AUSTRIAN STEYR 1888/1890 RIFLE FIND (questions)

[Eaglelord17]

I have a Austrian made M90 (basically a 88/90 except it wasn't a 88 to begin with). Mine likely was supposed to be for Chile, but when their civil war happened likely went to a dealer who then sold it to Bulgaria. Personally it is one of my favourite rifles. The wedge lock might not be the strongest action it is for sure smooth.

Any properly made 8x50r cartridge would be safe for that rifle as 8x50r was purposely kept downgraded for usage in the 88 series. Its also why the later 8x56r was made the way it was to ensure it wasn't chambered in a 88 action. Things to be careful of is some of these rifles were converted to 8mm Mauser by some unscrupulous dealers post WWI to try and find buyers. They are not really safe to be shot with that cartridge in standard form. Personally I used some cut down 8x56r brass which I ran though a 8x50r die, but apparently 7.62x54r will work as well.

Really cool rifles, I hope you enjoy it.