Rifle · Obsolete / Non-standard
8.15x46mmR
German single-shot Schützen (target shooting) cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.3299″ · 8.38 mm
- Introduced
- 1880
- Case
- Rimmed
- Primary use
- target
- Status
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1880
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Germany
- Inventor
- RWS
- Manufacturer
- Various German gunsmiths
- Standard
- Obsolete / Non-standard
- Status
- Obsolete
- Availability
- Antique
- Case capacity
- 28 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:14
- Primer
- Berdan Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 23,931 psi
- Eff. range
- 200 yd
- Recoil
- 14–18 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 8.15x46mmR — 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.
CIP TDCC · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 8.38 | 0.330 | ~ |
| Neck ⌀ | 8.83 | 0.348 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 9.90 | 0.390 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 3.1° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 10.75 | 0.423 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 12.35 | 0.486 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.50 | 0.059 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 6.50 | 0.256 | ≈ |
| Case length | 46.50 | 1.831 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 62.30 | 2.453 | ✓ |
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. 8.15x46mmR is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Connected reference
History
An obscure German target and hunting cartridge from the 1880s for single-shot target rifles. Used in specialized German precision rifles of the Bavarian tradition. The 8.15x46R was known for excellent accuracy in single-shot competition. Replaced as German target shooting standardized around more modern cartridges.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 8.15x46mmR use?
- 8.15x46mmR typically uses a 1:14 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 8.15x46mmR?
- 8.15x46mmR uses a 0.3299″ (8.38 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 8.15x46mmR still in production?
- 8.15x46mmR is obsolete; typical availability is antique.
- What is 8.15x46mmR used for?
- 8.15x46mmR is primarily used for target.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 4 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →