Yugo M48 Barrel Diameter Question

[Archangel14]

Gents:

I recently refurbished what I believe to be a Yugo M48. Actually, it does not have a identifying stamp in the top of the receiver, which leads me to believe it is a fairly rare "M-48BO" model.

With that said, the importer is Century (I can see from the "CAI" stamp on the barrel). The barrel is marked "K98 Yugo 8mm". The barrel is clean and shiny, so I don't know if Century swapped out the original barrel for what's on it now.

HERE'S MY QUESTION: what is the diameter of the bullet this rifle is designed to shoot? I know the 8x57 comes in both .318 and .323? Which is it, and is it safe to shoot either from this rifle? Thanks!

 

[rcmodel]

Any 8mm Mauser military rifle made post early WWI uses .323" bullets.

The original cartridge used a .318" round nose bullet up until about 1905.
It was later changed to 323" and a spitzer bullet to improve long range performance in machine-guns.

Commercial european hunting rifles continued to use the J bore size up until WWII.
But no Mauser military rifle did.

If still in doubt drive a lead slug through it and measure it.

rc

 

[rikman]

I have a Yugo M48 and I use .323 bullets with it.

 

[tahoe2]

.323 bullets

Like RCmodel says, any military 8mm mauser mfg after 1905 was made for the .323 bullet, and the Yugo M48 (and variants) was mfg from 1948 thru 1953-54 or there abouts.
I have Yugo M24/47 (mfg 1924 thru 34 and factory refurbed 1947 thru 1952) and an M48A, both shoot .323 bullets and quite well I might add.
My 24/47 is scoped and groups 1-1/4"@100 and 3"-4"@200, while the 48 in military dress groups 3"-4" @ 100 and 6"-8" @ 200. not bad considering their age.
I'm sure younger eyes could shoot those iron sights better than I.

 

[ssyoumans]

Excellent rifles, but mine had the worst trigger of all my rifles. Fortunately easily fixed with a $50 Timney trigger. Now it breaks nicely around 3 lbs.

 

[Slamfire]

I have a Yugo rebuilt K98 and the barrel is a 0.328" !

Absolutely new barrel and it does not shoot worth a hoot with 8mm Mauser factory ammunition.

I have a M48 that must have a tighter barrel because it does well.