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Berthier, ideally with the mle 1916 5 round charger conversion. It is the most likely type that my Great Grandfather would have used during WW1 after the Lebel. Whilst the issue of chain detonation is exaggerated with the Lebel I don't really fancy it as a rifle over the handier Berthier.

I have a friend who runs an specialist ammunition business that has a load for 8x50r on request and he is prepared to share the recipe so I can knock up my own after I buy some off him as a prid pro quo. So I am not that fussed about running it, main cost will be the brass. If I can get some of the PPu as well that would be handy.

Nice choice & great piece of history Indeed Prvi P sales the ammo and the brass.
Of course during the WW1, but also a lot of colonial troops from "l'armée d'Afrique" carried them in the interwars period . Back in late 80's many Berthier finished their service life being used to carry during assault course in the CEE .

We have one photo from WW1 of my Great Grandfather, studio shot in his uniform with a Bicycle for some reason.

Bertram brass is also available at £3.69 a case. Considering the costs and the fact I will most likely rolling my own I have put in for a lower hold limit than I usually do. Lee Dies for this calibre are praised as the best over other options.

I will then keep my eye out, no rush or need to buy the first one that comes up.

Maybe he was in a "Chasseurs cyclistes" unit ? Those were attached to Cav Div and were indeed armed with Berthier Mousquetons .

http://armesfrancaises.free.fr/mousq%20Mle%201892.html
http://armesfrancaises.free.fr/mousq%20 ... 92M16.html
http://armesfrancaises.free.fr/mousq%20Mle%201916.html

I will have to take a close look at the picture next time I visit my parents.