FN Browning Mauser 98 Custom Ideas Needed!
- Thread starter Steyr101
- Start date
I just finished a build exactly along the same lines as you described. The only difference was that my rifle was originally a 7mm. They make for beautiful rifles when they are finished.
I too would recommend the 9.3x62, as it is a simple conversion that can use your existing bolt head, and will fit the action length properly as well. 375 Ruger would work as well, but isn't what I would call a "classy" cartridge.
Here is what my finished rifle looks like, chambered in 375 Taylor. (She's on the bottom):
I too would recommend the 9.3x62, as it is a simple conversion that can use your existing bolt head, and will fit the action length properly as well. 375 Ruger would work as well, but isn't what I would call a "classy" cartridge.
Here is what my finished rifle looks like, chambered in 375 Taylor. (She's on the bottom):
Beaver Skin
CGN Regular
- Location
- Lower Mainland, BC
I like the idea of 9.3x62. I'm eventually going to do up a ZG-47 in that caliber.
.270 or .30-06 would be a BIG MISTAKE in my opinion and .338 is just too modern. Those calibers are CLASSIC on a Springfield 1903 sporting action, but not a european Mauser. The classic equivalents for a Mauser, in my opinion, would be:
-.30 Mauser (rough .30-06 equivalent)
-8x57JS (rough .30-06 equivalent)
-7x57 (.270 equivalent, also known as .275 Rigby)
-.35 Whelen (rough .338 equivalent)
I just re-barrelled a Husqvarna FN98 action from 8x57 to 9.3x62, now getting re-stocked in a nice piece of walnut. I already had an older HVA in 9.3x62 and was very impressed with ballistics so decided to build a pretty one. I also have a Oberndorf Mauser 98 action re-barrelled to .416 Taylor, you can do the same with the FN with simple mods to boltface and action rails. A 300gr. Barnes @ 2700fps. is pretty impressive; you wouldn't be disappointed with either of these choices.
Chalk up another vote for 9.3x62! Real world performance is practically as good as the .375 H&H and requires less surgery on the action.
A 338-06 (not a magnum, that wouldn't be classic enough) would be another good choice. It's really the .333 OKH wildcat with modern .338 bullets and it's also a ballistic twin to the old .318 Westley Richards.
If you want something smaller, go with 7x57 or 6.5x55.
Even if you choose to build a stopping rifle, make it look good. Why not have both form and function?
A 338-06 (not a magnum, that wouldn't be classic enough) would be another good choice. It's really the .333 OKH wildcat with modern .338 bullets and it's also a ballistic twin to the old .318 Westley Richards.
If you want something smaller, go with 7x57 or 6.5x55.
Even if you choose to build a stopping rifle, make it look good. Why not have both form and function?
Lots of great chamberings already mentioned here. If you're after a Euro chambering it is hard to beat the ones already mentioned:
7x57
318 Westley Richards
9,3x62 is very practical but the x57 is my favorite. I will get in trouble with Andy saying this but if you want 375H&H style power the 64 Brenneke is a great option.
Another kool option is the 10,75 caliber. Again, the x57 would make a mean bear stopper close up....... the 68 will make you ready for anything on this continent.
On another note, this rifle is as much Yankee as Euro, a couple neat chamberings this side of the pond with serious punch are the 30 and 35 Newton.
Sounds like a fun build, have fun!
7x57
318 Westley Richards
9,3x62 is very practical but the x57 is my favorite. I will get in trouble with Andy saying this but if you want 375H&H style power the 64 Brenneke is a great option.
Another kool option is the 10,75 caliber. Again, the x57 would make a mean bear stopper close up....... the 68 will make you ready for anything on this continent.
On another note, this rifle is as much Yankee as Euro, a couple neat chamberings this side of the pond with serious punch are the 30 and 35 Newton.
Sounds like a fun build, have fun!
Wow guys, thanks for all the fantastic advice! I have a lot to ponder and have been heavily researching a few new (to me) calibers.
I had a few discussions with my gunsmith and colleague today and he brought a few interesting propositions to the table as well. My rifle will be one of his first since arriving in Canada and I will certainly post a very detailed build progress report to showcase his incredible talent.
We've already started discussing barrel's, as this will be the logical next step after the caliber is decided upon... anything in particular (such as makers and contours) I should know about before I start my research? Keep in mind, it will will probably be one of the "larger" calibers mentioned.
I had a few discussions with my gunsmith and colleague today and he brought a few interesting propositions to the table as well. My rifle will be one of his first since arriving in Canada and I will certainly post a very detailed build progress report to showcase his incredible talent.
We've already started discussing barrel's, as this will be the logical next step after the caliber is decided upon... anything in particular (such as makers and contours) I should know about before I start my research? Keep in mind, it will will probably be one of the "larger" calibers mentioned.
gunrunner8
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Kamloops, B.C.
Right choice. 9,3x62 has short neck, expensive brass, poor bullet choice, and hard to get ammo. For me, 35 Whelen or bust!
- Location
- marmora ontario
If you want Classic go to 7x57. I did mine and it is deadly,accurate,easy to reload, and has killed everything from Elephant to "whatever" Actually I never killed an Elephant but Karamojo Bell did.It was his favourite Jim
- Location
- Yellowknife, NWT
.300 Holland and Holland. Classic, timeless, massive cool factor.
I own a Holland super 30, it's kind of funny, the cartridge was developed in 1925, has won 1000yd matches, but nobody in my shooting circle owns one. Maybe we should call it Holland's Ultra .30?
Then it would have a comeback!Yep, I do it all the time. Neck up straight with an RCBS 30-40 neck expander, then into the sizing die just far enough that the bolt barely closes on the case.
Perfect headspace, load with regular, not reduced loads, and gets same point of impact as fireformed cases. I have actually hunted with the newly-formed, unfired brass.
Ted
I own a Holland super 30, it's kind of funny, the cartridge was developed in 1925, has won 1000yd matches, but nobody in my shooting circle owns one. Maybe we should call it Holland's Ultra .30?
I have one too, and it is on an FN Mauser. It doesn't leave much to a 300 Win!
Ted
Ooooooo, I know where one is and when I am a good boy I even get to hold it sometimes. WISH HE'D USE IT!
