Rifle Caliber Suggestions?

[Kraschenbirn]

Seeing Ben's post and pics of his "Mauserfield" reminded me that I've got a VZ24 action (all matching #s including floorplate with all screws/hardware) that's been sitting under the bench in my workshop for about 10 years. When I bought the piece (cheap!), the original stock and barrel had been pretty well "bubba'd" but the action was slick and tight with a stock two-stage trigger. I, originally, had the idea of using it to build a mannlicher-stock carbine in something like 7x57 or 6.5x55 but never got beyond the "thinking about it" stage.

After reading his posts and seeing his pics last night, I rummaged around and, sure 'nuff, that old half-butchered Mauser was still there and, apparently, no worse for laying on the back shelf for all these years. I don't find the medium-bore, mannilicher-style carbine nearly as appealing as I once did and, that stated, I'm considering using the action to build an iron-sighted rifle strictly for cast bullets. So, the question for the forum is" What would be a good caliber for the project.

I've arlready got a match-grade .308 that LOVES 311291s as well as pretty nice K-31 and a nice wartime Garand. I've been thinking of installing a new, 24" commercial barrel in 8x57 or a .358 WCF and hanging on a Lyman 57 and a Redfield 17A for sights. Of course, then, there's always the theory that one can't own too many ought-sixes, too...

Bill

[Char-Gar]

I guess it depends on what you want to do with the rifle. Just for fun on the range and in the field, nothing beats a good 30-06. Plenty of fine molds and data our there for this round. The December 1947 issue of The American Rifleman carried an article by Col. Townsend Whelen with the title "The 30-06 Is Never A Mistake". I have five of them.

If hunting is your goal is hunting , I think the 375 Whelen (375/30-06) is the "bees knees". Bullet is large enough and heavy enough to do the job. The case has a long neck to hold the cast bullet, and the power capacity of the case is just about right for getting all the velocity that can be hand from a cast bullet.

Everybody has their own opinon, but the above is mine.

[jhalcott]

I find my self thinking about a nice .358 more and more lately

[S.R.Custom]

Indeed... anything other than a .358 Winchester is a lost opportunity.

[waksupi]

Guys, being CB shooters, if you don't get yourself a .358 Win, you will really be kicking yourself in years to come. Good for hunting and target, and the recoil is quite managable. Kinda barks on the bench, but is a ***** cat for plinking, even with hunting loads.

[Buckshot]

.................While cast boolit moulds are a bit scarce (but what's out there are great) my vote is for the 7x57. A nicer cartridge is just dang hard to find.

.......................Buckshot

[joatmon]

What twist for a happy 358Win cast shooter?

[NVcurmudgeon]

I agree with Krashenbirn on the 8mm, having had three milsurps shoot much better than expected. Even a 1933 Obendorf with barely discernible rifling shot up to the limit of the issue sights.

[9.3X62AL]

Hard to find fault with the 7 x 57, 8 x 57, or the 358 Winchester. If your tastes run to the obscure and off-the-wall chamberings, you need look no further than the 9.3 x 57. All the weirdness and striking energy one's heart could desire.

Can the 62/63mm case length fit into your action?

[blysmelter]

35Whelen is perfect for a VZ24, have one and it is going to stay! The 358Win is a nice round but to short for a Mauser-action to be "perfect".

[Bass Ackward]

For so very many years, I avoided even trying a 35. Even when it was offered as a no cost trial. The bias was mental and uninformed.

How I wasted my life.

Pick which ever one your mind can rationalize. You will build another if you aren't satisfied. :grin:

[Char-Gar]

I also like the 8 X 57, but I am of the opinion that it shines because of the style nad depth of the rifling and not to any inherent advantage of the case.

[waksupi]

What twist for a happy 358Win cast shooter?

For heavy bullets, 1-12 seems real good. 1-14 for lighter stuff.

[mike in co]

i have a post out there somewhere about what to build next, and we did this same conversation. in the end i settled on a 358 win
and i got the same answer...1/12 or 1/14 , but let me ask again

what weight for each twist...heavy and lite is to obscure for us just venturing into 358......

i have the 205 lyman and the 210/220 360 group buy...

no hunting just paper punching

thanks
mike

[Blammer]

8mm mauser is hard to beat!

[felix]

16 for 200-235; 14 for 250-290; 12 for 290-325 ... felix

[1Shirt]

I would go with 7x57. I have a 77 Ruger in that Cal, that was one of the early ones and it is headed for Africa next week. Has taken a number of deer and two elk. I hunted the Brooks Range in Alaska for sheep with a 700Rem in 7 Rem. Mag. Weighed right at 10 lbs. My hunting partner had a 77 in 7x57, that went just under 8 loaded. Those two plus pounds sure made me want a lighter rifle. Bought the first one I could find. Shoots into 2" at 200 when I do my part, and prefers 154-175 gr. Recoil is moderate even with the hard rubber recoil pad (if you can call it that) on a Ruger. Figure if a 7x57 was good enough for Bell to shoot elephants, it is more than adequate for me to shoot non dangerous game. Shoots cast very well also. As to the 358, am still kicking myself for letting my 99 Sav. get away, just because it brought tears to your eyes from recoil after 3 rouonds w/full power loads. However, with a sissy bag, and a 250 cast hp it would drive tacks at 100 with 5 shot groups. Would never knock a 358 as it is one of those great ctgs. that got a bad shake because it was poorly marketed. Would still for one rifle, go with the 7x57, but if I was going to put a pair together, think the second would be a 358. Great ctg also to shoot pistol blts. in for plinker or small game.
1Shirt!:coffee:

[S.R.Custom]

i have a post out there somewhere about what to build next, and we did this same conversation. in the end i settled on a 358 win
and i got the same answer...1/12 or 1/14 , but let me ask again

what weight for each twist...heavy and lite is to obscure for us just venturing into 358......

In the .358, I like the Saeco 240 grn RNFP, and the 1:12 does nicely, even at reduced velocities. I've no desire to shoot anything lighter in the .358, so I've no need for a 1:14 twist. (If I want to shoot lighter bullets, I reach for the .308...)

[Bass Ackward]

Mike,

If you want unconditional use, I'd say Felix is spot on. Conditional use of coarse involves the pressure limits of cast as you get heavier. Barrel length is a factor here too that we seldom mention. If you can go 24" I 'd go 14 hands down. If you want 18", I go with the 12 for every thing cause your just not going to get the velocity shooting heavy cast especially.

My 14 twist (24") handled some 310 grain Woodleighs well enough to have some throwing the BS flag. :grin: