Quote Originally Posted by harry mac View Post
Be aware there are 2 versions of 8mm Mauser. The one you are describing is the old version with a .311 bore and .318 groove diameters. The more modern and more common version, and the one you're most likely to get in a take off barrel is .318 bore, and .323 groove. The twist sounds too fast for black powder and lead.
IIRC Kranks used to sell a muzzle loader called a "Squirrel Rifle" that was .32 calibre, so the bore size should be at least workable.
Yes, .32cal is the smallest muzzleloading rifle calibre, purely for reasons of the rapid fouling of such a small-diameter hole of great length.

Any modern rifling intended for a nitro-propelled BULLET will be waaaay too fast for a small patched ball, which is typically at least 1:48 right out to 1:72.

tac