Well, I'm pleased to see that a few read the drivel I post and call my hand at it. First, the plug gauge mark wasn't for a specific calibre and was just for a diameter which the plug passed the whole length of the unrifled tube. As I posted before, any calibre not listed in the law/articles/proofhouse data sets had to be submitted in writing to the proofhouse to determine the 1st and 2nd proof loads. Also as I've posted before I have a Buchel Stechespanner by Srba in 8.15X46R that has the "181" mark and I have seen at least 1 other target arm with that stamp. Mr. Cate gives double rifle serial #131857 as a 0.303 British and having the "181" stamp. So with Jeff's 0.30-30 double rifles and drillings, it futher supports the case that the proofhouse did use plug gauges less than the published 172,28 mark. Although for all non-standardized/early calibres there will be a range of diameters, 184,11 is the one that I've seen associated with 0.30-30(7.62X51(53?)R/30-30 WCF/30 Winchester). I've seen info suggesting a linking 184,11 with 32/20(32 Winchester/8.1X33R) and 32/40, but I've also seen 156,14 coupled with 32-40 Win. Then there are other bolt rifles and Kipplaufs in 25-35(6.5X52), 25-20SS(6.5X41R), .22"(5.6X15R), etc. which would have had a plug gauge stamp for their diameters also. I guess it would be best to convert everything to metric and get a range of plug gauges for each calibre. As always, there were exceptions to the rule.
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
Last edited by ellenbr; 12/21/08 12:32 AM.
