head space issue on a 98 mauser?
- Thread starter North of 58
- Start date
Thanks again for the replys. The local gunsmith didn't have the go-no go gauges for 8x57. I fired a higher pressure handload and the primer backed out more than it did with the factory loads. It backed out .004" further to .024". The primer flattened a bit and it looks like the primer was almost pierced by the firing pin. The cases aren't stretching to fill the chamber. I'm not going to fool around with reloads that will only fit the one rifle. I'll take it to a proper gunsmith and have it measured. If it is out of spec it will become an 8mm-06 or I'll sell it to someone that will get the work done. Thanks all.
That indicates you are over sizing your brass when you reload and are pushing the shoulder back excessively. You created a cartridge with excessive head clearance even if your rifle has the correct headspace.
Maybe you should stick to using factory ammo.
If you want long brass life and good results, you don't mix your reloaded brass from one rifle to another unless the rifles have identical chambers and headspace. This would be extremely rare in military surplus rifles.
Thanks Guntech. I'm obviously not an expert, but I reload for a half dozen other cartridges as well as several shotgun gauges without any problems so I think I'll keep doing it. I keep the 8x57J and 8x57JS cases separate and the others are for a single rifle in each cartridge. The case I fired was neck sized only after the first firing in a another mauser. The bolt closed without any resistance as it does with new unfired, unsized Remington brass. Like I said, I'm not in a hurry so I'll just wait until I can take it to a gunsmith with gauges and the capability to rechamber it if needed.
