7mm Mauser

[Petrol & Powder]

I've always liked the 7mm Mauser (7x57mm) but time and money constraints pushed me in other directions. The 7mm Mauser remained a flickering flame in the back of my mind and a recent thread rekindled my thoughts concerning that cartridge.
So I would now like to tap into the knowledge and opinions on this forum:
In the field of military surplus rifles, what would be the best bet in terms of an old rifle chambered in 7mm Mauser?

[Hardcast416taylor]

My ranking in order of strength would be...(1) Any Model 98 action, (2) The Model 95 action, (3) The Model 93 action. The last 2 I mentioned lack the strength of higher pressure 7 mm loads that the 98 action will take. Just my .02 cents worth.Robert

[Uncle R.]

The 98 is superior to the other Mausers not just because of strength, but because it's better at handling escaping gas from a failed cartridge case. Unlike many (Or all?) commercial 98 actions a true military 98 action has only one extractor cutout in the receiver ring. Their bolt-to-barrel fit up is extremely tight, with very little unsupported brass. Should a case fail anyway, there's not much opening at the breech to allow gas escape and the thumb cut in the left rail helps dump any gas traveling down the lug raceway toward the shooter's face. Finally, the large flange on the bolt sleeve helps deflect any remaining gas from the shooter's face and eye.

If you're interested in comparing the various Mauser designs, or just learning about their strengths and weaknesses, I highly recommend Stuart Otteson's books Bolt Action Rifles, Volumes 1 and 2. I believe they might be available on CD now.

Uncle R.

[atr]

I agree that the Model 98 is top of the line but if you can find a Model 95 manufactured in Germany......go for it!
I can load my M95 to the top of the established working pressure (45,000psi) without any problem.

[jugulater]

all of the German made Mausers are good guns. the 1895s and 1893s dont have the gas handling capabilities of the 1898 but they will definitely handle the 7x57 very well.

the antique status of alot of the German made South American mausers is a nice plus

My chilean 1895 has sadly been converted to 7.62 Nato.

[opos]

I have an Interarms Mark X from Manchester England..it's a 98 Mauser action....absolutely wonderful caliber....I'd think the 98 actions would be my choice...great caliber!!

[Petrol & Powder]

I'm familiar with the differences between the 93/95/98 Mauser actions and agree the 98 is by far the best. Unfortunately most of the South American models originally chambered in 7 x 57mm are the earlier actions. The 1898's on the market are overwhelmingly chambered in 8mm (7.92).
I'm not overly concerned about collector's value so maybe I should be looking for 98 to re-barrel. Thoughts?

[303carbine]

I've always liked the 7mm Mauser (7x57mm) but time and money constraints pushed me in other directions. The 7mm Mauser remained a flickering flame in the back of my mind and a recent thread rekindled my thoughts concerning that cartridge.
So I would now like to tap into the knowledge and opinions on this forum:
In the field of military surplus rifles, what would be the best bet in terms of an old rifle chambered in 7mm Mauser?


I would pick the 98 Mauser action, right now I shoot a Remington 700 Mountain rifle chambered in 7x57 Mauser, it has been putting venison in the freezer for years.
140 grain Nosler Partition bullets at 2830 fps really drop deer fast........:brokenima

[nekshot]

i sure like the quality of the vz24's and if I am the only one that likes them is fine to me. I found a brand new 7mm mauser military barrel from Gun Parts and that has made one of the sweetest mausers I have! Much lighter profile than the 8mm barrel. Functions perfect and keeps the action in the mauser family with that cartridge.

[Tracy]

I have a 1908 Brazilian (DWM, '98 action) 7x57 and have killed more deer with it than any other rifle. I have seen a Spanish 1916 ('93 action) 7x57 that was wrecked by a deliberate overload, probably a case full of Bullseye. The owner of that rifle, who is a member here but shall go unnamed, was the target of an apparent attempt on his life via various booby-trapped rounds being planted in his reloading room. In fact I was hit in the knee by a chunk of cylinder from his SP101 when he fired it at the range while I was standing next to him.

As for the Mauser, it held together under pressure that permanently welded the bolt closed. Quite a testimony to the strength of even a Spanish '93 Mauser.

[Petrol & Powder]

Well, let's not go there.

I'd like to find a 98 chambered in 7 x 57 that still has a decent barrel.

[PS Paul]

I've got a '95 Chileno in 7x57. First caliber I started reloading with....
I experienced case separation once at the range and can attest the gas comes back directly into your face. Had I not been wearing eye protection, I may have been injured.

As others state, I would think a re-barreled '98 would give the best of all worlds! I really love the cartridge, but keep pressure to minimum levels. A guy could really wring out the performance of the cartridge with that setup....

[303Guy]

I'd suggest that the fact that these very old rifles still exist is testimony to their worthiness. Bell used one (a Rigby sporter) for elephant and he shot a lot of elephant! But that was using 174gr round nose 'solids'. Those bullets would exit the elephants skull and elephant skulls are very large and thick.

If I hadn't started on the 303 Brit (more available and rich in history), the 7x57 would have been my passion.

[screwcutter]

303Guy,
"If I hadn't started on the 303 Brit (more available and rich in history), the 7x57 would have been my passion."
You're lucky, they are both my passion

[303Guy]

I've thought about chambering a Lee Enfield in 7x57 rimmed. Best of both worlds. Well, there's nothing wrong with a Mauser or the 303 cartridge.

[Petrol & Powder]

My first centerfire rifle was a Lee-Enfield. I also had several Mausers and a really nice Springfield 03. Wish I had the foresight to hang onto those rifles but unfortunately they were replaced as my youthful impulsive interests changed.

[michaelcj]

My 7x57 is built on a Smith Corona 1903A3 action with 03 lower metal and bolt. Douglas Premium Barrel @ 9.5. Is it weird that I have a similar "custom" rifle in 30.06 on a 98 Mauser action? Some folks are just contrary I guess.

My 7 shoots 140 to 160 grain MOA or better but prefers the 160grain pills, and that is fine with me.

[303carbine]

I'd suggest that the fact that these very old rifles still exist is testimony to their worthiness. Bell used one (a Rigby sporter) for elephant and he shot a lot of elephant! But that was using 174gr round nose 'solids'. Those bullets would exit the elephants skull and elephant skulls are very large and thick.

If I hadn't started on the 303 Brit (more available and rich in history), the 7x57 would have been my passion.

I sold off all of the rifles I don't use, the only two I keep are a No5Mk1 303 and my Remington Mountain rifle in 7x57 Mauser.

[str8shot426]

Well, let's not go there.

I'd like to find a 98 chambered in 7 x 57 that still has a decent barrel.

For that I would look around for a Brazilian Mauser. DWM manufactured. Some nice examples are still able to be found.

[sghart3578]

I am also a fan of the VZ24 rifles. I found a short, cavalry style carbine many years ago. Bent bolt instead of straight, etc.

I restocked it and bought a mold from NOE that accommodates the slightly larger European dimensions. It is a superlative shooter. The fact that it is beautiful is a bonus.

If you can find a BRNO VZ24 in 7X57 you are on your way. Here is a before and after.


157758157759

[Uncle R.]

My 7 x 57 is a Remington 700 Classic. It's a consistent sub-MOA rifle and can easily handle being loaded much hotter than the weak commercial loads sold by American ammunition companies. I drive the 139 gr. Hornady spire point very close to 2900 with no pressure problems at all. The trajectory matches factory 150 gr 30-06 loads but with slightly less recoil. That load also delivers equal or even slightly higher energy at 300 yards when compared to 150 .30-06 factory ammo. All of this means it's an easy and reliable 300 yard deer rifle, with modest recoil and mild report but plenty of power.

Those 139 gr Hornadys give perfect results on game and I couldn't imagine a better combination for deer hunting in WI farm country where ranges run from very close to as far as you care to try. My personal maximum would be about 300 yards except perhaps for very rare circumstances, and for this old curmudgeon the 7x57 is ideal.

Most of the guys I've seen with superloudengoboomers chambered in fire-breathing long range cartridges couldn't shoot well enough to take advantage of them anyway. One fellow tried to convince me that his .300 Winchester Short Magnum doesn't drop at all for the first 300 yards and is therefore well-suited to extreme long ranges. I didn't argue. Magical anti-gravity aside that 300 WSM is a fine long-range cartridge, but I'd guess such casual understanding of ballistics doesn't bode well for his shooting ability.

Uncle R.

[Petrol & Powder]

For that I would look around for a Brazilian Mauser. DWM manufactured. Some nice examples are still able to be found.
Thanks !

[Von Gruff]

My custom 7x57 is on a 1908 DWM and is one of the tightest 98 actions I have come across. 25 in barrel drives the 160gn Woodleigh bullet to 2700fps, the 120gn G S Custom bullet to 3200fos and my 20 piece cast bullet to 2400. Excellent accuracy.
I have another that I am going to start on soon with a 1916 S R 98 action that I will do for a light hill rifle with a blind mag stock.

A Mauser 7x57 and Lee Speed styled sporting 303 has to be two of the all time greats that have killed more game worldwide than about any other two cartridges.

[bouncer50]

The 7MM Mauser is a all time great round. So is the 6.5 Swedish round. As long as you reload with pressure limit the 93 and 95 action are safe to use. Like other have said the 98 action is stronger and has a better venting system then the other action. The 257 Robert is base on the 7MM round neck down.

[bruce drake]

I like the cartridge so much I converted a M1 Garand to that caliber! Unfortunately, I've only loaded jacketed cartridges for the rifle so I can't provide any guidance on cast loads but the Hornady 139gr and their 154gr bullets are awesome performers out to 300 yards.

[JHeath]

You are looking for either an FN-made Venezuelan contract 98 Mauser (often called a 24/30) or a DWM made 1908 Brazilian 98 Mauser. I read that the DWM 1908s are the best quality action of any military Mauser 98. But the FN Venezuelans are also a very good choice. BTW milsurp 7x57 grooves are deep, like .287 or more, unlike U.S. civilian .284.

[Bad Ass Wallace]

I have a 7x57 Improved 28 deg that shoots the 145gn RCBS boolit very well as this 10 shot at 100yds indicates!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v152/BAWallace/7mm10Shot_zps5858b72b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BAWallace/media/7mm10Shot_zps5858b72b.jpg.html)

[Ray1946]

Last week at the gun show(OGCA) I saw about a dozen 7mm Mausers that ranged in price from $250.00 to $475.00. The choices were pretty much split between the 1908 Brazilian and the 1912(Steyr) Chilean. I ran across a beautiful Brazilian, but couldn't get the guy to budge below $400.00. Also saw a 1912/61 Chilean short rifle that had been rebarreled or rebored to 7.62 NATO, the bore in this looked like new.

When ever I have thoughts of another rifle, I carry my trusty Parker-Hale plastic coated rod with me. If your going to shoot cast, you need a NICE bore!........

[tim338]

My all time favorite catridge. I have a Model 70 lightweight in 7x57. I bought it when I was 17 it was my first bolt action rifle.

[Huffmanite]

I too, would recommend the model 1908 Brazil 98 DMW action mauser. Had one I bought off a gent for very very little money. Shot it maybe a couple of times before putting it in a cabinet where it stayed for a few years unfired. Then a shooting buddy needed a surplus military rifle to use in our private range's monthly military rifle competition. I owed him a favor, so gave him the rifle. I had a fair number of surplus rifles I could use in the competition. The guy has some darn nice and pricey benchrest shooting rifles. He came to really like the 7x57 cartridge Brazil and he showed me a target one day he'd shot with a load he'd developed for it. LOL, if I'd known how well the Brazil 1908 could shoot, I sure wouldn't have given it to him.

If you can find one in decent condition....which I seriously doubt, a model 1936 Mexican 7x57. Price, just the action of the hard to find 1936 Mexican is probably over $400 plus.

[Ray1946]

They are still out there! You might have to look high and low for a while, but there are plenty of them around. The big deal if you are a lead shooter is the bore has to be REAL CLEAN and the only way you know this is to carry a cleaning rod with you. If the person selling that "jewel of the Amazon" won't allow you to push a patch thru the bore, thank them for there time and move on down the isle. The worst thing you can do is drag home a rifle with a badly pitted bore.......................

[sghart3578]

Why no love for the BRNO VZ24 rifles?

I consider them to be the apex of military mauser manufacture, and I am not alone.

The Czechs know their stuff.

[waksupi]

Why no love for the BRNO VZ24 rifles?

I consider them to be the apex of military mauser manufacture, and I am not alone.

The Czechs no their stuff.

I agree they are a good rifle. I built one custom on the action, and have one still in military dress. The custom will do one hole if you can hold it. The military will do under 2" at a hundred yards. Not bad for an old rifle, iron sights, and old eyes.

[JHeath]

Why no love for the BRNO VZ24 rifles?

I consider them to be the apex of military mauser manufacture, and I am not alone.

The Czechs no their stuff.

How many 7mm vz24s were made, and how many imported to the U.S.? Seems to be limited to a small batch barreled for revolutionaries, then intercepted by Brazilian authorities.

[sghart3578]

How many 7mm vz24s were made, and how many imported to the U.S.? Seems to be limited to a small batch barreled for revolutionaries, then intercepted by Brazilian authorities.

That I couldn't tell you. I found mine in a 55 gallon drum of 8mm Mausers in a gun shop in 1989.

The owner actually said to me "You don't want that one, it's only a 7MM." I bought it because it was 50% cheaper than the others.

Go figure.


Steve in N CA

[dh2]

My 7mm Mauser is in a 95 Mauser that has become my son's youth rifle, I have 98 Mausers in many other calibers that are much higher pressure than the 7 mm Mauser, the 7mm Mauser is cheaper to find in the small ring Mauser 95 and 93 the large ring 98 will bring a bigger price

[Huffmanite]

I replied 8 days ago on a military 7x57 rifle to buy. Neglected to mention the 7x57 1895 Chile small ring mauser which should be relatively easy to find. They are nicely made.

FWIW, if you just want a 7x57 rifle, find a cheapo/well used/Stevens 200 long action or whatever cheap rifle using the Savage barrel nut system and buy a new Savage replacement barrel for it chambered in 7x57. I did this with a Marlin X rifle (savage barrel nut system) and had a Ruger 77 tang safety rebarrel to 7x57.....needless to say, I enjoy shooting the old 7x57 cartridge. And being both are on commercial/modern actions, don't need to worry much about MAX load data usually furnished for the 7x57, as the data is based on the pressures the older 93/95 could withstand.

Check alliant site for load data for the 6.5x55 swede cartridge. Shows military action rifles (the small ring 94/96/38 military small ring actions) and commercial action rifles. What is a max load in the Swedish military action, is the start load for the commercial action rifles.

Now that I mentioned the 6.5x55 Swede, realized it too is one heck of a nice, mild recoil cartridge that often described as "inherently accurate"....own several rifles in this cartridge. Swedish military rifles are fairly common and should be easy to find. Also, Swedes took good care of their rifles and when sold as surplus in the U.S., were in darn nice condition.

We shoot a military rifle competition at range I'm a member. I'm supposedly some kind of expert on military rifles. While I know a fair amount about surplus bolt action military rifles, I'm hardly an expert. But, when some member asks my opinion on what old surplus military rifle (has to be a rifle adopted and in use by any country, 1954 or earlier) to buy to be able to participate in our competition, the 96 or M38 Swede in 6.5x55 is one of just a few rifles I'll recommend.

[7s&8s]

There are numerous 98's in 7x57. In addition to the Brazilian 1908 (DWM and Oberndorf) long and short rifles, Chileno 1912 Steyr long and short rifles(also Guatemala), Brazilian BRNO VZ24 short rifles, Venezuelan FN 24/30 short rifles and carbines, and Mexican 1936 short rifle, there are quite a few others that also rank.

Brazilian 1935 (Oberndorf) long rifles are the finest shooters in the group IMO. Also the Brazilian & Chileno 1935 (Oberndorf) short rifles, Mexican 1910 (Mexico) long rifles, Mexican 1924 (FN) rifles and carbines, and the Brazilian 1922 (FN) carbine. There are also many others, not listed, that are less frequently seen.

Any of those listed above, in good condition, suit the bill. All were made at the peak of "pride in craftsmanship" era from 1900-1940. Never again will we see craftsmanship like this in "mass production"! We've become too tolerant!

European bore size during this time, as mentioned runs .287; and NOE, last I looked had a couple choices in heavier molds (168-170) range. The remade RCBS 168 is my all time favorite for these rifles.

Best Regards,
Tom

[UBER7MM]

....A Mauser 7x57 and Lee Speed styled sporting 303 has to be two of the all time greats that have killed more game worldwide than about any other two cartridges.

I'd venture to say the the 7.62x39 is catching up. Man's got to feed his family and the AK is prevalent throughout the world.

[UBER7MM]

... Any of those listed above, in good condition, suit the bill. All were made at the peak of "pride in craftsmanship" era from 1900-1940. Never again will we see craftsmanship like this in "mass production"! We've become too tolerant!

Truth! Those rifles showed some real craftsmanship. No "Tupperware" stocks nor spot welds on sheet metal stamping on some military weapons like today...

[gwpercle]

I have a Model 95 mauser 7x57 , picked up in , at all places Montgomery Wards, I sporterized it and hunted deer with Remington factory loads , 175 RN loads. Then I started casting, Lyman #287641, 160 grain with a gas check, and because of the long throat, it will handle long heavy cast boolits with the base set at the neck-shoulder junction. I don't like to seat the boolit base past the neck , and they will fit into and feed from the magazine. 14.0 grains of Unique would get 1600 fps and was as accurate as I could shoot with iron sights. The first three shot group , off hand, and it was getting dark, at 50 yds. , could be covered with a quarter (two shots touched , the third was 1/4" from the first two ) and it was to point of aim ! Yowzer.....That was "THE LOAD " for that rifle. I still got it too.
Gary

[UBER7MM]

I have a Model 95 mauser 7x57 , picked up in , at all places Montgomery Wards, I sporterized it and hunted deer with Remington factory loads , 175 RN loads. Then I started casting, Lyman #287641, 160 grain with a gas check, and because of the long throat, it will handle long heavy cast boolits with the base set at the neck-shoulder junction. I don't like to seat the boolit base past the neck , and they will fit into and feed from the magazine. 14.0 grains of Unique would get 1600 fps and was as accurate as I could shoot with iron sights. The first three shot group , off hand, and it was getting dark, at 50 yds. , could be covered with a quarter (two shots touched , the third was 1/4" from the first two ) and it was to point of aim ! Yowzer.....That was "THE LOAD " for that rifle. I still got it too.
Gary

Can't beat that kind of accuracy. You found the sweet spot! Joy

[Blackknight]

Has anyone experienced bolt lug cracks at the split lug on the Model 95 bolt? I had two, the one numbered to the rifle (excellent condition) and after ordering a replacement from a supply source that one also cracked in the same manner. These cracks were confirmed by a Magnaflux inspection. The rifle was only used with moderate cast boolet loads. The Boers experenced the same thing and attributed it to short necked cases that jugged up in the space between the end of the case and start of the rifleing.

[MarkP]

One that has not been mentioned; Remington rolling block in 7 Mauser. The last time I shot it I had a blast shooting at frozen buffalo chips offhand between 200 & 300 yds.

[MtGun44]

I have a number of different rifles in this caliber. Started out with a friend's Rem RB in the 60s, accurate an fast loading.
Bought a 95 Chilean that I still have in NRA Excellent condition for $36...pre 68 GCA, shipped it to my door when I was
17. Back when we were actually free rather than just a BS claim.

Bought a Ruger M77 in 1977, have hunted many places with it killed deer, elk, kudu, gemsbok, blesbok, impala and more
with it.

Several other milsurps, all good shooters except one VZ24 which I have not fully cleaned the bore, and it may yet start
to shoot. Got my own Rem RB years later and it shoots well, too. A mild load of 4064 will group 175 JRN Hornadys (no
longer cataloged!!!!!! - but I have a large stockpile) into 1" at 100 yds if your eyes are up to it.

Great cartridge, kills out of proportion with it's paper ballistics. A friend took her Ruger 77 to Africa with my 175 JRN loads
and killed all her six animals with one shot each. They were calling her "sniper Granny" by the third animal.

Bill

[Petrol & Powder]

Well just an update to this thread, I found a Brazilian 1908 DWM chambered in 7 x 57. It's all there, the bolt matches the receiver serial number and the bore doesn't look bad. It had the typical rust under the hand guard but nothing extreme. It is a short rifle with a 22" barrel and the turned down bolt handle but it is not one of the later carbines. It's original and hasn't been cut down. Seems to be a bit unusual for the Brazilian contract rifles.

I'm going to clean it up a bit and start working on a load for it. I'd like to find something in the 140-150 grain weight range that will work with IMR4895.

[Combat Diver]

I started with a 93 Mauser for my first 7x57 (BIL has it now), then got a FN-made Venezuelan SAFN (FN49) semi auto. Would turn the gas plug 180 degrees around to shut the gas off (grenade feature) and use it as a straight pull so not to chase my brass. When I got the FN it wore a Fajen sporter stock and I go a B Square scope mount and mounted a Leopuld M8 fixed 3x. Just was never in the right spot while deer hunting with it before I sold it. I do have a preWWII Czech BRNO 98 action that I've been wanting to build a 9.3x62 on but might do a 7x57 instead.


CD

[Petrol & Powder]

Got a small handful of rounds through the Mauser today. With S&B factory cartridges loaded with 173 grain bullets it looks like it's going to be a decent rifle. The trigger is your typical 100 + year old military two stage unit and the sights leave a lot to be desired but everything works.

I've got some choices ahead of me but I think it's going to be a good foundation for the little bit of money I have in it.

[Petrol & Powder]

Anyone have suggestions for 7mm Mauser loads in a 1908 DWM ?