Original 8x57I cartridge...

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

I bought a "True Haenel" Sporting Rifle at a gun show this past weekend. It more accurately measured as the 7,9mm X 56,8mm case, with the original .318" bore. Mine is a sporter and has .315" stamped on one of the octagon barrel flats. These Haenels are based on the old M1888 Commission (Gehewr) rifle actions. The pressure issue and bullet diameter concerns me a little. Anyone shooting one of the 1888's that would share bullet diameter and load data?

thanks,

Rich

[frnkeore]

I have two '88 Commision rifles. Both have .320 groove diameters. I use 32 cal molds for the 32/40. They both cast .321 so, they work well but, if you have a .315 groove, that is a lot of sizing. I think I'd try the 314299 mold and just size the GC down on to the base to .316. My loads are 18.5 4759 (about 1600 fps) and 43.0 gr WC852 (about 2100 fps). The '88's are fairly strong. You should be able to safely shoot 40,000 CUP and a bit more. They have two locking lugs, the Krag only has one and it's rated at 42,000 CUP.

Slug your bore at the muzzle and at the breech to find out if it is a .315 groove all the way through. Fit the bullet to the breech size plus .001.

Frank

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

Doh! I took the rifle to my gunsmith this afternoon. This barrel is tighter than a V-V-V never mind; it's tight. .304" and .314". The chamber cast says it is the early version. The throat mikes .3195" and it is about .164" long before tapering to the .314" number in about .056".
The barrel looks absolutely new, and is a quick twist. I think it is going to be a real shooter. Now to con Swede into making a 323471 about .319" diameter.

Rich

[adrians]

Doh! I took the rifle to my gunsmith this afternoon. This barrel is tighter than a V-V-V never mind; it's tight. .304" and .314". The chamber cast says it is the early version. The throat mikes .3195" and it is about .164" long before tapering to the .314" number in about .056".
The barrel looks absolutely new, and is a quick twist. I think it is going to be a real shooter. Now to con Swede into making a 323471 about .319" diameter.

Rich

yer!! we,ll call it 319471,
i want one too:twisted::kissarse::evil:

[frnkeore]

I think your best bet would be to still use the 314299 mould. Have someone open the GC and base band to cast .320 and shoot it PB. You should also lap the bore riding nose to at least .3045. It should shoot well to 15-1600 fps that way. If you want to go higher add a P-check behind it.

More work, less wait for a custom mold.

Frank

[frnkeore]

BTW, your barrel land and groove size sound like the Czech '88 barrel dimensions.

Frank

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

Gentlemen,

I have been in correspondence with Swede, and just spoke with him for a few minutes.

He will do a small group buy on a .321471 if we have five orders. I told him to schedule it, and I would stand good for five if need be.

Who would like in?

Rich

[adrians]

you already got my answer:twisted:[smilie=w::evil:

[excess650]

I have a Cape Gun in 8x57JR and used a tapered Saeco 200gr intended for breech seating in the 32-40. I panlubed the boolits, seated them to just chamber over 18gr 5744. They shot accurately at 60 yards and were relatively low pressure.