What size does your RCBS mold 82018 7mm 168 SP drop at?

[Muskyhunter1]

I got an old German M96 in 7x57 that slugs out at .286/7. This rifle likes heavy Jacket boolites of 175 grains so I figured I need to go heavy or go home with my cast too.

I know they advertise this RCBS mold at .285 but what does it drop out at rough with WW lead?

If this mold is too small I guess my other option I can get locally is the LEE 7mm. I think it is about 130 grains. Hopefully I can get them to drop at .288+- or I can always beagle it.

Does anyone have any experience with either of these mold and what they drop out at?

Thanks.

[scottfire1957]

So, you have a Waffenfabrik Mauser in 7x57? Military rifle or civilian? It does sound interesting.

[Muskyhunter1]

It is military (i think) but it looks unfortunately that is has been professionally sporterized. Maybe it was manufactured that way. I am not sure.

[scottfire1957]

Sounds like a Swedish M/96 made by Oberndorf? Possibly rebarreled to 7x57. Do you have any pics? Intriguing, for sure.

Hopefully somebody here can help with your load question, though a history of the rifle might help, especially with throat length and such.

I have read that Husqvarna did do some "sporterizing," I have seen several rebarreled to 9.3x57.

[Muskyhunter1]

Yup I will post some pics tonight. It is a German M96 (not a swedish) that was used in the Boer War in South Africa.

[Larry Gibson]

RCBS cuts their moulds for linotype and they recommend not more than .001 sizing. Odds are it will drop smaller than .285 with WWs alone as the alloy.

Larry Gibson

[Muskyhunter1]

Thanks Larry.

scottfire1957 here is the pics of my rifle. It is a:

Mod. Mauser 1896
Ludw, Loewe & Co, Berlin
Serial# B33XX

Here are some pics. Sorry my camera is not the best:

125666
125667
125668
125669
125670
125671

My understanding it was made in Germany and sent to the Boers to fight the British in South Africa. Some were intercepted by the British Navy and others saw action. Not sure what the story is behind this one but unfortunately it was sporterized. It has been carried a lot by a left handed person, evident by staining on the stock and oxidization on the bolt release. It has a lot of history. Wish it could talk.

Any thoughts?

[scottfire1957]

Thank you for the pics! What is imprinted on the left side of the receiver?

Looks like you could find an original stock for that and maybe make a buck or two!

[Muskyhunter1]

On the left side of the receiver is the info above Mod Mauser 1896 etc. I don't have any idea where I could find a genuine M96 German stock.

[scottfire1957]

Thanks, went to the pics before actually reading.

[Muskyhunter1]

I think I got it covered now. I just bought the following molds for $25.00 each and a Lyman .287 H&I off of Ebay for $22.50.

#287377 7mm 150gr SP GC
#287405 7mm 150gr RN GC

The 287405 drops at .288 and is Loverin design so I should be good to go. I think I am going to grab the Lee mold too as it is cheap. Once they all arrive I should be good to go with lots of options.

Thanks and Happy New Year.