Mauser smith(s)?

[AkRvrrat]

I need your help in understanding why this particular Belg. FN 98(my first real 98) is "grabbing" the belt of the next round when I "rack" the bolt with the appropiate speed hence dbl feeding. Originally chambered in a standard long action and now in a .30-338. I have gone thru and inspected for any burs on the rails and and follower and smoothed edges-no filing done. I ordered a replacement mag spring from Brownells but after inspection of another spring from my pre-64 .338 it appear to be of the same configuration(s) so it looks like I will have a new spring nonetheless. Is it quite possible the rails need to "opened" and to what extent-I am curious about  the thousandths needed. I know what you take off does not grow back on. The overall length of the bullet does not exceed mag well dimensions and have even seated them "enough" to know that they are not hanging up as bullet(s) are being fed and chambered. appreciate your help.

[Longrider]

Does the rifle feed OK with only 1 round in the magazine? 2 rounds? How many does the mag hold? You say this happens when you "rack the bolt with the appropriate speed", what is "the appropriate speed"?

[gunnut69]

I think what your saying is that the round being pushed forward by the bolt pushes the belt of the round below and the result is a feeding jam. The 30-338 is a very 'square' round. that is there is little body taper. It fosters this kind of problem. A magazine mounted guide to force rounds to move to the rear as they are forced into the magazine is whats needed. This is not an unusual problem. Rimmed and semi rimmed rounds can all create the same situation. Angled metal strips in the mag well such that they fit in front of the belt but stop below the top round in the magazine will solve the problem. They force the round below to the rear as another is loaded into the mag. This relationship is enforced by the rib and if the belt can't get behind the belt of the round below, it can't grab it. The angle does not have to be great. Just enough to keep the lower rounds just a bit back of the round above.  You may also have to widen the magazine box for the larger case diameter.

[AkRvrrat]

gunnut69, cartridge will also cant towards the left as it moves foward and seems like it is not lining up with the bore as I chamber for one. I see what you mean about the need to place a metal strip in mag well to hold in place the "square" round. When I say "racking" that is essentially coming back on the bolt fast as you would in the field for a follow up shot and next round points up and foward out of the magazine and above the foward part of the rails and the following round seems to push it up as well. Seems like I need to get someone to hone or clearance the rails from right to left as needed. I'd attempt it but it sure is a nice 98 Commercial. What do you figure the time for a smith can have in it realizing the need for the metal strip and working rails and maybe the follower as well?

[gunnut69]

I reaally hate to answer that. How long something takes is a personal thing. As a rule adjusting the feeding of a mauser is not a huge change. But little changes can make huge differences. The 30-378 is always a problem. It'll take anywhere from several hours to 10 to get the mauser feeding. The angling in is likely going to require feed rail changes, but with the 30-378 you new that would have to happen. Does the round pop out of the mag when feeding from the right side? If not it's likely the rifle won't need the magazine widened. The guide strips are simply installed into the mag well and the follower notched to allow free passage. A few hours.. Be cautious as one gets few do-overs at this.. Good luck. The 30-378 is a true behemoth.