Letters containing questions for answering by Nick Harvey must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope. Mail your letters to: The Technical Editor, 3 Reef Street, Hill End, NSW 2850.
LETTER OF THE MONTH
Chamber Casts
Q I have been given an old military rifle of European make which does not have the maker’s name or the calibre marked on it anywhere. It is a bolt-action which my gunsmith does not recognise. The rifle’s bore and the action are in reasonable condition and I’d like to try shooting it.
My gunsmith suggested that the only way to find out what cartridge this rifle is chambered for is to get a chamber cast made. How do I go about it? What can you tell me about making a chamber cast?
George Montgomery
A Don’t try to make the chamber cast yourself; ask your gunsmith to do it.
After I obtained an M17 rifle chambered for the .30 Newton, gunsmith Rob Spittles made a cast of the chamber in order to determine the chamber dimensions and throat length. Some of the older American guns were never marked or else wear obliterated the original markings. I believe Model 1876 Winchesters were bad offenders in this respect, since calibre markings were stamped on the soft brass cartridge carrier where in time they were worn off.
In the case of European weapons, there may be several reasons why they have no
