Lebel, Balle M vs. Balle D

[knirirr]

I've managed to obtain a French 1886 M93 rifle which is currently sitting with the RFD for collection at the end of the week. Apparently it's never been modified for the Balle N which was used from 1932 onwards and required a modification of the chamber and striker, according to this source:

http://armesfrancaises.free.fr/FR Mle 1886 M93.html

It seems that the earlier change from Balle M to D involved only a change of the sight in order to reflect the different ballistics of the different bullet shape. So, the thought occurs to me that if I could manage to work around the change in the sights then I could in theory use balle M, which would allow me to load the magazine. I presume that the Privi Partizan ammunition from Midway USA is Balle N and therefore cannot be fired safely from this gun, although that is not clear. If my assumptions above are correct, does anyone have any idea as to where one might find the necessary tools to make Balle M? Has anyone here managed to do this?

By the way, Midway UK don't stock the Privi ammunition and Henry Krank refuse to order it as they've been told that a huge minimum order is required, and they don't anticipate selling enough to justify it.

 

[Vaarok]

Privi ammo can fire in a unconverted Lebel, and is safe to fire. The surplus ammo on Hotchkiss strips IS Balle D. It's mostly to do with the neck of the bullet. The big thing with Lebels is that the Privi ammo is spitzer, so you're stuck using a two-shot rifle at best.

 

[Cosmoline]

Privi should be Balle D, it's the standard. I'm not sure if the Hotchkiss is Balle D or Balle M, but it's supposed to be terrible quality. You can easily handload this round with FN cast bullets, as well. No reason to try to convert it. The Balle D chambered 86's are apparently more valuable anyway than the later Balle M ones.

I would suggest asking at the gunboards French weapons forum:

http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?11-French-Firearms-Board

 

[knirirr]

Thanks for your replies. It looks like I'll have to investigate the Privi ammunition, if I can find some way of importing them. I'll ask on the suggested thread when I get a chance, as well, perhaps when I've got the gun and can check serial numbers &c.