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Another Old C&R Gun


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Here are some more photos of a recent test fire of an old C&R gun - French / US 1914 Hotchkiss in 8mm Lebel. Now, I know it is not a "watercooled" MG, but it is cool. This has the US made tripod, instead of the Omnibus mount commonly seen.

http://photos.imageevent.com/blinde/weponscollection/websize/IMG_0195.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/blinde/weponscollection/websize/IMG_0196.JPG

http://photos.imageevent.com/blinde/weponscollection/websize/IMG_0194.JPG

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Nice piece. Is 8mm lebel ammo still available?

 

 

 

theres lots of new production out there. a little $$ but then you are left with box primed brass.

 

 

 

 

 

Which reminds me, I still need a set of lebel dies so I can make brass for my M1871/72

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I got some new brass on sale a while back, and decided to set up a Dillon 550 to load the 8mm Lebel. Not "running" yet, but I have the press set up. I had to make up the kit, since Dillon does not offer it. CH dies. I was goingto look into converting berdan brass but have not done anything with it yet. I still have close to 5,000 rds of original 8mm on strips left.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Having had a large quantity of 8 Lebel purchase on strippers many year ago most of which is 1948 dated, I have found that the black lacquer treated cartridges are the most reliable with the fewest duds. The red and green has been very bad for duds. There is purple lacquer also and these rounds have been about the same as the black.

Some shooters that I know have been buying the PRVI ammo and reloading the fired cases using pulled down vintage 8 Lebel slugs which works very well and makes use of the vintage parts.

The PRVI runs these guns acceptably well and it also runs the St. Etienne that I have as well as being good test ammo, for reactivated Chau Chats.

Edited by Black River Militaria CII
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  • 6 months later...
  • 2 weeks later...

Hi All,

 

While not fancy, Lee Precision has 8mm Lebel die sets for $42 MSRP. Might be a good way to get off the ground w/shell holder, sizer, and seater.

 

I don't know what size Berdan primer it uses, but Graff & Sons often has Berdan primers in stock. I do have to get one of those old C&H tools to pry them out (or use the lathe and a custom cutter).

 

Neat old gun. Good to see it is still among the living.

 

Grasshopper

Edited by Grasshopper
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