Remington 1907/15 Berthier, 8x50 Lebel

[Eddie1971]

I found a rifle that is responding great to cast loading, my Remington 1907/15. This was one of those unfired ones that I was dying for, for many years. Anyways I discovered a real nice load for it. Using PPU brass, I use NOE's 326-220 boolit, Powder coat, gas checked and sized to .329 over 38 grains of IMR4350. I got a real nice initial target of 2 inches. I was very surprised because I have read Lebel isn't a real accurate cartridge. Got to say I was quite impressed. The same day I also tried loads with W748, but didn't get the same results. Anybody else loading and using anything in 8x50 lately?

[Thumbcocker]

Frank Marshall did an article in the Fouling Shot about a rifle in that cartridge if you could find it.

[iron brigade]

I have the 1916 Berthier. Mine loves unique, either 13 grains with a gas check or 8 grains without. I shoot the same bullets as you.

For the 13 grain load I lift the rear sight all the way forward which is 250 meter setting but works fine for cast at 100 yards.

The 8 grain load I think is on the 6-700 meter setting. Hope this helps.

[iron brigade]

Post of my 1916 with a 1918 Gew 98.



Target should be 1916 not 1917.

[mace2364]

I loaded up some 8x50r Lebel not too long ago. I didn’t use cast though. They were 198gr FMJs. I used IMR-3031, seems like it was 40gr. I found some data in an old book on reloading. Given that, I downloaded it a little to start with(I seem to remember their load being 45gr). Seems like a decent start at least, mild recoil no pressure signs or anything. I haven’t started refining it yet, or even accuracy tested. But I’ll get to that eventually.

[Eddie1971]

With the load I was using I just had to aim just below the black center with the sight at 250 using IMR4350. I have a second slightly worn 1907-15 made by St. Etienne that shoots the same way, while using W748 under the Lee .329 boolit.

[Eddie1971]

Here is my round I have been using...PPU Brass