1886 Austrian Mannlicher 11.15mm

[harry mac]

Is there anyone out there reloading for this rifle? Worldwide Arms in UK has these available, and I wondered if oine would make a good shooting project.
Lots of questions before I even contemplate buying one, such as are cases available (Bertram list a 11.15 Werndl; same, different?). Does anyone make a set of dies for it?
They seem to be selling slowly, so I'm guessing take-up hasn't been good. Lack of available loading components could be a reason.
Finally, have any of the UK based forumers had any experience of these rifles?
Oh, before I forget, the cartridge designation is 11.15x58R

Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

It's the Werndl cartridge. So look for Werndl cases, dies etc. Waffen Dörfner in Vienna is where I got mine.
I would like to have one, as it's about the only magazine-loaded large-bore BP rifle there ever was, coming into service just in time to be obsolescent!
Case simensions are very similar to Gras. I have used Werndl cases to reload for an Mle 66-74-80 Chassepot-Gras comversion.
Soft-lead (max. 5% tin) bullets for the M1871 or 71/84 Mauser will be OK. Nominal bullet diameter 0.446" is about right, but as for ALL old milsurps, slug your rifle first and size accordingly.

If you buy new cases, they will very probably be noticeably undersized. So regard first load as fire-forming.

Charge about 60-65gn Swiss No. 3 or 4 (FFg or Fg). Anything finer will be a shoulder-basher that stresses you and the rifle unnecessarily. Powder, card wad, and about 1/2 cc of the lube of your choice over the wad. No need for wad between lube and bullet, since you will be inserting a greased bullet anyway! Sufficient lube will leave a slight star-ring of sooty luabe around the muzzle after firing. Insufficient lube means 2nd shot drops a bit, and subsequent shots fall right down.

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