mauser actions

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mike Crawford

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Since I recently purchased two guns with mauser actions .. One in 6.5x55 .. with a M38 action ..
And one in 257 Roberts with Brno G33/40 action and a Douglas barrel .. I would like to know if either of these guns require to be not handloaded with respect too pressure .. I know the factory stuff is underloaded and I would like to know if it is ok to handload for these actions .. I can;t seem to find a list of action that were reserved for the low pressure factory loads .. and a list of mauser actions that it is safe to bump up a bit ..
I did read on one site where the Brno G33/40 was a desired action .. So I am assuming it is good ..And maybe the 257 Roberts is not that high of a pressure shell anyway :???..
I have read where alot of guns were built on the M38 action also .. So assuming the reason being the M38 is a good action also .. What actions are the weak ones .....
Hope some of this makes sense
 
Sometimes, it is best not to read too much into comments made on forums, as they are sometimes full of baloney. First of all, you are going to need to qualify the "bump up a bit" statement. As a handloader, you need to understand that published data is done so with safety in mind, but are also quite beefy with respect to SAAMI recommendations. I have some really well made rifles that have very strong actions, but I am adverse to loading beyond published specifications because not only is it creeping up on the safety margins, I don't really want to risk damaging a perfectly functioning rifle.

why not staty within published data, rather than pushing that envelope? I am not quite understanding that notion.
 
As I have NEVER reloaded a shell in my life ... I may not explain my myself properly ,,
I have no intention of going above reloading data ..
I am asking why the factory stuff is underloaded .. Which actions are not good enough to take ANYTHING above factory loads ..
The 45-70 is underloaded because of the old Springfield actions still there ...
Which mauser actions are weak enough that they should not be handload ..
Maybe that is a better question asked more clearly .... I will get it right after while LOL
 
sobo, the 257 Roberts in standard factory loadings is underloaded in much the same way that the 7x57 is. Some manufacturers make +P loadings available for this round and the reloading data is published for these higher pressures.

Mike, both your rifles are strong enough for the cartridges you mention, but I don't care for the gas handling ability of the 96 Mauser in the event of a blown primer or case head so I would be inclined to err on the side of caution with your M38.
 
Personally I would stick to standard loads for the M38 action in 6.5x55 but I would have no problem going to the +P loads for the .257 Roberts with the G33/40 action.

Standard load data for the 6.5x55 is developed to a pressure safe for use in a M38 action.
 
I knew I would get there ... I thought there would be a chart or list of the actions .. (* strongest .. 98 ... next 33/40 and so for an example )) or 38 then 98 or whatever,,
My point was going down the road of this .. If the 38 is not so good of an action .. I will just use factory loads ,,
No need to buy dies etc ,,, If the 257 can take a bit better than factory then maybe I will look into getting some dies .
A friend has a 6.5x55 but it is a tikka .. so I am sure it can be loaded higher than my 38 .
He told me if I get some 257 dies he will show me how to reload ..
Not much need if the actions are not good enough :))))))) .. Anyway when I got the guns there was no ammo for the 6.5x55 but there was ammo for the 257 and one box is the +p hornady stuff .
Just wanted to check before going out and buying a set of dies that are useless to me
 
I wouldn't say loading for the 6.5x55 is useless. Hand loads would be loaded to the same pressure as factory if you stick to published data but you would have greater bullet selection and could develop loads suited to your particular rifle. The M38 action is perfectly suited to both factory and standard pressure hand loads and will be perfectly safe.
 
I you want to step it up, use C.I.P. specs if you have a perfectly good action.

As far as I am concerned. SAMMI is run by lawyers and the "blame someone else" attitude.

Because, if I shoot hot loads from a worn-out and rusted action and it blows up in my face. It's not my fault for not realizing the action was inadiqiute. It's the guy at the counter who sold me the ammo's fault. As with the manufacturer and SAMMI. They are all at fault and not I. Sue them all for my own idiocy.
 
Thank yuo very much .. I am looking into handloading only for the fact that each shell should be loaded the same and should help with accuracy .. I want to try some 129 and 100 loads .... I will just keep in mind the action is not one of the best ones LOL
I am in love with BOTH these guns .. The 257 has such nice wood I hate to even handle it .. I have never owned a custom built gun in my life .. I may have paid to much for it but I like it
 
I am NOT a metallurgist (and I hope I dont insult anyone by saying ... there arent many on this board either) but you should be aware that not ALL m98's will accommodate "balls to the wall" loads either. The best advice anyone can give you is "dont exceed factory loads" known to be safe in these rifles AND if you see signs of pressure .. stop shooting till you correct the problem. If you cant take the game or hit the target in the way you need to without more energy than that provided with factory loads ... buy a bigger rifle....
 
BeaverMeat said:
As far as I am concerned. SAMMI is run by lawyers and the "blame someone else" attitude.

Because, if I shoot hot loads from a worn-out and rusted action and it blows up in my face. It's not my fault for not realizing the action was inadiqiute. It's the guy at the counter who sold me the ammo's fault. As with the manufacturer and SAMMI. They are all at fault and not I. Sue them all for my own idiocy.
Click to expand...

To reiterate concerning the 33/40 action. This action was designed for the 8x57, which C.I.P. states to have a maximum 'safe' chamber pressure of 56,560 psi (SAMMI is 35,000 psi, hence my disgust with SAMMI in the previous comment). SAMMI states the max chamber pressure of the .257 Roberts is 58,000 psi. With this in mind, it might have all ready been shoot over the 'safe' limit of that actions standard chambering.

It has been tested that a full spec 98 action can handle roughly 70,000 psi of chamber pressure. I am unsure of the max for the 33/40 action. I do know that the 33/40 action is not a true small ring Mauser action. It's in fact a 98 action that has been lightened. It still retains the third locking lug and the proper gas venting features of the standard action.
 
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Mind you I like my 6.5 x55 also .. ALOT .. most likely will be my carry gun ...
When I said I was going to buy both ...I had second thoughts this morning ...
I had the 6.5 yesterday morning and was happy happy with it ..
Did I need the 257 ... I did as soon as he handed it too me .... I looked at the wood ....and I put it too my shoulder ..
When he put it up for sale he did not put on the ad that it had a Douglas barrel .. Just said it was a custom build ..
Did not even say it was a G33/40 ,, I thought it was a M38 by the picture he sent me .
That is why I was wondering about the action .. Good or bad
 
Both are very satisfactory actions, but to my knowledge the G33/40 actions are highly sought after for custom builds and with it strength would not be an issue.
Those rifles are a nice find and in my opinion... both are keepers. Congratulations and I too would love to see pictures..
 
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Isn't the 33/40 a small ring 98? Should hold any sane load that fits the action.....................Harold
 
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