Pistol · Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardizedObsolete
8mm Roth-Steyr
Unique semi-rimless cartridge for the Steyr-Roth M1907 — the first self-loading pistol adopted as standard issue by a major military.
- Caliber
- 0.3211″ · 8.156 mm
- Introduced
- 1907
- Case
- Rimless
- Primary use
- Military
- Status
- Discontinued
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1907
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- Austria-Hungary
- Inventor
- Georg Roth / Steyr
- Manufacturer
- Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (Steyr)
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Collector
- Case capacity
- 11.5 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:10
- Primer
- Berdan Small Pistol
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 25,000 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Max range
- 2550 yd
- Recoil
- 5.2–6.1 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 8mm Roth-Steyr — 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 · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 8.16 | 0.321 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 8.80 | 0.346 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 8.84 | 0.348 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 8.84 | 0.348 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.07 | 0.042 | ~ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 18.65 | 0.734 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 29.00 | 1.142 | ✓ |
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. 8mm Roth-Steyr 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.
Firearms chambered in 8mm Roth-Steyr
History
Adopted by Austria-Hungary in 1907 for their cavalry, the Steyr-Roth M1907 was a landmark first: the first semi-automatic pistol issued as standard equipment to a major army. The unique cartridge was designed so the weapon could not use any other ammunition. The deliberate double-action-only trigger, stripper-clip loading, and non-detachable magazine were all safety features for cavalry use. The M1907 saw service through WWI.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 8mm Roth-Steyr use?
- 8mm Roth-Steyr typically uses a 1:10 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 8mm Roth-Steyr?
- 8mm Roth-Steyr uses a 0.3211″ (8.156 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 8mm Roth-Steyr still in production?
- 8mm Roth-Steyr is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
- What is 8mm Roth-Steyr used for?
- 8mm Roth-Steyr is primarily used for military.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 9 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
