best cal for a 96

brybenn said:
This may not end well but I lack a Mauser 96 action. I prefer the 98 but feel empty not having a 96.
I'm looking for an inexpensive walking around gun that is wood and blued steel with open irons. The 96 fits perfect but I can't decide on caliber. It will be used for deer and black bear. Carried more than shot. With that any common chambering will work whether 6.5 or 7 or 8 or 9.3 so I'd like to hear something that may help me pick one
For sake of clarity I have already
223
25/06
300 savage
308
30/06
300 wm
45/70
458 wm
With 35 Whelen and 450/400 in the works
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6.5 Swede. Fits in your lineup perfectly. Then again, at TradeEx prices, you could outfit yourself with a brace of 96s in classic chamberings and still be well ahead of purchasing one rifle at a big box or building.
 
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I can not argue your logic. How ever if i bought them all surely some would never be used. I have my favorites for certain areas.

I'm leaning toward the 9.3 simply because I'll keep it iron sighted and my vision isn't the greatest so shots won't be far. I also like heavy bullets
 
You want a .358W ... in a '96 action. Its been done before and would be the premier 'Ontario' bear and deer round
 
AP said:
You want a .358W ... in a '96 action. Its been done before and would be the premier 'Ontario' bear and deer round
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Isn't that splitting hairs? I'm assuming that you have a 358 W( or desire one), hence your recommendation.
What exactly is a 358 going to do that a 9.3 x 57 can't? Yep, one has to reload to get a 9.3 to shine. Other than that hurdle...why bother with a mocking up a 358 in a '96?
Get a 9.3 and be done with it if you want a potato chucker.
 
tokguy said:
Isn't that splitting hairs? I'm assuming that you have a 358 W( or desire one), hence your recommendation.
What exactly is a 358 going to do that a 9.3 x 57 can't? Yep, one has to reload to get a 9.3 to shine. Other than that hurdle...why bother with a mocking up a 358 in a '96?
Get a 9.3 and be done with it if you want a potato chucker.
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The ol 9.3x57 is perfectly suited to the open sights it carries. For as far as it it very effective, I am effective shooting it. Delightful old combo.
 
brybenn said:
I can not argue your logic. How ever if i bought them all surely some would never be used. I have my favorites for certain areas.

I'm leaning toward the 9.3 simply because I'll keep it iron sighted and my vision isn't the greatest so shots won't be far. I also like heavy bullets
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Ain't hard to get set up for reloading and adding a ghost ring peep sight to a 96 in 9.3x57 to get proper sight radius & picture for folks with older eyes. I'll be fitting the XS rear sight to my one soon.
View attachment 95545
 
tokguy said:
Isn't that splitting hairs? I'm assuming that you have a 358 W( or desire one), hence your recommendation.
What exactly is a 358 going to do that a 9.3 x 57 can't? Yep, one has to reload to get a 9.3 to shine. Other than that hurdle...why bother with a mocking up a 358 in a '96?
Get a 9.3 and be done with it if you want a potato chucker.
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:) Nope...I have a 350RM already...but if I wanted to rebarrel a Model 96 to a different calibre suitable for Ontario bear and deer...and be able to find cheap plentiful brass and a large selection of bullets (from light pistol to heavy rifle) I would have a .358w...so would you if you looked at the flexibility and effectiveness it offers
 
My vote goes to 9.3x57 as well. I got a nice M96 Husky from TradeEx about half a year ago, and I'm just in the process of finally getting it all cleaned up and ready to shoot. For the price it is a steal!

Lightweight, nice front sight that is easy to pick up (for my eyes anyways), perfect for carrying around all day. As long as your shots aren't going to be more than a couple hundred yards, if so then maybe the 7mm or 8mm flavors would be better suited.
 
Why not? said:
Yep! Easy to shoot, accurate, and hard on big game.

I also have one in 9.3X57 that is very hard on big game, accurate, and not as easy to shoot. ;)

Ted
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I love my 7x57, it's really perfect for most uses. The bullet selection is vast, it hits hard, it's easy on the shoulder and I mine shoots touching groups with factory core-lokts when I do my part.

Sometimes I think I'd like to have a rifle chambered in 9.3x57. After contemplation, my shoulder begins to ache and I remember I already have the 7x57.
 
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Why not? said:
Load one up with 286s and Ball C2, and give that a try. :)

A six pound rifle generating more than 3200 ft/lb energy is a bit more than mild.
Ted
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Mine has a little bit of 'Zang' when you load it hot. Doesn't make my lip tremble, but you know you shot something when the hard plastic buttpad hits the shoulder.
 
I'm not worried about recoil. My main hunting rifle is a 458 wm and I don't mind it at all

My original thought was to build a 358 win but it would be 4-5 times the price by the time I'd be done. I'm just looking for a kinda classic walking gun for misty rainy hunting over bait or joyfully walking thru birch groves and down logging roads
 
brybenn said:
I'm not worried about recoil. My main hunting rifle is a 458 wm and I don't mind it at all

My original thought was to build a 358 win but it would be 4-5 times the price by the time I'd be done. I'm just looking for a kinda classic walking gun for misty rainy hunting over bait or joyfully walking thru birch groves and down logging roads
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You won't be disappointed in a Model 46 9.3X57.



Fills the bill perfectly.
Teds
 
Why not? said:
Very similar wood, Johnn, but a different rifle.

Ted
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I was thinking of the wood blank I got from you. I had that set aside for a new stock for my .410 single shot 'ditch chicken' gun, that I have since parted with. May use that wood for the original purpose I had in mind for it, ;) now that the eyes are good.
 
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