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Whilst trying to educate myself about Lee Speeds, by reading the associated threads here and from other sources too, I keep finding reference to the 8x50R chambering.

Can anyone enlighten me about this cartridge, please?

In particular, it seems that this cartridge is known by a number of names, such as the 8x50R Austrian, .500/320 and .315 India - are these three all the same cartridge?

According to Cartridges of the World, the 8x50R uses a .323" bullet but this would seem to contradict the .315 name, although I do realise that cartridge names never make sense in regards to actual bullet diameter.

Any info that can be provided about the Lee Speeds and this cartridge would be gratefully accepted.

Oh, and by the way, the Indian Ordnance Board (IOB) are, to this day, still making sporting versions of their SMLE variant in .315 calibre! I know this to be a fact because at every Indian Defence Expo, they still exhibit these rifles along with their own copies of the BRNO Model 1. I even thought about investigating importing some of these rifles but they are very roughly made and the wood looks like it was carved and checkered with a cold chisel and a mallet by, none other, than Fred Flintstone himself! So I gave the idea away. In addition, while trying to talk to the representatives, from the IOB about this possibility, they showed absolutely no interest in selling their products overseas, which was a strange view, in my opinion, and I can't help but wonder who is buying these rifles?

By the way, John Walter in 'Rifles of the World', states that the Lee Speed was chambered in, and I quote, "7x57, .303, 8x51R, 32-40 Winchester or .375 Flanged Nitro Express (9.5x57)". I think that this list has some significant errors, but please correct me if I am wrong:

1. 7x57 should be 7x57R,

2. 8x51R (which John Walter also identifies as 8x51R French?) should be 8x50R Austrian,

3. .32-40 is a new one to me, and

4. The 9.5x57 is a rimless cartridge and is not the same as the .375 2.5".

Edited by BwanaBob (10/02/15 02:04 PM)

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