is this impossible?

[mjbgalt]

how hard would it be to convert my sporterized k98 mauser into a .223?

-Matt

[TNrifleman]

Few things are impossible, but...

The Mauser 98 action has a bolt face machined to accept cartridge cases of the size of 8x57, 30-'06, etc. The 223 Remington is obviously much smaller in diameter. That would pose a real problem that I doubt would be worth dealing with. You might consider the 22-250 as a 22 centerfire cartridge to chamber the 98 in. The 22-250 has the same size case head as the 8x57 and '06, and will work just fine.

[mjbgalt]

i know, i was planning on making this into a .22-250 but i thought i would ask, thinking that i might be able to shoot a cartridge that burns even less powder, and thus shoot my project gun even more, at less cost.

-Matt

[acloco]

Should not be a problem to find or have a bolt made to 223.

[gunnut69]

I know of no one that has made a 98 sized bolt with a 223 diameter bolt face. usually they produce a mini mauser for the smaller rounds.. It is not too big a job to convert the bolt face to a smaller size but it's still likely to cost more than the difference in price between the 98 and a commercial action already set up for the 222/223 bolt face. If money is an issue the CZ 527 series of rifles are fantastic shooters and can be had for less than the price of a 98 conversiona dn rebarrel. I have 2, both FS versions. One is a 223 the other is a Hornet.. If you consider the cost of building what you're after a factor then this level of customizing is not fiscally feasable.  They are converted by installing a shim into an undercut in the bolt face. The shim is machined for the 223 bolt face and a new extractor is installed to fit the casehead. Also the ejector must be extended to reach further into the bolt face and contact the smalled case. If you're worried about cost of shooting, buy a Hornet.. The charge weights seldom exceed 10 grains thus allowing nearly 700 loads from a pound of powder, more if cast bullets are used. The CZ527 FS I have is superbly accurate and will cleanly take game to coyote size although with the large predators short ranges and perfect placement are strongly reccomended.

[mjbgalt]

i wasn't THAT concerned with cost or anything, just thought i would examine my options.


thanks, as usual, for your time and insight, guys.

-Matt

[gunnut69]

Then the answer is that it certainly is possible. The biggest problem would be making it feed. Likely solved by converting to use a Remington magazine box.. Altering the 98 to feed 223's from it's magazine would be possible but extremely time consuming.. at least the first time.