FN 98 7x 57 or Mauser 96 6.5x55

I love both these chamberings, and own a sample or two of each.
I lean to the M98, though. The 96 is no slouch, but I do not care
for the "####-on-closing" system.
Maybe, I do not really have a dog in this fight, since all my 7x57s
and 6.5x55s are in modern actions.
OP could not go wrong with either choice, really. Dave.
 
Ardent said:
Gwes you asked about differences, in technical terms,

-The Mauser 96 is a small ring action, generally chambered in (relatively) lower pressure rounds (6.5x55 etc)

-The Mauser 98 is an improvement on the 96, as one would expect being introduced 2 years after the 96 and building in improvements learned in that two years.

-Those improvements are principally related to gas handling, the 98 is one of the best to have your face behind in the event of a ruptured case, #### on opening (as all popular modern actions operate), a larger receiver ring and better suited to modern pressures, and a third safety bolt lug.

Both are sweethearts, and the best would be an Oberndorf 98 Sporting Rifle, I’ve bought several on the EE just over $1000. They’re worth waiting for.
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Thank you. It would seem that based on this info that the 98 would be a better choice for a novice reloader.
I think that the only logical choice is to put in an offer for both and settle for the 98 if that doesn't work out
 
gwes2003 said:
Thank you. It would seem that based on this info that the 98 would be a better choice for a novice reloader.
I think that the only logical choice is to put in an offer for both and settle for the 98 if that doesn't work out
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You'd have to REALLY mess up to get a 96 to let go into your face...but, yeah. The 98 would keep you safer if you ended up making a pipe bomb.
 
In the company of a very well known Canadian custom rifle maker, I once examined a nice but anonymously-made sporter built on a 96 action. The custom rifle maker (whose name most of you would recognize) said, "Nice work...too bad it's not a 98." Enough said.
 
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I have to keep returning to "and when would that actually matter in real world use?" Lol
 
The 98 has more fat on it than the 96. And the 96 is a shorter action, and many people worship at that alter.

I'd try both, some rifles fell better in hand than others.
 
Ardent said:
If that was the only factor nobody would shoot anything but a Stevens 200 .30-06. Thankfully we live in a world where improvements can be appreciated and sought out. ;)
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Absolutely!

Didn't mean to imply that nothing needs to ever be improved or that someone shouldn't buy whatever makes them feel good!

Only that any improvements in a 98 compared to a 96 will never make a difference for the OP.

I mean we wouldn't want him getting behind a real stinker of a gas handler like a Win 70 either right? ;)
 
I know :( And dont worry I won't compare a pre 64 or a nice oberndorf to 96 sporter haha
 
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Stepping away from the theoretical, some of the practical advantages of the 98 over the 96:

Better selection of aftermarket parts, triggers, & safeties in particular. If you want to get rid of the military trigger and install a scope friendly safety, it's a lot easier with a Mauser 98. Likewise for stocks and likely scope mounts.

#### on open vs #### on close. Comes down to personal preference I suppose, but I've never warmed up to #### on close either in a Mauser or Lee Enfield.

No bolt sleeve lock on the M96. Not a big deal unless your bolt sleeve rotates when it shouldn't, then you'll miss it.

There was a chart posted in the milsurp forum where someone stressed an M96 action to the point of failure. I think it was in excess of 96,000 psi before it gave way. You would have to screw up fairly badly to exceed that, so strength isn't a major issue.
 
Ok, found the post, an article, not a chart.

Somewhat on topic, this concerns Spanish Mausers chambered in 7.62 Nato that were tested to destruction. This testing was designed to address concerns about the strength of the small ring Mauser action.


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Makes sense given that they proofed plenty of 96s as 30-06 etc sporters let alone Euro loaded 6.5x55

Thanks for the breakdown on practical differences
 
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