MG08 Posted October 6, 2015 Report Share Posted October 6, 2015 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.JPGhttp://photos.imageevent.com/blinde/weponscollection/websize/IMG_0196.JPGhttp://photos.imageevent.com/blinde/weponscollection/websize/IMG_0194.JPG 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoscoeTurner Posted October 6, 2015 Report Share Posted October 6, 2015 Looks good, any video? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timkel Posted October 6, 2015 Report Share Posted October 6, 2015 Nice piece. Is 8mm lebel ammo still available? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StooperZero Posted October 6, 2015 Report Share Posted October 6, 2015 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MG08 Posted October 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black River Militaria CII Posted October 24, 2015 Report Share Posted October 24, 2015 (edited) 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 November 15, 2015 by Black River Militaria CII 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelkih Posted May 20, 2016 Report Share Posted May 20, 2016 Bob, you are a WEALTH of knowledge!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grasshopper Posted May 29, 2016 Report Share Posted May 29, 2016 (edited) 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 May 29, 2016 by Grasshopper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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