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diameter looked good but the 9.3x72R was about a half inch too long....I'm thinking 9.3x57R might be just the ticket....

I took a dozen or so photos of the proofs but need a better camera or better light to make them clear. So far I have identified 4 Belgian proofs. I see now where the prior owner got 38-55 from there are two stamps on the water table � one is a 38 and slightly to the right is 55. He assures me that he fired 38-55 through the gun. I see no evidence of damage and the action locks up tight, so this old girl was well built.

Here are the best pics I have so far. Found a fellow selling 9.3 projectiles and bought them. Now we just need to confirm the chamber length.

There were several 9.3x72's. There was a thread somewhere else on this site on them. The only place I've seen them written up was in an old book called European Calibers, or something like that. I borrowed it from somebody many years ago. Have not seen a copy since.
I think if it were my face and hands next to the action, I'd take the time to do a chamber cast, before I put any money in dies and brass. You can make yourself a little crazy trying all the standards, just to find out that what you have is not standard. Even improbable events happen sometimes.
Bfly

Cerrosafe? Got it from Brownells and found out a Martini that I bought with out markings was a .222mag..

thnx

ET,

Do you ANYthing without a sewer pipe sized muzzle?(Nice gun!)

FYI, Buffalo Arms 9.3x57R cases (based off 30-40 Krag brass)are also too long, BUT 38-55 cases with a .365 bullet (jacketed or cast) works just dandy with 8 grains of Red Dot. Now for hunting load developement!

CORRECTION!

I am now positive that it is 360 Nitro Express. I just rec'd my copy of cartridges of the world and checked all the measurements.I could not uinderstand why the 360 Nitro cartridges from Buffalo Arms didn't chamber - I thought they were too long. Turns out that they were NOT too long. They just needed sizing. The virgin brass was .421 wide at the base. It would not fully chamber. Resized to .4205 the 2 1/4 inch cases work just fine!

Confirmation - proof marks confirm it as a 360 BPE aka 9.3x57R aka 360 Express:

"I can see only the usual Liege, Belgium blackpowder proofmarks! On the action flat there is the "Perron", the symbol of the City of Liege, and a "V under star", a Belgian inspectors personal stamp. Under the rifle barrel there is the "EL" blackpowder proofmark, The "ELG in oval under crown", the Liege proofhouse acceptance mark in use from 1893, and the "R under crown" which in Liege marks proof of a rifled barrel. "8.8"mm is the correct bore (not rifling or bullet!)diameter for both the 9.3x72R and it's forerunner, the 9.3x57R aka .360 BPExpress."

And cases and bullets from Buffalo arms produce VERY satisfactory results with mild smokeless powder loads