French military service revolver cartridge adopted in 1873 for the Chamelot-Delvigne Model 1873 revolver. Standard French military sidearm through the Franco-Prussian War and early colonial campaigns.
Type: Revolver
Introduced: 1873, France
Parent case: None
Standardization: None
Bullet diameter: 0.451" (11.45 mm)
Case length: 0.71" (18.03 mm)
Max pressure: 18,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Berdan Large Pistol
Typical twist rate: 1:20
Muzzle velocity: 657–690 fps
Muzzle energy: 179–197 ft-lbs
Effective range: 30 yd
Common bullet weights: 187 gr
Primary use: Military
Production status: Discontinued
Also known as: 11mm French Service · 11x18mmR
History: Adopted in 1873 for the Model 1873 revolver — France's first modern metallic cartridge military revolver. Served through the colonial era until replaced by the 8mm Lebel revolver cartridge in 1892. The Model 1873 revolver is a solid double-action design with strong collector appeal. Original French military ammunition is museum-quality antique material.
Notable firearms: Modèle 1873 Revolver (Chamelot-Delvigne), Modèle 1874 Officer's Revolver
Military use: France
Similar cartridges: 11mm German Service, 10.4mm Italian Ordnance