On another thread we've seen a fellow carrying one of these smokepoles, and there was some slight discussion of the cartridges/loadings suitable for these old rifles. There is general urban legend consensus that they are comparatively weaker than other rifles chambered for the 8x57 Mauser cartridge, no argument there.
My question is, have any of you actually seen any significant failure with this action, or actual evidence of such? How extensive was the damage, and what path did the failure mode take?
The famous Mannlicher-Schoenauer action has the same typical Mannlicher bolt design as the 1888 and it has proven to be quite strong with modern cartridges. It's my supposition that these earlier 1888 actions are strong enough for the originally-loaded 8x57 military-issue ammo, as evidenced by their extensive use as military rifles by several nations.
Logic and experience tend to tell me that the initial 1888 failure mode may often involve a longitudinal stretching of the receiver ring, thereby increasing headspace. Much the same failure mode as the small ring/large thread 1898 Mausers, at least that's my initial theory.
Has anyone here ever had any direct experience with any 1888 failures? Inquiring minds want to know the details...
Regards, Joe
