Author Topic: Charles Daly Mini-Mauser Can it be used for BR chamberings? (Read 688 times)

chupiw · « **on:** August 14, 2004, 12:22:51 PM »

Does anyone know if this action has been used for conversion for use with the remington benchrest cartridges like the 7mmBR or 6.5BR. I know the bolt face for the 7.62x39 action is around .450 and the benchrest rounds rim diameter is around .473, so slight modification to the bolt would be needed. the magazine length seems to be sufficient for what I need. My main concern is barrel thread diameter compared to the case body diameter. I wonder if this case is too large in diameter to safely chamber in this action in relation to chamber wall thickness. I am basically wanting a nice handy short rifle for informal target practice and a light compact hunting rifle for game up to deer size, in an efficient package. I would really like a setup like this in 6.5BR. I dont want to go with a PPC based case because BR cases and supplies are easier to find. Would appreciate any info if anyone hase heard of a smith or business that has done or might specialize in work like this.

wlmccann · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2004, 10:09:37 AM »

I have an action coming in tomorrow that is earmarked for 6mm BR. Will be starting project soon and will post thoughts after I examine the action. I also make my living as a gunsmith and prefer to do this kind of project.

chupiw · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2004, 02:39:56 PM »

Thanks for the reply, it would be interesting if this type of project would work out. I find the BR chamberings interesting, but there seems to be a lack of actions that are set up for them. Please keep me posted thanks.

wlmccann · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2004, 08:54:53 AM »

Action came this morning. Based on measurements the bolt face will have to be opened up about .020. Will leave the recesses outer ring thickness at about .034 since it measures .044 now. Feed rails will have to be opened up as a 6mmBR cartridge at maximum length tends to hit the feed ramp. The dummy cartridges used were made up with the Nosler 85 grain Partition bullet and my reamer is ground for that combination. 7.62x39 cartridges feed slick as a whistle. Cartridge capacity in the magazine will probably be no more than 3 rounds and more likely 2. Barrel shank threads are 22x1.5mm according to Charles Daly. That figures to a thread diameter of .866 and should leave a chamber wall thickness under the threads of about .196 based on a .473 cartridge base. Looks at this point like it's a doable project, but I want to cuss and discuss this with another gunsmith friend before I say positively that it can be done.

wlmccann · « **Reply #4 on:** August 20, 2004, 08:20:21 AM »

Project is definitely doable. I looked at a Sako 461(?) action barrelled for the 6mm BR with the case head rebated to fit the .378 bolt face. The gentleman who owns it didn't want to modify the bolt face as he rebarrels and plays with different cartridges as the urge strikes him. He is getting chronographed velocities of around 2900 and a little over with 80 grain bullets. The Sako action and bolt were compared to the mini Mauser and are almost identical in size. Barrel shank diameters for the two actions are about .020 apart. Chamber wall thickness will not be a problem with any reasonable load. At least that is my opion even with the current liability climate.