8x50R Lebel

The 8mm Lebel cartridge was the world’s first small-bore (as per late 19th century standards) military round that was loaded with smokeless powder. Adopted by French army in 1886, it served as a primary rifle and machine gun round in French army until mid-1930s, and for much longer period in French colonies. It was used in bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles and some machine guns, all of French origins. Today this round is completely obsolete.

 

Designation Bullet weight, g Muzzle velocity, m/s Muzzle energy, J Comments
Balle M 15 632 2995 with round-nose FMJ bullet
Balle D 12.7 725 3350 with pointed boat-tailed FMJ bullet, made of solid brass
Balle N 15 690 3570 with pointed boat-tailed FMJ bullet, for Hotchkiss machine guns