Anyone load for the 11X59R Gras ?

yorgi

yorgi

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In possession of an 1874 Gras that I have never fired due to the scarcity of ammo.

If any members have had experience reloading this oddball calibre in Canada I'd appreciate some info, everything online is mostly US based and obviously components on our side are near impossible to source.

Thanks in advance.
 
A custom run of Lee dies was done a couple years ago, sets are still available from the same outfit in the states called MAF Corp. Casting your chamber and slugging your bore will allow you to make an informed decision regarding bullet mold selection however Lyman molds 446110 and 439186 could be contenders. 25-1 lead tin alloy would work. Brew your own lube or use SPG. The easiest way to get brass with current availability would be to fire form some PPU 8x50 Lebel cases. The resulting cases would be functional though slightly short. .50-110 Winchester sized down would give you correct case length though that calibre brass is rather scarce at the moment. If you need to cut wads, 7/16 is the correct diameter and is included in the cheap princess auto punch set. Ordering dies and molds from the states will not be a problem. Brass is available here.
 
Thank you BlackPowdeBurner, exactly what I was looking for, appreciate your concise advice!

I'm just a run-of-the-mill smokeless reloader, once I get started on this journey I hope you don't mind if I PM you if I get stuck...
 
Win 348 brass is another option according to J.J.Donnelly Handloaders Manual of Cartridge Conversion.

Gras is about the same volume as 43 Mauser so, I'm gonna' guess, loads in the 45/70 Trapdoor neighbourhood.
 
Happy to help. .348 Win would be my third choice. It's now as hard to find as .50-110, still too short, and the rim isn't as close a match as 8x50. But yes also technically possible. You're welcome to pm me any time. I think we'd all like to a see a picture of the rifle you're looking to shoot!
 
+1 for Lebel brass as a stand in.
43 Spanish may be another candidate for conversion.
I just sold 100 new 348 cases so they are around but yes hard to find.
 
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Excellent information in this thread!
I have a sported Gras which came in an auction lot. Hadn't really considered shooting it, until the option of adapting 8x50 brass was mentioned.
The rifle needs work done on its sights, but apart from that it is functional.
 
Quick question from the experts...my only goal is to fire the rifle for the sake of firing it, no expectations of accuracy. To that end, does the aforementioned fact that the reformed 8X50 brass ends up a tad short have any effect on safety? As mentioned earlier, reformed 348 brass does meet the length requirement but 8X50 brass is so much easier to find.
 
yorgi said:
Quick question from the experts...my only goal is to fire the rifle for the sake of firing it, no expectations of accuracy. To that end, does the aforementioned fact that the reformed 8X50 brass ends up a tad short have any effect on safety? As mentioned earlier, reformed 348 brass does meet the length requirement but 8X50 brass is so much easier to find.
Click to expand...
The shorter cases will not have an effect on safety. They may foul the chamber a bit and not shoot to the same potential, that’s all. To clarify, both .348 and 8x50 will give short cases, .50-110 will not. For your purposes I’d suggest going with 8x50 and if you really start enjoying the rifle and loading for it, source some .50-110 when it becomes available again.
 
BlackPowderBurner said:
Happy to help. .348 Win would be my third choice. It's now as hard to find as .50-110, still too short, and the rim isn't as close a match as 8x50. But yes also technically possible. You're welcome to pm me any time. I think we'd all like to a see a picture of the rifle you're looking to shoot!
Click to expand...

Gladly! Steyr-made circa 1880's Greek Army order, rifle and carbine.steyr.jpg
 
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That's great!
Thanks yorgi
I have one that the hardware and size looks very similar but made by St. Etienne and is a 1866-74 M80
 
Just received two boxes of Bertram 11x59R Gras from Beaksandbrass.
Extraction is much more positive than 43 Spanish or 348 Win.
Expensive but it's a start.
 
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