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Rifle · Obsolete

8x50mmR Lebel

8mm Lebel8x50R8mm French

France's pioneering military rifle cartridge from 1886, the world's first small-caliber rimmed military rifle cartridge using smokeless powder.

Identity
Introduced
1886
Type
Rifle
Origin
France
Inventor
French military
Manufacturer
French State Arsenal
Standard
Obsolete
Status
Obsolete
Availability
Antique
Dimensions
Bullet ⌀
0.323″
Case capacity
50 gr H₂O
Twist
1:9
Primer
Boxer Small Rifle
Case type
Rimless
Performance
Max pressure
46,412 psi
Eff. range
300 yd
Recoil
13–17 ft·lb

Ballistics

Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd
100 yd · zero0″−72″72″ drop @ 500 yd0250500Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
Velocity
2,100–2,200 fps
Energy
1,944–2,493 ft·lb
Parent case
—

Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input, not a measured load.

Suitable powders

1 reloading powder listed for 8x50mmR Lebel, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

IMR 3031#56

Reloading cost

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 8x50mmR Lebel

12 models in the database chamber 8x50mmR Lebel. Browse all →

France Berthier M1916Chatellerault Berthier M16 8x50mmR 31.5-inchBerthier Model 1907/15Berthier M1907/15MAS Modele 1892 8mm Lebel 4.72-inchLebel Model 1886MAS Lebel Model 1886 8mm Lebel 31.5-inchChatellerault Lebel Model 1886 8x50mmR 31.5-inchFrance Lebel M1886Lebel Model 1886 M93Lebel Lebel Model 1886 8x50mmR Lebel 31.5-inchLebel Lebel Model 1886

Connected reference

Reloading1 suitable powder — cross-reference↗FirearmsFirearms in 8x50mmR Lebel↗ToolCompare ballistics↗

History

France adopted this rimmed cartridge in 1886, the world's first small-caliber military rifle cartridge using smokeless powder. Designed by Paul Vieille and Amédée Rubin, it fired a 232-grain jacketed bullet at 2,100 fps from the Lebel rifle. The first of its kind; influenced all subsequent military rifle cartridge development worldwide.

FAQs

What twist rate does 8x50mmR Lebel use?
8x50mmR Lebel typically uses a 1:9 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is 8x50mmR Lebel?
8x50mmR Lebel uses a 0.323″ (8.2 mm) diameter bullet.
Is 8x50mmR Lebel still in production?
8x50mmR Lebel is obsolete; typical availability is antique.
What is 8x50mmR Lebel used for?
8x50mmR Lebel is primarily used for military/le.
What are the best powders for 8x50mmR Lebel?
Reloading powders commonly listed for 8x50mmR Lebel include IMR 3031.

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. Spotted an error? Report it →