8 mm Lebel

The 8mm Lebel revolver caliber was a small centerfire cartridge introduced in the late 19th century for the French military revolvers, specifically the Modele 1892 Revolver, also known as the "Lebel revolver." It was developed during a period of rapid technological advancements in firearms, designed to standardize ammunition for military sidearms. This cartridge replaced older black-powder designs, marking a transition to smokeless powder for revolvers. The 8mm Lebel cartridge featured a rimmed design, making it suitable for revolvers with a swing-out cylinder. It had a bullet diameter of approximately 8.3mm and used a relatively light 6.3-gram (97-grain) lead projectile. Although modest in power compared to other contemporary revolver calibers, it was deemed sufficient for close-range self-defense and military use. One of the distinctive aspects of the 8mm Lebel revolver cartridge was its longevity; it remained in service with the French military throughout World War I and parts of World War II. However, its relatively low stopping power and the advent of more powerful cartridges led to its eventual obsolescence. Today, the 8mm Lebel is a collector's item, with surviving cartridges and firearms cherished by enthusiasts of historical military weaponry. Ammunition production is rare, catering primarily to reenactors and collectors.