Swiss Schmidt-Rubin 1889 Rifle: "Semi-Smokeless"?

Published on August 16, 2017
Duration: 9:15

This video provides an in-depth look at the Swiss Schmidt-Rubin 1889 rifle, dispelling myths about its ammunition. It details the rifle's unique straight-pull bolt action, its 12-round magazine, and its long barrel with a significant throat. The discussion focuses on the original GP 90 cartridge with its paper-patched, soft-lead bullet, and contrasts it with later ammunition types, offering guidance for handloaders dealing with the rifle's specific chamber and barrel dimensions.

Quick Summary

The Swiss Schmidt-Rubin 1889 rifle fires the GP 90 cartridge, which features a unique paper-patched bullet with a soft lead core. The 'semi-smokeless' designation is a mistranslation; the ammunition used smokeless powder. Reloading for the 1889 requires care due to its long throat and massive chamber, with lead cast bullets or SMJs being recommended.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Swiss Rifles
  2. 00:22Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889 Overview
  3. 00:53Rifle Action and Features
  4. 01:24Magazine Loading and Cutoff
  5. 01:43Sights and Ballistics Reference
  6. 02:07Rifle Size and Ergonomics
  7. 02:29Bolt Lug Design
  8. 02:40Accuracy Comparison
  9. 02:48Ammunition Discussion: "Semi-Smokeless" Myth
  10. 03:02GP 90 Cartridge Details
  11. 03:14Ammunition Testing and Reloading
  12. 04:10Bullet Design and Construction
  13. 05:01Bullet Diameter and Paper Patching
  14. 05:19Chamber and Throat Dimensions
  15. 05:37Ammunition Optimization
  16. 05:43Later Ammunition Development
  17. 06:01Steel-Jacketed FMJ Ammunition
  18. 06:18Reloading Recommendations
  19. 06:37Approximating Original Performance
  20. 06:53Case Length and Trimming
  21. 07:20Safety Warning: Factory Ammunition
  22. 07:45GP 11 Ammunition in 1889
  23. 08:05Modern Ammunition Ballistics
  24. 08:08Barrel Dimensions and Variation
  25. 08:34Reloading Flexibility
  26. 08:41Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "semi-smokeless" myth regarding the Swiss Schmidt-Rubin 1889?

The "semi-smokeless" myth stems from a mistranslation of German terms for smokeless powder. The original GP 90 cartridge for the 1889 rifle used smokeless powder, not a special "semi-smokeless" type. The unique aspect was its paper-patched, soft-lead bullet.

What are the key features of the Swiss Schmidt-Rubin 1889 rifle action?

The 1889 features a straight-pull bolt action with bolt lugs located at the rear. It has a 12-round magazine in front of the trigger guard, loaded with six-round frame chargers, and a safety catch on the cocking piece.

What ammunition was originally fired from the Schmidt-Rubin 1889?

The original ammunition was the GP 90 cartridge, firing a unique paper-patched bullet with a soft lead core. The bullet's diameter just ahead of the case mouth is about 0.315 inches, paper-patched to 0.321 inches.

What are the reloading considerations for a Schmidt-Rubin 1889?

Reloading requires attention to the rifle's long throat and massive chamber. It's advised to use lead cast bullets or SMJs, and to avoid modern factory ammunition due to potential case compression and explosions. Commercial .308 rounds can be a close approximation.

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