Swiss rifle caliber swap
I have an old swiss rifle (1889 Schmidt-Rubin) that is chambered for an obsolete cartridge (7.5X53.5). I'd like to change to a caliber that is readily available. Action won't stand up to too much pressure, something to do with the lugs on the bolt.
An expert on Swiss rifles told me something low pressure, like a 30-30, would work. Anyone have any opinions on something in a similar size that is old, low pressure, but still available? (.32 WCF?)
The updated Schmidt-Rubin (1911) fired a 7.5X55 Swiss round, with about 47-48000 (whether that's psi or cup I don't know and don't know the difference).
thanks in advance for any info
Got a new gun for my ex-wife.....pretty good trade, huh?
An expert on Swiss rifles told me something low pressure, like a 30-30, would work. Anyone have any opinions on something in a similar size that is old, low pressure, but still available? (.32 WCF?)
The updated Schmidt-Rubin (1911) fired a 7.5X55 Swiss round, with about 47-48000 (whether that's psi or cup I don't know and don't know the difference).
thanks in advance for any info
Got a new gun for my ex-wife.....pretty good trade, huh?
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Here is a link to forum discussion of converting the Schmidt-Rubin to 284 Win
Having read that I would consider just reloading for. Dies are available.
http://talk.shooters.com/room_46/227.cfm
Draw your own conclusion.
SOLD MY COW SO I DON'T NEED YOUR BULL
A Grumpy Old Man0 -
Why not sell it, and buy a Model 1911 Schmidt Rubin. Im sure those old blackpowder Swiss rifles would be pretty valuable. It could be worth more than a 1911 would cost. Those Model 1911s are extremely accurate. 0 -
1889s can be safely fired if loaded with appropriate load data. Go to www.swissrifles.com and click on the Swiss rifle discussion board link on the left and you will get all the info you need. Please don't butcher this valuable old rifle!
You might want to slug your bore. Part of the problem is that many of these guns have bores around .304", just too tight for jacketed bullets.
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
LOL - sorry, I should have explained. Someone sporterized the stock a couple of decades ago, and the numbers don't match.....
$0 collector value.[:(]
Yes, the bore is .304, and I couldn't find anyone with the faintest idea of where to find brass, or I would definitely reload. Back when the uneducated were firing 7.5 Swiss through it (YIKES!), it would quite literally put two through the same hole at 50yds.
Thanks for the link, but chamber pressures on the .243 are way too high! And the guys talking about the 1889 ammo are talking about paper patches and metal alloys - not my cup of tea. Just wanted to see if I could turn it into a daily shooter. It has some sentimental value.
Got a new gun for my ex-wife.....pretty good trade, huh?0 -
For reloading, regular 7.5X55 brass can be used if you trim it down a bit. I find this gun is perfect for .308" cast bullets. Given that most cast bullets use reduced loads, are soft, ie deform more easily, they can be used as is in this gun with few if any problems. Another option is to get a bullet reduction die from z-hat. They have a websight somewhere, do a search and you should find it. I have heard of people using regular .308 bullets with no trouble but I wouldn't try it either.
Jon
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
Newly made, 7.5 Swiss commercial brass is supposed to be available shortly from Graf & Sons; which company has become a sole distributor for a line of newly made brass for several obsolete military calibers. I have obtained some of their 6.5 Carcano and found it to be satisfactory, and have an order in for 7.5 Swiss and 8x56Rmm Hungarian when it becomes available. Mine is marked Hornady, but I understand that future runs will be marked Graf. I think you could successfully load your M1889 using these cases and cast bullets in .308 dia., but if you are worried about the .304 vs..308 issue you could obtain a custom mold from NEI, which makes at least one mold in almost every possible size. I would obtain a gas check design bullet to greatly reduce possible leading. If you use a .308 or .307 you probably won't need the paper patch for accuracy. Best wishes on this--sounds like a worthwhile project to make an old gun useful. 0 -
Back to your original question. I have in fact heard of these being converted to 30/30 which would necessitate removing the barrel, cutting off some of the chamber, possibly re-threading, chamber reaming, and modifying the extractor to take rimmed ammo. Far more trouble that it is worth unless you can do it yourself. Rechambering to .308 is far easier though still difficult, but I believe the .308 is too hot for this gun. Either load for it yourself or sell/swap it.
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
Thanks for all the info, ideas and opinions! [:)]
Got a new gun for my ex-wife.....pretty good trade, huh?0
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