Reichsrevolver Cartridge

[.455Eley]

I know this isn't a Colt revolver but its a question that I've been wondering for quite some time. Is it true that the 10.4mm cartridge of the German model 1879 Reichsrevolver is dimensionally the same as a .44 Russian, and if so, would it be safe to fire .44 Russian cowboy loads in one of these revolvers? I have always liked these and if I can fire .44 Russian and not have to look for the original odd 10.4mm cartridge I may try to pick one up. Thanks for any information.

[Boge]

Read this:

10.4mm Italian service & 11mm German Reichs Revolver


Remember, this is a BLACK POWDER cartridge only!! Don't be foolish and think that you can load/shoot smokeless in this old warhorse. If you are not a serious blackpowder handloader I would forget about it.

[Kid Sopris]

This Cartridge is also known by 10.4mm Italian Revolver and was first developed for the Italian Model 1874 Service Revolver, but also used in the Gilisenti Model1889 revolver. It is sometimes listed as the 10.35 Italian Revolver or 10.35 Gilisenti. Manufactured in both Black and Smokeless.This caliber used to be available through Fiocchi Ammunition.

Utilizing a 177 Gr. Lead projectile varying in Muzzle of 735, (black military Load) and 800 (smokeless Factory Load) its not a high speed or pressure load.

Bullet diameter is .422 and bore diameter is .451 and overall case length, so it is smaller than a 44 Russian, I doubt that the 44 Russian would fit in the chambers. Even if you could make the cartridge fit, the Bullet diameter of .429 of the Russian, with it's heavier 246 Grain lead bullet might cause unwanted pressure resulting in damage to your revolver.

I would caution you against such substitution.

(Reference: Cartridge's of the World 8th Edition)

[Boge]

...Bullet diameter is .422 and bore diameter is .451 and overall case length, so it is smaller than a 44 Russian, I doubt that the 44 Russian would fit in the chambers. Even if you could make the cartridge fit, the Bullet diameter of .429 of the Russian, with it's heavier 246 Grain lead bullet might cause unwanted pressure resulting in damage to your revolver....

From the article I quoted:

...With the 10.4 German Mauser revolver, the reader reported using .44 Russian cases and the Lyman 429348 180 gr. wadcutter, sized to .429 inch. Groove diameter on his Mauser was .428 inch...

Cartridges of the World is not a good source for historical info a large majority of the time as it is rife with errors. It hasn't been updated in years for the old cartridges of which far more is known today. The actual nominal groove diameter for .44 Russian as given by S&W was 0.432" and most slug as such.

[Kid Sopris]

From the article I quoted:



Cartridges of the World is not a good source for historical info a large majority of the time as it is rife with errors. It hasn't been updated in years for the old cartridges of which far more is known today. The actual nominal groove diameter for .44 Russian as given by S&W was 0.432" and most slug as such.

Even More reason not to shoot the Russian in the Old 10.4.

[Wyatt Burp]

A freind of mine who just died last month had one of these fine guns and I gave him six rounds of Fiochi .44 russian smokeless rounds and they fit that german sixgun. As I recall the rims were a little tight. I don't think he shot it though, just in case anyone worries about shooting smokeless in it.

[WaPruf2]

The German Reichsrevolver cartridge is nominally 10,6mm; the true caliber ( which varies within specified tolerances) is stamped on the upper left barrel flat of every service Reichsrevolver.
.44 Russian cases are frequently used to make ammunition for shooting in these revolvers with an appropriate black powder load. "Cowboy loads" are used by some. The matter of loads is discussed in some detail on the Reichsrevolver forum of Jan Still's Luger Forum, a part of gunboards.com total online service for the gun owner and collector

[.455Eley]

Thanks for the info guys! Sounds like I'm gonna be shelving this idea.