8x58RD swedish rolling block

[mech481]

Can anyone provide safe reloading data for this rifle cartridge combination

[tommy303]

> Can anyone provide safe reloading data for this rifle cartridge combination

I have seen a number of Rolling Blocks converted to the 8 x 58R Krag-Jorgensen cartridge.  The cartridge was produced in smokeless only with a variety of bullet weights.  The original bullet was a round nosed 237gr ball-type giving a muzzle velocity of 1968 f/s; this was changed to a 196gr spitzer in 1907.  The late Frank Barnes tabulated a powder charge of [Deleted. Admin], which duplicates the Norma loading.  In general, the round is in the same class as the US Army 30-40 Krag and the British 303.  

The Krag in particular, was not as strong as the 303 actions and the German 98 Mauser, so pressures should be kept to 40,000 psi or less.  I would imagine that
the same would apply to the rolling block conversions.  As always, take the rifle to a competent gunsmith to be checked out before working up any loads for it.

[mech481]

I have had a look on the Swede forums and apparently Barnes loads in COTW are very incorrect and unsafe for rolling block actions, so am hopeing some of the shooter who are using the swede rollers in 8x58RD might give me a guide here,

[tommy303]

Here is a link that might be of help.  Note the author contends that original loadings for the RB with the 8x58RD was black powder and a plain lead bullet, which qualifies it well for this forum.

http://www.rebooty.com/~dutchman/858rd.html

[tommy303]

I would recommend keeping to the cast bullet data and light loads of smokeless, as the author recommends, with the 30-40 Krag as a starting point; of course, using black powder and a cast bullet might be the way to go.  

Slug your barrel first though, before ordering a bullet mould.

[Øyvind F.]

This board is for black powder discussions only. Experiments with smokeless powder in old firearms originally meant for black powder can be fatal. Last month a Swede was killed when a 12 mm Husqvarna rolling block blew up in his face. It is not known whether he used smokeless powder, or a rifle that was in poor condition.

Anyways, from now on, please limit the discussions to black powder. There are plenty of others sites that allow smokeless powder discussions. :-)

[tommy303]

>
> Anyways, from now on, please limit the discussions to black powder. There
> are plenty of others sites that allow smokeless powder discussions. :-)

Sorry about getting of topic.  I had heard about that accident and it's a real shame.  

No further information on what happened?

[Øyvind F.]

> I had heard about that accident and it's a
> real shame.  No further information on what happened?

No, but the police theory seems to be that the bullet had stuck to the bullet because of verdigris, and thus caused the blow up. Kind of strange if you ask me.

[tommy303]

The police theory does not make a whole lot of sense.  even corroded to the case, the bullet/case join is weaker than the action and barrel and would give way and start up the bore before the pressure built up enough to burst the rifle.

[6mmintl]

I have two Swedish  (One Husky, one Remington) sporterized rolling blocks

One now has a Browning BPCR Long range tang sight and the other has a modified Lyman 57 long range peep sight.  Both are excellent shooters costing $400 USD from Allens Armory FFL.

I am shooting the Lee M95 Steyr gas checked bullet (Cast 20-1)weighing 200 grains and Lee Liquid Alox lubed. with 24 grains of IMR SR4759 and getting 1 1/2" groups at 100 yards.  I gascheck and size the bullets .3275" in a custom sizer to fit my .326" bore.

I am using 8X56R Steyr Cases made by Prvi Partisan as they are low cost $.39 USD Each.  For first time loading I wrap a 3/8" pice of electrical tape around the base of the case so that the expansion/fireforming is concentric.  I have not loast any cases to fireforming

I am using RCBS #57361 8X58R reloading dies.

Very easy to load for and wonderful rifles to shoot.

[Fabian23]

Smokeless powder?  Witchcraft I tell you, burn him :-P