[07/15]

Can anyone tell me what the original load was? Black or smokeless, lead or jacketed?

 

[1886lebel]

This cartridge started life in 1887 and was adopted 5 years later
The original load was .73 grams of blackpowder and later changed to .25 grams of "poudre T" smokeless powder with a cardboard wad. The projectile is flat-based, lead with copper alloy jacket which weighed 7.90 grams (121.9 grains).
Patrick

 

[07/15]

Thanks! Any idea when they changed to smokeless?

 

[1886lebel]

It was around 1892 when this change took place, after the Mle.1892 was offically adopted for service. Some of commercial ammunition was loaded with black-powder up to 1898 sometime.
Patrick

 

[07/15]

Okay, thanks! Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without this forum. You guys are the greatest!