by No1Mk3 » 12 Aug 2021, 4:46 pm
G'day Kelsey Cooter,
I don't cast, just load .323 jacketed or coated. Prefer FMJ for consistency. The size of French military ammo varies from type to type, and indeed maker to maker within the same type, so much of what you read on the internet is based on mis-understanding the French attitude. The bores run from 0.312 to 0.319 with a groove of 0.326 to 0,329, add to that the original 1886 Cupro-Nickel/Lead 232g Balle M averaged 0.320 with a 0.327 "skirt" at the case mouth but the Remington-UMC contract ammo was 0.320, the 1898 Solid Brass Balle D 198g avg 0.324, and 1932 Steel Jacketed Balle N avg 0.326. Current PPU ammo, which sadly we can't buy here, uses a 198g 0.325 projectile and is counted as very accurate. My friends and I shoot from 100 to 500 yards using std 8mm 0.323 projectiles, and my friend regularly beats Swedish Mauser shooters at those ranges using his Berthier 1907/15 rifle, and at least gives them a run with his Lebel. If I were to add this cartridge to my casting list I would tend to cast 0.326 to 0.328, Alox lube but not gas check at first, I woould likely cast at 0.329 and size, that way I could use the un-sized in my 1895 Mannlicher Carbine which is something you will probably end up with one day!! Cheers.