The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Lebel Model 1886 rifle ammunition color coding question,,,

**Mike Irwin** · October 10, 2012, 06:53 AM

I should have been more effusive, but was falling asleep.

I have heard, but have not seen proven, that later production (1920s to right before World War II) 8mm Lebel ammo did follow the emerging tip and annulus system that the French were working out.

Jonny, you mentioned in your response "French WWI primer seal colors".

I think you're jumping to a conclusion that the ammo the OP is talking about was WW I vintage. It's true that WW I vintage ammo used no primer annulus color system.

But the French were producing military 8x50mm ammo right up to the time of the collapse in 1940. It's possible that the Germans even maintained production.

October 10, 2012, 06:53 AM	#5
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,379	I should have been more effusive, but was falling asleep. I have heard, but have not seen proven, that later production (1920s to right before World War II) 8mm Lebel ammo did follow the emerging tip and annulus system that the French were working out. Jonny, you mentioned in your response "French WWI primer seal colors". I think you're jumping to a conclusion that the ammo the OP is talking about was WW I vintage. It's true that WW I vintage ammo used no primer annulus color system. But the French were producing military 8x50mm ammo right up to the time of the collapse in 1940. It's possible that the Germans even maintained production. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.