mauser test

[Honk...Honk...Boom]

How do you test to see if your reciever is strong enough to handle the pressure of firing factory loads. Ive heard that certain spanish mausers are weaker. My M954 Brazilian bolt action is based on the 1908 Gerw.
Ive asked people in several threads various questions about the M954 and it sounds like therer pretty rare for some reason! Help!

 

[Casull]

I just made up an 06 on a Mauser action and for the first few test firings I tied it to something and pulled the trigger remotely. It's worked for me so far. Gives me a chance to measure cases and such before I wrap my fingers around it.

 

[Splatter]

There's a reason proof loads were developed.
I don't have list handy but there are standard proof loads for most standard calibres.

 

[tiriaq]

I'll bet your rifle has been fired repeatedly since it was made. Is the headspace within specs? Do you have any reason to believe that the rifle would be unsafe? You can always fire it with a string. Handloading ammunition similar to proof loads is a bit of a grey area.

 

[Splatter]

Handloading ammunition similar to proof loads is a bit of a grey area.

Don't proof houses all across europe do this?

 

[tiriaq]

Industry routinely uses proof loads. They are commercially manufactured. But I've never seen data to duplicate proof loads. Easy enough to assemble an over the top handload, but there is no way of knowing how much pressure is being generated.

 

[gunasauras]

Even thinking about making your own proof loads is fool hard to say the least. There is no way for the average joe to know what kind of pressure you are developing......you'ld literally be playing with fire. IMHO, you'ld best check your insurance policy carefully before attempting this one, if you choose to. I'm sure the beneficiary will be happy you did....

 

[Splatter]

Note that I'm not suggesting holding the action next to one's wedding tackle when it goes off.

 

[Claven2]

The M954 is made out of recycled DWM and Oberndorf 1908 actions. They are perfectly safe for .30-06 and anything lower. Probably a few somewhat higher pressure rounds too, but I would not go much stiffer. If you do, look for a WW2 German or 1935 Oberndorf receiver to use as they used stronger steel blends after the 1930's.

FWIW, I am building a .35 Whelen on a 1909 Argentine receiver (basically the same receiver as the 1908) and I have no fears about safety.

 

[gunrunner100]

X2 on the remoter trigger device. I've done this with a couple and I still have all my fingers. Wits are another story...