Hi guys,
Thanks for your reply's and concerns, I will slug the barrel as I will get a bullet mold made for it along with one for my Adams Dragoon revolver by Tom at Accurate molds.
This is a German schuetzen target rifle from the late 1800's, bolt action ( like the Mauser 71 ) in very good condition. These were made by numerous gunsmiths, mostly to fit the individual shooter and in a great variety of calibers. I have 5 cartridges with it and am sure I am right in the caliber BUT it will be double checked and checked again before it is ever shot, and then only light fire forming charges with no bullet to start with.
Thanks,
Mick.