those Brazilizn, Itauba I presume, actions are very tough. When the rifles first came out on the surplus market, we bought 50 of the fair only specimens for $12.50 each. We tested one of them (poorest specimen) with extremely high pressure loads, 180grn bullets over a case full of 2400 powder. We had a hell of a time getting the barrel off the receiver so that we could remove the bolt etc, and the bbl was bulged just ahead of the chamber (extremely rusty). To make a long story short, the receiver lug face was set back about .010 in but other than that were OK. Tested it out with a magnet and iron powder, no visible cracks. We didn't use that receiver as it was in really poor condition (not even fair) but we used the bolt and the rest of the useable parts with no problem. brazil makes some of the best steel in the world, and are very proud of it, they also make some fine firearms and have done so for a long time. Unless that Brazilian receiver is in POOR or worse condition, I wouldn't be the least bit afraid to use factory ammo in it or for that matter handloads that have been carefully worked up for it. The Brazilian mauser makes a fine base to start from for a custom rifle, right up to the magnums. bearhunter
