.41 Swiss Explained

.41 Swiss
Origin:Switzerland
Type:Rifle
Used By:Swiss Army
Production Date:1869–1889[1]
Case Type:Rimmed, bottleneck
Bullet:.415
Neck:.437
Shoulder:.518
Base:.540
Rim Dia:.630
Case Length:1.60
Length:2.20
Primer:Rimfire
Bw1:334
Vel1:1345
En1:1330
Balsrc:Barnes & Amber 1972

The .41 Swiss (officially the 10.4x38mmR Swiss cartridge used in the Swiss Vetterli M69/81 rifle) is a 0.415inches Swiss military rimfire bottlenecked intermediate rifle cartridge.

History

In 1867, the Swiss military adopted the 10.4×38mmR cartridge. As one of the few rimfire cartridges to see military service, the 313gr bullet and 1400ft/s was respectable compared to its contemporaries. The most popular arms chambered for this round were the Vetterli series of rifles. This type of round was also used in the 1867 Peabody.[2] Adopted in 1869 along with the Vetterli turn-bolt rifle, it was discontinued, along with the rifle, in 1889. With a 334gr bullet, it is adequate for deer, and only at short range.

The original round's case was made from copper which held a round nosed lead bullet. In 1871 and 1878, the paper patch was improved, but ballistic performance was only marginally improved.

The round continued to be commercially available in the U.S. until sometime after 1946 with 310gr bullets loaded by Winchester (K4154R) and 300gr lead bullets loaded by Remington (R326).

See also

Notes

Notes and References

  1. Barnes, p.196, "10.4x38R Swiss Vetterli M69/81".
  2. Web site: Swiss Handguns 1882. www.swissrifles.com. 2016-03-05.