL size the case. If it chambers, your problem is the boolit OR the seating depth OR both.

[skeettx]

Hello obnoxiousegg
Welcome on your first posting
You have trusted your life with his ammo
You might as well send him your rifle
It is pre-1898 so it is a non-gun, easy to ship
Let him do it correctly
Please report back
Mike

[runfiverun]

I'm with Mike on this one.
you already sent him the bolt and bought ammo from him.
send him the rifle and let him finish the job.
you'll get what you need and can go from there.