Mauser 98 calibers

[Dixie Dude]

Since Mauser 98's are inexpensive right now.  What calibers can fit the Mauser action by just re-barreling?  Especially larger heavier rounds for bear or moose hunting?  I figure $100 for rifle, $200 for new barrel, $200 for scope and mounts, and you have a nice rifle with the Mauser action for less than a new Ruger or even a CZ with the claw extractors.  The barrel and scope and mounts might could go for less. 

[moxgrove]

about any of the non-magnum head cartridges. 35 whelen and 9.3x62 are a couple that come to mind for what you want.

[Dixie Dude]

Don't know much about the 9.3x62mm.  Does this one have a little more kick than the 35 Welhem? 

[Mikey]

The 9.2x63 round was just written up in either Guns and Ammo or Rifle Shooter.  It is a popular european round that is on par with the 35 Whelan.  You can purchase a Swedish made Husquavarna 98 Mauser in that caliber from SAMCO, or maybe SARCO now for less than $300 - I saw them recently advertised in the Shotgun News.

I would first check our sponsor list to see if any of our sponsors are selling those Mausers and if not then check of the News.  I purchase one of those in 8mm, installed a Bold Trigger with safety, a bolt block and had it d&ted and scoped and she groups to 3/4" and less at 100 yds from the bench.  I would expect a 9.2 to perform the same.

If you want to use it for a Moose rifle, the 9.2 is more than capable but, so is the 8mm and the 06 although I think the 9.2 would be a 'definite yes'.  HTH.  Mikey.

[ringo]

The most common rebarrels I have done on Mauser 98's are chambered for 22-250, 270win, 30.06, 308win, 7x57, 6.5x55, 7mm rem mag, 338 win mag, 300 win mag.  Some are easier than others if you don't have to open up the bolt face or modify the feed rails.

[Dixie Dude]

I'm interested in the 338 WM.  About what would a Mauser 98 redo cost in the 338 WM?  I just like the Mauser action, and other than CZ, Mauser action rifles in the larger bores are quite expensive. 

[Dixie Dude]

I am also interested in the 35 Whelem.  I think this rebarrel would be less expensive, shouldn't be any bolt face change. Right??

[Larry Gibson]

Since Mauser 98's are inexpensive right now.  What calibers can fit the Mauser action by just re-barreling?  Especially larger heavier rounds for bear or moose hunting?  I figure $100 for rifle, $200 for new barrel, $200 for scope and mounts, and you have a nice rifle with the Mauser action for less than a new Ruger or even a CZ with the claw extractors.  The barrel and scope and mounts might could go for less. 

Are you doing the gunsmithing yourself? I do a lot of M98 conversions and there is more to it than just rebarrelling (forging or replacing bolt handle, scope safety, D&Ting for scope base, etc) if the action has not been worked over yet. Do you have the tools and know how? Most barrels come cambered "short so a finish reamer must be rented or purchased. How abut headspacing, do you know how to do that? Just some questions you may ponder. BTW; I'd recommend the .35 Whelen on a long M98 (DWM M1909 Argentine if you can find one) but then the old '06 or the 8x57 (if properly loaded) or the 8-06 are fine for bear and moose. Any cartridge with a standard rim size ('06/8mm/7mm, etc) and taper of the 8x57 cartridge will work. Many of the currently available (M48/M48A or K98s) actions are too short for many cartridges. Also feeding can be a problem with short minimal cartridges like the .308 or .260 Rem (some M98s feed these and some don't). Not advising against your project at all, just telling that there is more to it than your post mentions. 

Larry Gibson

[Dixie Dude]

I would not be doing the gunsmithing myself.  I was just wondering what was available.  I was thinking of buying a couple of the Yugo or Turk Mausers.  Are these capable of rechambering to another caliber?  I heard the big ringed barrels were easier to rebarrel than the small ringed ones.  My thoughts are leaning to either 338 WM or 35 Whelen.  Otherwise, might just be better to install a scope and reload for the 8mm. 

[iiranger]

#1). Mauser pioneered the Mauser rimless rim at approx. .473 inches in the late 1800s. .308 Win/.7.62 NATO uses the same diameter but slightly greater thickness. Grab a catalogue with "shell holders" in it and look at the calibers for the same shell holder as 7x57 or .30/'06... This is your basic group of rounds.
#2). Mauser designed around a cartridge 57mm long. Uncle Sam, copying much, needed 63 mm to get the performance sought so Springfields were a trifle longer. US .30/'06 = 7.62mm x 63mm as I recall. Your standard 98 action may or may not work with the longer "'06" family of cartridges without being relieved.  (.270 WCF mainly, although the .280 is in there. .35 Whelan too. Elmer Keith was much proud of a .33/'06; ".333 OKH".) So you pick and choose in the group based on length.
#3). As said, sometimes the shorter and less tapered .308 family works in the 98. Sometimes work is required to make them feed reliably. Many 98s were rebarrelled / rechambered for the 7.62 NATO following WW II. I think Israel did many. It can be done. .358 WCF is much ignored, but not puny... And there is a .33/.308 wildcat...
#4). If you want a scope, you will need mount holes drilled and the bolt "bent for scope." Not difficult for a machinist, but not free. I suspect your $200.00 for everything will leave you with a used Tasco for a scope.
#5). If you choose to open the bolt face, then you can have anything from the .6.5 Rem Mag up, just costs more. .350 Rem Mag was interesting but not much better than the .358 WCF. I think the standard "short magnums" are in the 68 mm long range. This design was around the Springfield rifles and a bit of a "stretch" for the 98. It would get you your .338 WCF Mag. You don't mention distance. Keep the range short and the .35 Remington has done the job many times. luck

[Larry Gibson]

........Otherwise, might just be better to install a scope and reload for the 8mm. 

That is an excellent idea, especially if the barrel is good.  The 8x57 when loaded to potential is a very versatile and potent cartridge.

Larry Gibson

[Brithunter]

#2). Mauser designed around a cartridge 57mm long. Uncle Sam, copying much, needed 63 mm to get the performance sought so Springfields were a trifle longer. US .30/'06 = 7.62mm x 63mm as I recall

    Just a correction .............................. the original Springfield cartridge was the 30-03 which was even longer than the .30-06. Yes it was a copied a lot from the Mauser cartridges, so much so inf act that the US Government paid royalties to Mauser for usign his designs.

    In 0.366" or 9.3mm there are 3 rimless cartridges in the line up these being :-

9.3x57mm
9.3x62mm
9.3x64mm Brenneke which uses a larger dia case than the others.
   

[S.S.]

A properly loaded 8x57 will easily take down a Moose.
Probably all but the biggest Bears too. Unless you just want a fun project,
I would leave the caliber alone

[Jim B.]

I would have to agree with S. S.  I think the 8x57 has been under-rated by American shooters because of the anemic domestic loadings.  European loadings and/or handloads can show you the real potential of this cartridge.  I took a very nice buck last season with a M48 Yugo in 8x57 at 150 yds with open sights.  Granted, this might not have been the ideal rifle for that shot, but the rifle shoots into 2" at 200 yds with the original barrel and trigger (sights have been upgraded to mojo dual aperture).  For me, that kind of performance with a 196 gr bullet is about all the rifle I need for the lower 48.  I would keep the 8x57 chambering and spend the money you save on reloading components so you can become familiar with the performance of the cartridge.  Jim B.

[Stan in SC]

In your original cost estimate you forgot or were unaware of the cost of altering the bolt handle to fit a scope and the cost of a low swing safety plus the cost of an aftermarket trigger.You would be much better off buying a new or used commercial hunting rifle costwise.

Stan