1909 Argentine Build

[inthebeech]

Since the original cartridge dimensions around the case head are slightly different than the standard .473 cases of the '06 and its relatives, are modifications necesary you the extractor to properly function with these common cartridges?  Also, same question for the other cartridge, which is actually different from both of these examples; that is the 6.5 x 55 which is actually the leading candidate for this build.
I am asking because the barrel maker that I regularly use to install new tubes, does not do any boltface work to help feeding.  This is up to the customer to source elsewhere.
Thanks.

[mcwoodduck]

I am not sure of your question.  I think the short answer is if you want a 6.5X55 that you can simply go with a 260 Remington or a 6.5-06 that will both do what the 6.5X55 will do for the most part but you will not have to change the bolt face. 
I would find another gun smith to rebarrel and chamber the barrel.  The head space needs to have the CTG against the bolt face and if he is not willing to open the bolt face how can you have him chamber the rifle?

[gunnut69]

I believe that if you check the head dimensions of US made case are standard for the 30-06 bolt face but I have used US and foreign brands in my M70 with no problems. The differences are small and would likely not create problems.. The mausers claw extractor is pretty forgiving.. I must agree though that were it me I would go with something less mundane...6.5x06?? I really don't care for the 260 as it loses performance when the Swede is loaded to similar pressures.. The 6.5x06 is a tremendous round that gets close to 264 mag performance from a much better feeding case..Good luck on the build..

[geezerbiker]

I had on rebarreled to 308 Win and nothing had to be done to the bolt.  I did have to work on the shell follower but it still works best with no more than 3 in the mag.  I put 4 in and massage the first one into the chamber while hunting with it.

Tony

[inthebeech]

Thanks guys.
I found a more interesting (to me) candidate still; the relatively new 6.5 Creedmore.  I just noticed this in the new Hornady manual.  Point taken however, the longer 6.5-06 option will feed very nicely; something to consider.  I just wouldn't ned the extra case capacity as I am more of a minialist- I don't need anything more than about 2,500 f/s with about 120 grains of bullet for the deer here in my area.  And for this I could actually be served quite well with the whimpy (to the "more is better" crowd; not necessarly to me) 250 Savage.  But for silky smooth feeding I will have to take your advice and give serious thought to the 6.5-06.
Thanks.

[geezerbiker]

I really understand.  The black tail deer here are easy to knock down.  I've load my .308 in between .300 Savage and .308 start loads.  If I needed more power, I have an '06. 

I wish I had another 09 to build,  It has to be the best Mauser to start with...

Tony

[mcwoodduck]

You can always start with the 6.5 Creedmore and if you don't like it ream ot 260, or 6.5-06.
Other options can also be 257 Roberts.
Or the 7-08 or the old and reliable 7X57 mauser that is a great round for what you want and can be loaded up or down on that action.  Multiple bullet options from varmint to heavy weight.

[geezerbiker]

I think the .257 Rob is about the perfect deer round.  I went with .308 because when I bought the rifle, a new .308 barrel came with it.  I had the choice to sell it and get something else or have it put on, I took the cheaper option and had it installed.  It's one of those FN barrels made for Mauser rifles to bring them to NATO spec.  It's not an expensive barrel but it sure shoots like one...

Tony

[Savage_99]

I would not bother with an old military action.

If you want a nice sporter for hunting then buy a commercial made mauser and get better alloy and heat treating.

Also those old actions require a bolt handle to be altered to fit a scope and their safeties are not up to todays standards.

I have an old 1909 sporter that I got cheap that someone had spent a fortune on.

Not a good investment.

Here is one right here http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,279227.0/topicseen.html

$450 and all finished on a better action.

[gunnut69]

The Argentines are fine rifles with some of the smoothest actions ever built. The FN's are fine actions but generally not as well finished as the old actions. They are however alloy steel with hifher strength.. The  older actions were also heat treat but only case hardened with the interior left soft but tough.. Its the reason for some of the smoothness they offer.

[Freezer]

I'm having a 1909 Arg custom built as we speak. It will wear a 26" Shilin barrel and be topped witha Leupold VXL. It's chambered in 6.5-06 and there's no need to change the bolt face. I chose 6.5-06 because of it's smoothness of feed and the range it will give me. I can always down load it if i want to reduce the recoil. This will fill my distance rifle nitch.

[gunnut69]

The 6.5/06 gets close to 264 mag ballistics with a smoother feeding case.. Recoil shouldn't be too bad..