The next custom an Oberndorf M98: What to chamber it in?

What to chamber the Oberndorf in?


  • Total voters
    233

Ardent

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
818   0   2
Have a stunner and extremely rare large banner example of an Oberndorf M98 to work with. Now, before you jump on me for destroying history I received this to find the bore dark, stock modified, metal refinished, and it won’t chamber a .30-06 cartridge for which it’s chambered. Barrel serial doesn’t match the action, and while this can be factory, with the short chamber suspect maybe not here. The bore precludes worrying about fixing that anyhow.

Oddly enough I’m entirely fine with that it’s now a licence to make exactly what I want of her. Regardless of build except for two obvious chamberings, it will be a light stalking rifle with a cocking piece Rigby style peep, no scope, and I’ll make a custom English style exhibition walnut stock for it.

Right now, shortlist of chamberings from favourites to least,

.375 H&H as a 7 1/2lb light .375 for walking the next African dream trip, most likely central Africa. 9.3s just ain’t my bag though I respect them, nipping the inevitable suggestion in the bud.

.275 Rigby as it’s my fave working round for general hunting, as 6 3/4lb beauty. But I have too many 7x57s.

.318 Westley Richards, already quoted a custom button rifling setup to make my own barrel as I couldn’t find anyone who would turn out a .330”. Would love to cut rifle rebore the original but nobody is willing to make the tooling. .338-06 is the same thing but just isn’t, not interested in that.

.284 Winchester, always wanted one and has component commonality with my existing .224/7mm/375 bench.

.270 Winchester as I’d probably use it the most, too easy on all accounts to feed and hunt with. Kinda feels like the chambering I should have started with in the beginning.

.458 Win Mag, a stout 9lb shorter barreled bush rifle with a quarter rib and deep bellied drop box.. Always wanted to build one like that.

.280 AI tried to fall in love with this one twice, considering a third and final try. Again components are already on the bench.

7mm Rem Mag, the most sensible choice for everything I do but completely soulless.

6mm Remington, as I have always loved 6mms and it fits the action perfectly.

5.6x57, just cool, fast, and I like .224s lately.

NczHDds.jpg
 
Last edited:
I know it’s not in your list, but I’ve always wanted to try a 7x64 and very nearly have twice.

But on your list I’d go 7x57 or 270. Regardless, it’ll be a beaut!
 
Will you be keeping that barrel profile?

My vote goes to your 458 idea. I've always wanted a short barreled 458 with a peep.
 
I always thought it would be cool to chamber a rifle like that in .280 Ross. But you would have to be crazy to do that. Or a nutz.
 
If you end up wanting help with CAD models, drawings etc. of the original barrel so that it can be reproduced in the calibre you want, drop me a message!

Have you thought about doing a .458 Lott instead of the win mag? Might make for a real sweet short barrel, w/ irons, and a bellied mag box would be beautiful.
 
Angus,
I voted for the 7Rm because I believe it is the ideal caliber for North American Game and plains Game. I could not vote for the 375 H&H because I have an aversion to altering the action for the longer magnum. As an aside I will like to mention other calibers that I would consider. I really like the 350RM and you could make up a short 20" barrel in this or its triplets, the 35-284 or 35 Whelen. The 9.3 x 64 is intriguing if you don't enjoy the x62. Another option is a wildcat 375 based on the 300 Win, 338 Win, 9.3x64 brass or the imposter 375 Ruger.
I'm not saying what you should do but presenting other options you may not have considered.
Good luck on your build and whatever you finish with will be fantastic.

Neil
 
I would likewise avoid any cartridge that involves altering the feed ramp. Finding a smith willing and capable of doing it without screwing it up would be difficult. You should also try this little experiment; take 3 belted cases, load them in the magazine, then close the bolt on an empty chamber. Snap the bolt open as hard and fast as you can. If the rounds stay in the magazine, I'll be very surprised. The Mauser is at it's best when sticking with the same rim and body diameter that it was originally designed for.

My personal pick would be the absolutely classic .275 Rigby, with the 7x64 coming in second.

And just an afterthought; if you have the coin I would consider shipping the action off to Rigby's in London have having a real .275 Rigby built, along the lines of Jim Corbett's famous tiger rifle.
 
Last edited:
I chose 275 rigby for class and history. A wonderful cartridge with a colorful and widespread acceptance anywhere in the world. Youre skill in stock making and ability to find extraordinary blanks just suits a 275 rigby. Plus its on my list to own as well.
458 wm is one of my fav cartridges but in a light gun with nice wood id fear the mauser cracked tang as youd most likely encounter extreme moisture or dry heat where it would be used. West coast or africa

Another choice would be the 375 rimless nitro. Basically a 375 hh short and gets the performance of the 9.3x57 without being a 9.3.
A slim trim 375 rimless nitro with a quarter rib would be nice and handy. A good match for a 7x57 you already got
 
.303 British. Bit of a challenge, good character, pretty cartridge. Use a piece of semi-figured French or Circassion to match, or restore the stock.

35 Whelen could mean simply reboring and rechambering.

.280 Ross would be seriously cool.

I would be interested in the original stock and barrel btw.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom