8x51R Mauser

[BWB]

Does anyone have experience loading this cartridge? Which available brass can it be formed from? Are all .318? Any sources for data? Any information appreciated.

 

[Cosmoline]

I've never heard of it. Can you provide more detail? Is it the short Mauser?

 

[gpb]

I have a copy of "Cartridges of the World" 9th edition. Page 394 gives a brief write up on the 8X51Rmm Mauser. Basically it states that it was popular in Germany before WW1 and that it is a 30-30 class cartridge. The brief write up gives two loads with no reference to their source.

The write up says that for hand loading .318 bullets should be used. The only way to determine the size of your bore is to measure it.

You should be able to find a copy of "Cartridges of the World". It's fairly common.


ADDED:This link goes to a table of dimensions of European sporting cartridges. It may be of use.

http://stevespages.com/eurosportrifcart.html

 

[SHR970]

Assuming it is NOT an 8x51R Kropatscheck or a Lebel you have a cartridge that seems to only have been made by DWM in the early 1900's with the last catalog references to it being around 1930.

Best bet to be sure is get the dimensions (or chamber cast for dimensions) and verify in a source such as Cartridges of the World.

Good Luck

 

[BWB]

Thanks to all. GPB, a special thanks for that table of dimensions. That puts me on the road. It is an oddball, but apparently useful cartridge found occasionally in old combination guns (drillings, etc.) Hope to hear from someone who has one and already reinvented the wheel for loads, etc.

 

[gpb]

A very quick look at the dimensions for the 8X51Rmm Mauser shows the following:
Base Dia. .467
Rim Dia. .515
Case Len. 1.98
Rim Thick ????

Dimensions for the .444 Marlin
Base Dia. .470
Rim Dia. .514
Case Len. 2.225
Rim Thick .063

Depending on the rim thickness of the 8X51Rmm Mauser, the .444 Marlin maybe a case possible case forming source. As others have said you need to do a chamber cast to see what you have.

 

[BWB]

Thanks for the .444 tip, that looks like a good source. I agree, a chamber cast is always the first step with these old timers - many chamber and bore/groove pitfalls for the unwary.
I'm temporarily away from all my reference material, so this input has been very helpful.
I don't even have the gun yet. This is a project in progress born of an active mind with too much spare time.

 

[PhotonSD]

Hope you don't mind, I will be hoping for more posts from you on this project. The reason is purely selfish. I have stayed with the "common" cartridges when purchasing my rifles, until now. As I live in San Diego I have met Veterans with all sorts of different wall hangers and would like to learn more about the feasibility of working them up into shooters before offering to buy them. Thanks in advance.