98/29 Persian Mauser reloading question

[shekarchi]

I recently purchased a Persian 98/29 Brno Mauser in very good condition.
My question is- can PRVI PARTIZAN 8MM (.322) 175gr PSPBT bullets be safely fired through it? I am concerned about the bullet diameter because I hade heard that Mausers can accept 0.318 I plan to test a few loads using 39, 40, and 41 grains of IMR4064 using Brand new Remington brass and large rifle primers. the rounds I have loaded cycle without issues.
thanks for your help!!!

 

[morcey2]

The original 8x57 bullet diameter was 0.318", but that changed around 1905. The Persian mausers, along with all military 8x57 mauser-chambered firearms since 1905 have had the 0.323" groove/bullet diameter. Unless you buy an old 1888 Commission rifle or a european sporter rifle of some sort you'll never see a rifle with a 0.318" bore. Your rifle will be able to digest the PPU bullets just fine with no need to do extra-light loads. You may actually run into other issues if you load too light.

I load lots of IMR4064 in 8x57 with both the 175gr and 196/200gr bullets. It works great for both. If you look at the Hodgdon website, they min listed for the 175 gr Sierra SP is 41 gr with the max being 48 gr. That's using the same brass and primers that you're using. It's a great combination.

Or you could easily solve the conundrum and send the rifle to me. Or at least post pics.

Matt

 

[shekarchi]

The original 8x57 bullet diameter was 0.318", but that changed around 1905. The Persian mausers, along with all military 8x57 mauser-chambered firearms since 1905 have had the 0.323" groove/bullet diameter. Unless you buy an old 1888 Commission rifle or a european sporter rifle of some sort you'll never see a rifle with a 0.318" bore. Your rifle will be able to digest the PPU bullets just fine with no need to do extra-light loads. You may actually run into other issues if you load too light.

I load lots of IMR4064 in 8x57 with both the 175gr and 196/200gr bullets. It works great for both. If you look at the Hodgdon website, they min listed for the 175 gr Sierra SP is 41 gr with the max being 48 gr. That's using the same brass and primers that you're using. It's a great combination.

Or you could easily solve the conundrum and send the rifle to me. Or at least post pics.

Matt

thanks for the information- Good to hear I am on the right track- as for sending you the rifle... well- see the pictures anyway
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=393595783

 

[shekarchi]

The original 8x57 bullet diameter was 0.318", but that changed around 1905. The Persian mausers, along with all military 8x57 mauser-chambered firearms since 1905 have had the 0.323" groove/bullet diameter. Unless you buy an old 1888 Commission rifle or a european sporter rifle of some sort you'll never see a rifle with a 0.318" bore. Your rifle will be able to digest the PPU bullets just fine with no need to do extra-light loads. You may actually run into other issues if you load too light.

I load lots of IMR4064 in 8x57 with both the 175gr and 196/200gr bullets. It works great for both. If you look at the Hodgdon website, they min listed for the 175 gr Sierra SP is 41 gr with the max being 48 gr. That's using the same brass and primers that you're using. It's a great combination.

Or you could easily solve the conundrum and send the rifle to me. Or at least post pics.

Matt

By the way- I forgot to ask- do you consider any of the loads I am starting with [39-40, 41 grains] as "too light"?

 

[morcey2]

I don't think they're "too" light, but I wouldn't go much lighter than that, at least with 4064. If you want reduced loads, H4895 is much easier and safer for reduced loads. If you want really reduced plinker style loads, trail boss works great and "The Load" with red dot does also (13 gr of Red Dot).

BTW, nice rifle!

Matt

 

[MichaelK]

BTW, since you are a reloader, I have to ask, do you have a Vernier caliper? If so, you can use it to make a quick and dirty check of bore diameter. Though slugging your bore is more accurate, and I've done that, what I've also done is placed the interior measuring jaws of my caliper inside my Mauser bore and it measured out to .323". Measuring it yourself is the best reassurance you'll need.

 

[shekarchi]

BTW, since you are a reloader, I have to ask, do you have a Vernier caliper? If so, you can use it to make a quick and dirty check of bore diameter. Though slugging your bore is more accurate, and I've done that, what I've also done is placed the interior measuring jaws of my caliper inside my Mauser bore and it measured out to .323". Measuring it yourself is the best reassurance you'll need.

I have not tried this but its a good idea
Thanks!!!
I took it out and shot it with the .323's and it did fine shot high at 50 & 100 but they are made this way (to shoot high)
Groups were best with 42 grains of IMR4064- also tried 40 and 41 grains and no pressure issues or excessive recoil (for an 8mm that is)
Next project is a sweet Czech-made Brno short which is being shipped
Can't wait to shoot that little mule...