Got an antique Bodeo in 10.4mm

Claven2

Claven2

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
409   0   2
Location
Onterrible
Modelo 1889 Bodeo Italian Ordnance revolver in 10.4mm Italian. Made in 1894 at Glisenti in Brescia, so it's a CFC lettered antique ;)

Anyone know where to get or how to form 10.4mm brass? Fiocci still makes the ammo, but being able to roll my own would be nice too.

P5120348.jpg

P5120351.jpg

Aresenal rebuild in 1930 indicated on frame (riparatzone 1930):
P5120352.jpg

P5120353.jpg

P5120354.jpg

P5120355.jpg

P5120356.jpg
 
If you make up a wooden mandril to support the inside of the shell, you could put .44 mag in the drill press and file .006" in diameter off of them and of course shorten the shell. Check your chamber; it may be oversize enough that you don't have to remove that much.

cheers mooncoon
 
Anyone have cartridge dimensions and load data? I still have to check the Lee manual, and I don't have Hornady's manual which is the most likely manual to have data methinks.
 
Thats a very intresting gun does that colar at the back of the barrel spin around on the barrel ?
Ive never nioticed this before but it looks like theres a colar where the barrel attaches to the frame.
 
There is a book out called 'something cartridge conversion'.:confused: Mine is missplaced,:bangHead: but there is usually loads in there as well. If you post on the reloading forum, I'm sure that someone will have a copy handy. Good luck!! I'll start looking for mine. :canadaFlag:
 
Dingus, yes the collar rotates around like on a Nagant. You swing it out of the way to remove the cylinder pin and also to use the retaining rod as an ejector.

Aparently you can use .44SPL or .44MAG to make the brass and .44-40 bullets are a perfect fit. Also, you can use .44 MAG dies to load, but in some guns you have to use a long tapered sizer, like a .22-250 die to slightly taper the shoulder. Depends on the individual cylinder.

Still looking for viable load data though. Preferably smokeless.
 
Cartridges of the world says 225 gr .421 bullet with 3 gr. of Bullseye will give about 700 fps. Then says " These old guns are not intended for high pressures, so stick to moderate loads only."
 
According to Donnelly, use .44 Sp. or Mag., cut and trim to 0.89", turn rim diameter to .505", fl size in correct die or .240 Weatherby sizer. Rim thickness is .066". I would trim to length, then see if any rim adjustments were necessary. Loaded oal is 1.25. 4 gr Bullseye w/177 gr bullet. 3gr. Bullseye would make more sense than messing with black powder. If using black, starting with 10 or 15 grains might be a good idea. Caliber is listed as .422". .44-40 bullet is .427", that is why some sizing after seating could be necessary.
Revolver looks to be in very nice condition. I understand that there are many variations in these revolvers.
Potatoes - I've fired one of these, with loads made up as mentionned in this thread. It was comfortable to fire, and not a bad shooter at all.
 
Last edited:
Agreed, the grip angle is pretty standard fare for revolvers of the era and not at all uncomfortable to hold. I also doubt it will kick much with a 225gr lead bullet going 700fps.
 
Hi Claven:

Sorry I can't seem to find my trail boss data I'll keep looking, basically they have designed that powder for our old guns. It is fluffy like crazy and is made to not allow a signifigant over charge. Dingus has had good results in 45 cals and I know the data lists 44 russian as well. I tend to think (IMHO) that the fluffy nature and fullish case results in more consistent ignition (when compared to very very light Smokeless loads.
Just be careful how much you pay for the 9 oz can. Many vendors charge a 1lb price for 9 ozs. Should be 20 bucks.

As for those old grip angles, they are great!
 
SWEET :) Turns out Epps had two boxes of Fiocchi. They are now en-route ;)

Not even all that badly priced at $28 per box. Their .455 offering is double that price!
 
Hmm. Fired the gun the first time last weekend with the Fiocci. Function was good, accuracy was poor. The fiocci bullet is NOT designed to obtruate very well, so I got 8" groups at 15 yards, despite the fantastic bore on this revo.

First reloading attempts gave mixed results today. I used CH4D 10.4 It. Ord. dies. Sizer works great, but the expander only expands to .408". I used a .45ACP expander to bell the mouth enough to accept a .45 ACP charge, but then the case won't fit into the seater die. Had to use a .303 die to re-taper prior to seating.

This won't do IMHO. I'm calling CH4D tomorrow to order a .427" expander ball. Also plan to switch to .410" projectiles cast from soft pure lead, hoping they will obtruate enough to shoot OK.
 
10.4 Italian revolver
Other names
10.35 Italian revolver, 10.35 Glisenti
Make from .44spl
Turn rim to .505
shorten case to .90 bullet dia, .442
Case length .89
Head dia. .451
Rim dia. .505
Neck dia. .444
Loaded length 1.25
Rim thickness .066

Bullet wt. 177gr
powder 4.0gr Bullseye
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom