Some help with Mauser style action questions, please.

[Plainsman]

I am currently searching for a new caliber to build a bolt action rifle for.  I like the Mauser style claw extractor/controlled feed operation.  So my questions...

Does this style action work with RIMMED cases or is it strictly a rimless design?

Do you know of ANY RIMMED calibers that they were built in if they can be used?  All the examples I've ever seen were 'rimless.'

If I can use a Mauser style action with a RIMMED case it would make my life a little easier...

Thanks for any assistance!

[savageT]

Wouldn't it be easier to start with rimmed cartridge action.....as in a SMLE Enfield?  Should be adequate for most 30 cal. conversions?  Of course you didn't say what you were intending to use it for??


savageT

[gunnut69]

It is quite simple to get the mauser to feed a rimmed round, you use the correct magazine.  No really mauser built a rimmed action for the government of Siam.  An 8mm with a rimmed case, they are quite easily converted to such rounds as 45/70, 30/40, etc.  The problem converting a 98 to rimmed rounds is adjusting the feed rails (as with a belted cases) and making the cases always sit in the magazine box with the rim of the round on top, ALWAYS ahead of the round below it.  Mauser solved it with an angled box and a modified follower, the result is the Siamese mauser.  Good luck from the gunnut69

[1911crazy]

I am currently searching for a new caliber to build a bolt action rifle for.  I like the Mauser style claw extractor/controlled feed operation.  So my questions...

Does this style action work with RIMMED cases or is it strictly a rimless design?

Do you know of ANY RIMMED calibers that they were built in if they can be used?  All the examples I've ever seen were 'rimless.'

If I can use a Mauser style action with a RIMMED case it would make my life a little easier...

Thanks for any assistance!

To use rimmed cases in a bolt action you have to load them correctly same as in the mosin's or any other gun that takes the 7.62x54 (rimmed case) they have to be right in the stripper clip too there are still bolt actions with rimmed cases 7x57r and 8x57r still available.  The shells have to be infront of each other in order to feed properly i've been there and learn't real quick.  BigBill

[Mikey]

Plainsman:  In addition to the Siamese Mauser, which makes an excellent conversion to 45-70, 444, or any of the rimmed cartridges, I think the Argentine Mauser also took a rimmed cartridge, so there would be two sources for a conversion.  

And to be honest, there is little trickery involved in learning to load rimmed cartridges into a box magazine.  Anyone with any British 303 experience learns this quickly - the case rims stack toward the front, not the rear.  

Hope this helps.  Mikey.

[Plainsman]

I was thinking of using a .30-30 based cartridge, the .25/35 and if a Mauser style action could be built with the rimless case, then it would be easy going with the .25/35...

Now I'm back looking at the .257TCU...Oh the agony!

[gunnut69]

What about a 250 Savage or 257 Roberts..  Both are excellant rounds and the Roberts especially would be dead easy to get to feed from the Mauser.  Also If a rimmed round is really 'needed', a single shot Mauser would eliminate the problems with feeding and magazine modifications altogether..  Remember the pre-64 M70 was chambered for rimmed cartridges and the Swift is semi rimmed and is still chambered in bolt rifles today.  The rimmed round is a significant problem but one which can be overcome..
Good luck from the gunnut69