7x57 vs 8x57 (For a surplus Yugo Mauser)

[mp5a3]

I've been looking at some of the Yugo Mausers for sale and had a question about ammo. Is this the same ammo, just a different term. As I understand the ammo is 7.92x57 so I can see why either may be correct.

Also most of the surplus ammo I've found is corrosive. Is it possible to find non-corrosive surplus ammo ?

 

[jimmyraythomason]

No! Definitely NOT the same! Do not shoot 7x57 in an 8mm chamber! M48 Yugos are chambered for 8mm Mauser,aka 7.92x57 or 8x57. A 7mm bullet is .284" while an 8mm bullet is .323". Both rounds are available from commercial sources as well as surplus. Don't worry about corrosive ammo,just clean thoroughly.

 

[Polar Express]

Ummm, If I understand what you are asking, I can offer this: I can confirm that they are different calibers. I own both, a Ruger #1 chambered in 7x57, and a 98 Mauser chambered in 8x57. I don't know too much about what you're asking with regards to availability, and surplus ammo. The last time I bought either, they were $30 /box of 20 @ Local sporting goods store.

I recall noticing more 8x57 (aka 8mm Mauser) on surplus ammo lists than 7x57, but that doesn't mean they are more common. I'm casually trying to sell that 7x57, so I haven't been paying much attention to the ammo.

Hope this helps,

PE

 

[mp5a3]

Thanks, that's what I'm looking for. A Mauser is 8x57. The surplus stuff is around $257 per 900 at Wideners and the gun is $150. Is anyone familiar with these rifles ? I was looking into a Mosin Nagant but the more I look at these Mauser's (clone) the more I like them. I'm not looking for a collector piece, just a shooter.

 

[henry-ctc]

mp5a3:

7x57 is the spanish ammo for the mauser rifle. It was used against US troops in Cuba, back in 1898. That happened almost 10 years before the 30.06 and the Springfield rifle arrived. It was widely used in the spanish civil war and in the Boers war in South Africa.
It´s not as common as 7.92x57 but its reputation has always been very good, delivering a flatter trajectory with a slightly lighter bullet. Many european rifle makers still offer this caliber for their bolt action hunting rifles so finding non corrosive new ammo isn´t so hard.
Anyway both calibers have its place among the best ever designed.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Since you didn't say which model Yugo it is I am assuming it is the Model 48 as they are more plentiful. Regardless of the model, they are very good rifles and $150 is a good price depending on condition. Shop around for the best price on ammo. <http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/copy_of_8mm.html> also <http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/catalog1/index.php/cName/rifle-ammo-8mm-mauser>

 

[mp5a3]

Yes, that sounds right

 

[mp5a3]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Romanian_8mm_Mauser_FMJ.html


Is that corrosive ? Also how many rounds does a Mauser hold (I know it's a clone, not sure about the right terminology)

 

[jimmyraythomason]

The surplus ammo is corrosive but that is what the Mauser was designed to shoot. The 98 Mauser holds 5 rounds in a box magazine within the stock. The Pryvi Partisan ammo is not corrosive and uses brass cases. I have heard of people experiencing case problems with the Romanian surplus though I have not.

 

[Uncle Mike]

7.92mm is closer to 8mm than it is 7mm, so that is why the 7.92X57mm cartridge is called the 8mm Mauser.

The 7mm is actually 7.21mm, closer to 7mm that 7.92, so it is called the 7X57mm Mauser.

The 57 is the length of the brass casing in millimeters, the brass is 57mm long.

The 7x57 and the 8X57 ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE!!!!!

7X57mm = 7.21 mm Diameter bullet(.284") with a case of 57 mm length.

8X57mm = 7.92 mm Diameter bullet(.323") with a case of 57 mm length.

If you run across a cartridge that says 7X57Rmm, the 'R' stands for a 'Rimmed' type cartridge, the base of the cartridge is wider than the body.

You will also see 8X57mmJ, 8X57mmI, 8X57S and 8X57JS...

In 1888 the 8X57mm was born and it utilized a .318" diameter bullet; around 1905 the bullet diameter was changed to what is used now, the .323" diameter bullet.
The J and I denotes 'Infantry' ammunition as loaded for the German army.

The S denotes the use of the larger(.323") bullet. The J and the S have stuck and is used today in the United states and Europe.

The most common 8mm Mauser ammunition around today is the 8X57JS or the 8X57J. Most of this ammo is corrosive, and some of it is pretty harsh, so be sure and clean your gun after shooting any of this corrosive ammunition.

 

[NCsmitty]

Compared to a Mosin, the Mauser is generally considered to be a bit more refined as to design and finish. The Mosin is tough and reliable and helped win WW2.
I like both.

Don't believe the ads that say the ammo is "mildly corrosive", it's plain corrosive if it's surplus 8mm.


NCsmitty

 

[MikeJackmin]

Everybody has their own way, but there are two golden rules for cleaning after using corrosive ammo - clean that same day, and use some sort of water-based cleaner for at least part of your cleaning routine.

If you use corrosive ammo, it's not only possible, but likely, that a rifle can be ruined by sitting overnight uncleaned. Never do it, not even once.

You can use plain water to clean, soapy water, windex, ballistol, or that GI stuff that was water based, any of them will do - the main idea is that water dissolves the corrosive salts. After you wash the salt out, you can clean it some more using your usual method if you like, or you can just dry it and oil it and call it good. It's not complicated or hard, but you do have to do it.

I have a little 50 cent kitchen funnel that fits into the chamber, and I just pour the water right through, run a patched brush a few times, and repeat until the patch comes out clean. Nothing to it.

Oh, and be sure to clean the bolt face, too.

 

[Jim K]

You can fire 7x57 ammo in an 8x57 rifle, but the results are not very good in regard to accuracy, as the 7mm bullet rattles down the larger bore and exits at some angle or another. Of course the 8x57 won't chamber in the 7mm rifle since the bullet is too big for the chamber throat.

Jim

 

[1stTankerSki]

Not all Mauser or 8mm. are the same !

Uncle Mike stated it pretty good !

For most of the 8x57 Mauser ammo, except for the;
Steyr 1895 Stutzen Carbine, it's an 8x56R, and has a larger bullet, then a .318, or .323 dia., the Bulgarian 8x56R for the carbine is .329"/ 8.36mm. dia.
The .323" is 8.21mm.
The Steyr 1895 Carbine was the first rifle with a five round clip, loaded from the top of the reciever, after the last round was fired, the clip was ejected out the bottom. While it will fire the .323" round, it is far more accurate with the .329" dia. bullet.

fyi

Ski

 

[mp5a3]

Is $90 per 340 clipped rounds of 8mm a decent price ?

 

[Olympus]

Don't be afraid to buy corrosive ammo. It's going to be the cheapest way to shoot. It will only be corrosive if you go days between shooting and cleaning. Clean the gun the same day that you shoot it and you'll never have a single problem with corrosive ammo. You're really going to notice a signficant increase in cost of ammo for noncorrosive. The Mauser is a great "fun gun" and the cheap corrosive ammo is definitely good "fun ammo".

Don't be afraid to buy a Yugo M48 or a Yugo 24/47. They are excellent guns. I've had several. I've also had a couple Mosins too. The Mauser is my personal favorite. The Mosin was made to be durable and reliable, and it is. But the tolerances are a lot more sloppy than a Mauser will be.

 

[Robert]

The Yugo M48 is not a bad rifle but given the choice I would get a K98 or VZ24 first. But that is just me. $90 for 340 rounds on clips is a good deal. Couple of years ago I got 900 rounds in 15 round boxes not on clips for $90... those were the days. The stripper clips alone are worth that. Where did you find that ammo deal?

 

[mp5a3]

Cheaper than dirt.. a little off on the price

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM857-5.html

I know, I know, but they're 5 minutes from my house.

 

[ccsniper]

do yourself a big favor and buy both they are cheap enough anyway. I have 3 turk mausers, and 2 mosin nagants, I am glad I have both... you will be too.

 

[mp5a3]

Yea, I guess the cleaning isn't an issue. I'm almost obsessive compulsive about cleaning and oiling my guns.

 

[Float Pilot]

As stated above the 7x57mm Mauser cartridge, also known as 7mm Mauser, 276 Rigby,7mm Boer, 7mm Spanish, or The Spanish Hornet, was originally used by the Spanish, Croations and the South African Boers. Not to mention other places like, Brazil, Chile, Venezula, Paraguay, Uraguay, Columbia, Mexico and so on... Originally it was developed in 1892 and was chambered in 1893 and 1895 Mausers.

It was also used in Model 1898s, VZ-24s and Mexican M24s and of course model 1949 FN Semi -auto rifles,, just to name a few. It was THE major cartridge in South America until after WWII. Except in Argentina.
During the 1950s, 60s and 70s in the U.S. it was actually easier to find a nice 7mm Mauser than it was to find a 8mm Mauser. Plus it was more desireable since it was considered a better sporting cartridge.