Steyr m95 Restoration

[Young_Milsurp_Guy]

Back when I turned 18 I bought a steyr m95 long rifle that was sporterized by having the stock chopped but was otherwise in its WW1 configuration. From what I have seen its consistant with prewar Austrian production, has no import or capture mark, and has a regiment mark on the buttplate placing it east of Preszmyl in 1914

My great Grandfather actually trained with and was issued one in 1914 as a university student/officer cadet in Austria, and had to fight the Russians in Galica. And then when the Austrian army took such heavy losses in officers in the first months of the war(something like 50-60% of infantry captains and Lieutenants), he was field commissioned as a Lt. and given command of a half trained company of Polish reservists.

So I bought a stock and now Im looking for barrel bands. Anyone know a source beyond liberty tree collectors?

And does anyone know where to find or get load data for 8x50r Austrian service loads? I want to restore this gun to as issued condition, get some ammo for it and shoot a vintage service rifle match to get an idea of what it was for my great grandad and namesake went through.

Also is there anything else strange with these guns, like being zeroed with bayonets or something?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Eaglelord17]

Good luck getting a load to shoot accurately with these rifles. So far I have tried several M95s and haven't found a load that works better than simply going bang. You can make the brass from either cut and reformed 8x56r or apparently fireforming 7.62x54r.

[bob q]

I have several M-95 long rifles and a large supply of original 8x50 ammo . They will hold 2 1/2 inch five shot groups at 100 yards . They are in the top half of my military rifles for accuracy with original ammo . With good handloads by someone who knows how to load for them , they will do better . I did a pair of sub 1 1/2 inch 5 shot groups at 100 in a match with my best shooter . I never had the Hornady .329 bullet that was made for the 8x56 M-95 do very well . A good old style 225 grain + round nose .323 dia hollow base bullet was the winner for me .

[Merle]

I used reformed 7,62 x 54R brass, with a variety of .323 bullets in mine. It can be difficult to find a good load, so just keep trying.

[Young_Milsurp_Guy]

I have several M-95 long rifles and a large supply of original 8x50 ammo . They will hold 2 1/2 inch five shot groups at 100 yards . They are in the top half of my military rifles for accuracy with original ammo . With good handloads by someone who knows how to load for them , they will do better . I did a pair of sub 1 1/2 inch 5 shot groups at 100 in a match with my best shooter . I never had the Hornady .329 bullet that was made for the 8x56 M-95 do very well . A good old style 225 grain + round nose .323 dia hollow base bullet was the winner for me .

Interesting, will do

So where can one find the old style round nose 225 grain 8mm bullets? Order from Hungary or something? ]

And it really is pretty amazing the tolerances and quality of workmanship of the steyrs. It seems small arms was the only thing worth a damn the Austrians had in the great war

[bob q]

Us made bullets . Old Speer , Herters , Norma they all made 220+ round nose .323 bullets that work great . You just have to search online auctions for them .