Rifle · Obsolete / Non-standard
12.17x42mmRF
The standard Scandinavian military cartridge of the 1867–1889 era, chambered in the Remington rolling block rifle adopted by both Sweden and Norway.
- Caliber
- 0.4967″ · 12.615 mm
- Introduced
- 1867
- Case
- Rimfire
- Primary use
- Military
- Status
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1867
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Sweden
- Inventor
- Swedish Military / Remington Arms
- Manufacturer
- Swedish Crown Arsenal (Carl Gustafs)
- Standard
- Obsolete / Non-standard
- Status
- Obsolete
- Availability
- Collector Only
- Case capacity
- 45 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:20
- Primer
- Rimfire
- Case type
- Rimfire
- Max pressure
- 18,000 psi
- Eff. range
- 300 yd
- Max range
- 800 yd
- Recoil
- 15–22 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 12.17x42mmRF — an obsolete/collector cartridge.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
Wikipedia · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 12.62 | 0.497 | · |
| Neck ⌀ | 13.44 | 0.529 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 13.93 | 0.548 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 15.94 | 0.628 | · |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.68 | 0.066 | ~ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 41.20 | 1.622 | ~ |
| Overall length | 51.78 | 2.039 | · |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 12.17x42mmRF is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Connected reference
History
Sweden and Norway both adopted the Remington rolling block rifle in 1867 — one of the most mechanically sound single-shot designs ever produced. The 12.17x42mm rimfire cartridge was manufactured at Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori and served Scandinavian forces for over two decades. Like all large-bore rimfires, it was rendered obsolete by the development of smokeless powder and small-bore high-velocity cartridges in the 1880s. Both nations transitioned to the 8x58mmR and eventually the legendary 6.5x55mm Swedish by 1894. Surviving Swedish M1867 rolling blocks are collected throughout Scandinavia and by American collectors of military arms. Brass cases are occasionally made by specialty suppliers for those wishing to shoot original rifles.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 12.17x42mmRF use?
- 12.17x42mmRF typically uses a 1:20 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 12.17x42mmRF?
- 12.17x42mmRF uses a 0.4967″ (12.615 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 12.17x42mmRF still in production?
- 12.17x42mmRF is obsolete; typical availability is collector only.
- What is 12.17x42mmRF used for?
- 12.17x42mmRF is primarily used for military.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 2 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →