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18 guage or 18 bore

mr.jdmr.jd Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
edited November 2001 in Ask the Experts
Where can I get info and reloading data for an 18 guage or 18 bore? I have a Husqvarna Rolling block in the bore with full rifled barrel that I'd like to shoot. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated and all replys answered. Also, is there any brass available or a Co. who would make it? Thanks and GOD BLESS AMERICA. Jim
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Comments

  • Iroquois ScoutIroquois Scout Member Posts: 930 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hi Jim! There are somethings in your question that I don't understand. First,you say that you have a Husqvarna Rolling Block in 18 gauge or bore. Then you say that the bore of the barrel is rifled. Here is where the confusion starts,as they do load an 18 gauge shot shell in Europe. The bore diameter of the 18 gauge shot gun is .637 inch,but, the barrel is not rifled. Are you sure that you don't have one of the old Husqvarna black powder military Rolling Block rifles? These rifles were chambered for the 11.7X51R Danish military cartridge and have a bore diameter of .462-.465 inch. After the military declared these rifles obsolete,many were cut down for the forestry service and others were "sporterized" for civilian use and used throughout Scandinavia. I would be interested in how you measured the bore of your Rolling Block to arrive at a bore diameter of 18 gauge. Anyway,I hope that this is of some help to you.
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  • mr.jdmr.jd Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    This Husky was an arsenal refinish. Using a caliper, I precisely measured the bore and found that it was indeed an 18 bore. The rifling is six groove counterclockwise. The bbl. is octagon 32" long with European 3 leaf rear sights marked 50m,75m, and 100m.The dovetail cuts are metric and the front blade sight is very low with a small dovetail. The barrel is clearly marked Husqvarna wit the appropiate proof marks.The butt stock is a sporting with a square R/H cheekpiece and flat checkering. The fore end is plain, looks to be from the same wood and is attached with a tenon and pin. There are Eur. type sling swivels, one screwed into the butt stock ans one s/souldered to the bbl.bottom flat. This appearsto be stristly commercial as the action has a totally different look from military ones. The hammer has a spring loaded lever in the center that facilitates cocking and the frame has the look of a Hepburn abdcan accept very large or long cartridges and not interfere with the breeckblock. Thanks, JIM
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  • Iroquois ScoutIroquois Scout Member Posts: 930 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hello Again Jim! From your second post I do believe that you do have what is called a 'gauge rifle'. I must admit that I have never seen one in a gauge as small as 18. Usually they are of large bore,8 and 12 being the most common,but they were also made in 4 bore. Most were double barreled,but single shots were also made. These rifles were for use against large and dangerous game and fired very heavy bullets with large charges of black powder. As to your rifle,it would be a wholly reloading proposition. Shot shells are produced by Braun&Bloem and Gustave Genschow. Who if anyone imports them into this country I don't know. You might try Old Western Scrounger at www.ows-ammunition.com. Another thought would be to compare the dimensions between the 18 gauge shot shell and the 64 caliber Maynard rifle cartridge. They look like they would be very close. Check for Maynard cartridges at Ballard Rifle&Cartridge LLC www.ballardrifles.com. Bullets would have to be cast from a custom mould. If you can find cases,R.C.B.S.(www.rcbs.com) could probably make the dies. All in all an interesting but expensive project. Best of Luck Scout
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  • Iroquois ScoutIroquois Scout Member Posts: 930 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Good Morning Jim! I tried to send this post last night but the sever would'nt take it. I don't know why but G-B was very slow last night. In any case, from your second post I believe that you do indeed have what is called a 'gauge rifle'. I have to admit that I have never seen one of these rifles in as small a caliber as 18 gauge. Most of them are of very large bore. 8 and 10 bore were the most popular but they were made in 12 bore and the huge 4 bore also. Most of these rifles were double barrels but some single barrel guns were also built. These rifles were for use against large and dangerous game and fired very heavy bullets backed by large charges of black powder. As to shooting your rifle,I know that 18 gauge shot shells are made in Europe by Braun&Bloem and Gustave Genschow. I don't know who if anybody imports these cartridges. I would try Old Western Scrounger(www.ows-ammunition.com). Another thought would be to check the dimensions of the 18 gauge cartridge case against those of the 64 caliber Maynard rifle case. They look like they should be close. Check with Ballard Rifle&Cartridge LLC(www.ballardrifles.com)for Maynard cartridge cases. Bullets would have to be cast from a custom made mould and not all makers have mould blocks that large. If you can get cases and bullets together,Iam sure that R.C.B.S.(www.rcbs.com)could make up a set of dies. All in all this is a very interesting and expensive project. If you go ahead with it let the forum know how you make out Best Regards, Scout
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  • mr.jdmr.jd Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Scout, Thanks for all the info. I'll let you know how I make out. Any other info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. JIM
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