doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Double Rifles, Paradox Guns & Gauge Rifles @ doublegunshop.com 43 Mauser Double Rifle

Thank you, Mike. I have learned a great deal from your posts over the years when I was in 'lurker' mode. Really appreciate your insight.

I have a .43 Mauser/12ga combination gun. Another member here sold me a lifetime supply of old Canadian Dominion ammo, twelve boxes I think. The stuff shoots reliably and is pretty accurate.

Where I turkey hunt, there are a few "Piney Woods Rooters" still around and the rifle barrel was comforting to have. However, someone (thankfully not a game warden) reminded me it was illegal to possess a rife while turkey hunting. I never have shot a deer with the gun, but I will someday, God willing and the Creek don't rise...Geo

My first double rifle was in 11.15 X 60R, 25 years ago.. It took me 6 months, 2 bullet molds and a few pounds of black powder before I got it regulated. I either give that rifle the credit, or blame, for my Phd in hand loading. I had to duplex the load to 5% SR-4759 but that did it. It's from the 1870's, is an E. Goldmann in Erfurt and is full coverage engraved. I killed one deer with it and it was as effective as the 45-70.

I have it shooting between 2 and 3 inches at 50 yards and for a 150 year old rifle with one barrel worn more than the other and with a few pits, I'll take it.

Good cartridge, good luck with it.

Mike,

I did a chamber cast in the rifle and have some pictures of the casting next to a loaded 43 Mauser round, then next to raw Bertram brass. Just don't know how to post images.

I hope the measurements come through below, lined up and legible. The casting and loaded round look very close, but the casting numbers come out slightly larger than the loaded round. Also, the shoulder on the casting is slightly ahead of and sharper than the brass.

Loaded rounds and raw brass fit in the chambers and the action closes/opens jut fine.

On the barrels, the right barrel has 54,64 and the left has 58,50 (I think it's 50, not very clear).

Case Length Casting, 2.38. Case Length Loaded Cartridge 2.38
Head Diameter Casting, .592. Head Diameter Loaded Cartridge .585
"Base" Diameter Casting, .521. "Base" Diameter Loaded Cartridge, .513
Neck Diameter at the end Casting, .482. Neck Diameter Loaded Cartridge, .464
Bore Diameter of the casting seems to be .450, but tough to measure with offset of the lands and grooves.

I absolutely understand no one can give the "OK, good to shoot!" over the internet, but can you or anyone else discern anything from the measurements above?

Thank you

Yeah, >>54,61<< translates to 0.440"

>>58,50<< translates to 0.43"

If you would forward the fotos to me I would gladly post them.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

Too, Black Powder is a Great starting propellant.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

Above table is from a Gunmaker from the Little British Isles but still applicable.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

MtAl,
The dimensions of the chamber cast should be larger than the cartridge case, otherwise the cartridge would not chamber. Your chamber cast shows dimensions that are actually pretty good for a rifle the age of yours. If it were my rifle, I would be certain It is chambered for 11.15x60R/43 Mauser. Now, the fun starts. Good luck, maybe you can have it worked out by deer season.
Mike

H. Scherping Hahn DR in 43 Mauser.

Serbus,

Raimey
rse

Thank you for posting the pics, Raimey. Much appreciated.

I'll get a magnifying glass on the 58.50. Doesn't that seem like a big difference between barrels? .44 to .43?

This will be a potentially dumb question: Per Der Ami, how does one become "certain it is chambered for 11.15x60R" given the dimensions?

This is my first time at this and appreciate the collective wisdom of this group and I don't want to wear anyone out!