I need some help in identifying a Mannlicher rifle I have. In my Standard Catalog of Military firearms-2nd edition, page 24. It says “The model 1888/1890 Austrian Mannlicher was chambered for the 8x56R smokeless powder cartridge with a stronger bolt locking wedge. I had C&H make me a special wilde-cat reamer and die set. It’s the 8x56R necked down to .30 cal, I call it 30x56J-Bolt, after my name; Jamin Bolt. Any way, I like the 1888/1890 action better than the M95, I think it’s much smoother. I just want to make sure that I don’t use a 1888 or 1886 which was meant for lower press black powder/blended powder.
Mannlicher 1888 vs. 1888/1890 identification
- Thread starter Lebel
- Start date
The 1888/90 was NOT chambered in 8 x 56mm, it was chambered in 8 x 50mm. The only difference is that the rear sight is regulated for the smokeless rather than blackpowder load. There's no change to the action itself.
I can't say to a moral certainty that the 1888 action can't handle the 8 x 56mm, but I think it would be marginal at best. They made alot of 1888s and used them throughout WW1, but I don't beleive any were ever converted to 8 x 56mm. I'd consider that in itself as an indication.
I can't say to a moral certainty that the 1888 action can't handle the 8 x 56mm, but I think it would be marginal at best. They made alot of 1888s and used them throughout WW1, but I don't beleive any were ever converted to 8 x 56mm. I'd consider that in itself as an indication.
