95 Mauser...........35X57

[hpdrifter]

I have an old 95 mauser. I know it's not wise to shoot hi pressure loads out of it and is not a desirable action, but it is mine. Had it quite a while, but just can't get it to shoot very good.

It's a 7X57 as of now with a cut off barrel, I believe 18". The rifling is washed out. Won't hold a group for heck.

Am entertaining the idea of sending to Jesse and having it rebored to 9or .35 cal for .358X57. Barrel is .639 at muzzle.

Minus .258 yields .281; 0.140 wall thickness, providing concentric. From what little I have read, that is enough wall thickness. Correct me if wrong.

Not wanting an elephant rifle, just to make use of this old rifle, even if loading is low pressure .35 caliber rounds........200 grain pill at 17-1800 fps. Boolit and condom projectiles. Just emulating the .35 Rem.

If, IF, all this is doable, safely, where would one obtain the correct dies?

Just use a bored out 7X57 full length sizer, to bypass necking down to 358 neck size, then neck it with a Rem 35 die?

Or is all of this just wishful thinking. Just wanting to make this rifle usable again.

PS, I did some searching and all the posts I found the op already had some dies, albeit, not .35X57 dies. They spoke of using a mix of dies as I asked, that's where I got this question. I didn't see a direct answer. Just some speculation.

Am inexperienced at wildcatting and rifle witchery. I think this (.35X57) is a fairly common combination...........in the rifle re-boring world.........right or wrong?

[bouncer50]

You have to look at the cost to rebore. And custom dies to neck up 7mm to 35 caliber. You might want to look at the 358 winchester it a neck up 308 common brass to make ammo from it 7.62 by 51. But you have to lower the pressure down to 7mm spec to be safe. Cheapest is to get a 7mm barrel or a 6.5 swede barrel both are a great rounds.

[map55b]

I'd do 358 Winchester too and I'd simply use a new barrel. Frank De Haas said the 93-96 are strong enough, but have poor gas handling. I address this by drilling though the left side of the receiver ring and bolt, just like the later Spanish, drilling another hole in the bolt just forward of the extractor collar, just the Swedish. If there isn't a thumb cut, I mill a slot just though the bolt rail so the gases could go up and use an FN style bolt shroud. I have a 94 done this was in 308 and its works just fine.

[Wayne Smith]

9x57 and 9.3x57 are both standard Mauser cartridges. Why re-invent the wheel?

[seaboltm]

9x57 and 9.3x57 are both standard Mauser cartridges. Why re-invent the wheel?

Right on target. Neither should cause pressure concerns. Factory brass is available. Simple.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

I'll give you my best advice. Don't do it. Unless, of course, money is no object. But, if money is no object, then why not buy a new rifle that is exactly what you want? The best thing you could do with your old '95, if you are sentimentally and financially attached to it, would be to simply re-barrel with a new barrel in the desired caliber. For me, there is no doubt about what that desired caliber would be, which is the original 7x57mm. I'd get one that was 22 or 24 inches in length to let it develop a bit of velocity. The 7x57mm is one of the very best cartridges ever designed. Accurate, low recoil, very effective. With a little knowledge acquired by reading, and a few tools, most of which you can rent, you could even do the job yourself, using a short chambered barrel. But, if you choose to take it to a gunsmith and go with your original plan of re-boring, he'll likely take the barrel off anyway to do the job and could just as easily screw a new one on. Labor is labor, so the cost there would be about the same, and I'll bet that the re-boring job vs. the cost of a new barrel is also just about a wash. Then, there's the cost of custom dies for a true wildcat, or the messing around with several dies which will cost several prices, or even the cost of semi-custom special order only dies for some of the more unusual cartridges suggested. Add that to the boring job and you could probably buy that new rifle. The '95 is a great old gun, and the 7x57mm is a great cartridge. Stick with a winner. My best advice.

[OnHoPr]

I have thought about the same. A 9.3 for a more effective deer cast boolit cartridge always rolls around in my noodle. That would keep the die cost down with less problems reforming cases. It would be a good decent rifle for hunting. You would have a fresh bore of your twist. With that action you would still have to tame the 275 Rigby in all earnest. Depends on if you like the vintage guns while your sitting in the woods or a new rifle.

[Greg]

ch4d has 9x57 dies.

have exactly what 'you' want. do/did you work for a living ?

of course the factories makes cookie cutter rifles all day.

[RustyReel]

If you HAVE to keep the '95 then I agree with Der G.... My advice would be to sell it (or it's parts), add that hundred bucks or so to the money you were going to spend on a rebore, custom dies, etc and buy yourself a decent rifle. If you like the X57 case then Simpson's (and probably others) have decent shooter grade rifles in those calibers.

[hpdrifter]

That's just it, I don't care much for 7mm. I like bigger bores. If I were going to re-barrel, I might go with 257Bob tho.

9mmX57, can you shoot .358 pistol boolits in it? .357 jacketed? All the bullets available for .358 calibers?

with the re-bore, it'd be sent to Jess and be done, I think. Maybe I'm wrong on that.
All I'd have to worry about is dies.

Really don't want a new rifle either. Bolt guns don't really do much for me. Got plenty, unless I could swing a couple of quality single shots.

[hpdrifter]

I'd do 358 Winchester too and I'd simply use a new barrel. Frank De Haas said the 93-96 are strong enough, but have poor gas handling. I address this by drilling though the left side of the receiver ring and bolt, just like the later Spanish,

176522176523176524

Like the second picture?

[nekshot]

I have my share of mausers and the 95 is a love hate action. Love the weight and hate the function(compared to a 98). I would put a barrel from midway on it regardless of the caliber available and be satisfied. I felt the only reason for me to put effort into mine was for a light weight gun. Mine is in 300 savage and weighs 6 and 1/2 pounds and I like it. I would never pay anyone to work on mine because it is not worth it when done.

[725]

I'd throw a new 7 x57 barrel on it. That's me. You already have the dies, it really is a great cartridge, and can be loaded down to safe pressures quite easily. I bought a new barrel for mine for $15 at a gun show and put it on myself. Shoots great with oversized cast. If you have the bug to tinker, well, that's something else altogether. Rehabing & tinkering are both worthy goals.

[dubber123]

I don't think you will find JES willing to rebore military rifles any more. That was what the told me when I asked.

[MT Gianni]

I don't think you will find JES willing to rebore military rifles any more. That was what the told me when I asked.
There is another outfit that does military rifles and says figure on a 50% loss. If you are one of the 50% you get a discount on a new bbl.

[Earlwb]

Since you need a new barrel, I would likely get it rechambered for .35 Remington. No sense trying to reinvent the wheel there. I think that the cartridge would still fit the bolt face Ok even if it is slightly smaller in width. Of course the .358 Winchester is a good choice too. Plus it would fit the bolt face nicely.

[map55b]

Thought I'd share how I modify these old actions so they handle gases better. Again, I didn't create any of these concepts, the armory's that build Mausers did these things over the years, I simply retrofitted them to this action. Oh and I don't to any of this because it make economical sense, its just fun. This one will be in 35 Remington when done. Barrel fitting will hopefully happen tomorrow and I have a hinged floor plate for it too.

(http://<a href=&quot;http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;><img src=&quot;http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot; photo IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot;/></a>)http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/497198a0-c25f-451f-aeee-8b53623b7dfd_zpsq4quwlb5.jpg (http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/497198a0-c25f-451f-aeee-8b53623b7dfd_zpsq4quwlb5.jpg.html)

http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/4d76de85-01e1-40a7-99e4-53db6ef7d646_zpsffmvcxdt.jpg (http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/4d76de85-01e1-40a7-99e4-53db6ef7d646_zpsffmvcxdt.jpg.html)

(http://<a href=&quot;http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;><img src=&quot;http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot; photo IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot;/></a>)http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg (http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg.html)

(http://<a href=&quot;http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;><img src=&quot;http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot; photo IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot;/></a>)I think they look rather spiffy when done. This one is also drilled and taped for scope mounts, receiver sights and converted to cock on open. All just because... :)

http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/7a1c36cc-e495-43fd-afae-48a620a2d254_zps02xowxs7.jpg (http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/7a1c36cc-e495-43fd-afae-48a620a2d254_zps02xowxs7.jpg.html)

[Texas by God]

Thought I'd share how I modify these old actions so they handle gases better. Again, I didn't create any of these concepts, the armory's that build Mausers did these things over the years, I simply retrofitted them to this action. Oh and I don't to any of this because it make economical sense, its just fun. This one will be in 35 Remington when done. Barrel fitting will hopefully happen tomorrow and I have a hinged floor plate for it too.

(http://<a href=&quot;http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;><img src=&quot;http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot; photo IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot;/></a>)http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/497198a0-c25f-451f-aeee-8b53623b7dfd_zpsq4quwlb5.jpg (http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/497198a0-c25f-451f-aeee-8b53623b7dfd_zpsq4quwlb5.jpg.html)

http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/4d76de85-01e1-40a7-99e4-53db6ef7d646_zpsffmvcxdt.jpg (http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/4d76de85-01e1-40a7-99e4-53db6ef7d646_zpsffmvcxdt.jpg.html)

(http://<a href=&quot;http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;><img src=&quot;http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot; photo IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot;/></a>)http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg (http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg.html)

(http://<a href=&quot;http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;><img src=&quot;http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot; photo IMG_3790_zps5tju6fu6.jpg&quot;/></a>)I think they look rather spiffy when done. This one is also drilled and taped for scope mounts, receiver sights and converted to cock on open. All just because... :)

http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/7a1c36cc-e495-43fd-afae-48a620a2d254_zps02xowxs7.jpg (http://s1172.photobucket.com/user/map55b1/media/7a1c36cc-e495-43fd-afae-48a620a2d254_zps02xowxs7.jpg.html)
Outstanding. I want to see the finished rifle!

[Texas by God]

176522176523176524

Like the second picture?
If JES won't work on it get a .35 rem Midway/Brownells barrel and fit it yourself. If you can get the .35x57 to happen- you can load them (neck size) with .358 win dies. Go for it and report your progress please. Best, Thomas.

[Deep Six]

You all realize that Midway has Hornady 9.3x57 dies in stock right now for $45, right? A simple rebore, off the shelf dies, and just neck up 8x57 brass. Don't get much easier than that.....

[Wayne Smith]

You all realize that Midway has Hornady 9.3x57 dies in stock right now for $45, right? A simple rebore, off the shelf dies, and just neck up 8x57 brass. Don't get much easier than that.....

I'm doing exactly that but with a Husky that was originally 9.3x57. I'm surprised how well it is shooting condom boolits.

[Texas by God]

I'm not sure the 9x57 uses .358" bullets like the OP wants to use. I've often considered a .30x 57, a .338x57, and a .35 x 57 to be good wildcat ideas because they would fit the 98 action perfectly. The 9.3 is difficult to find moulds for.

[Deep Six]

That's another sentiment that I don't particularly understand: "difficult to find molds for". With both Accurate and Mountain Molds, you can pretty much have just about any bullet mold you can dream up, in your choice of material, in just 2-3 weeks straight to your door. These really are great times that we live in.

[Texas by God]

That's another sentiment that I don't particularly understand: "difficult to find molds for". With both Accurate and Mountain Molds, you can pretty much have just about any bullet mold you can dream up, in your choice of material, in just 2-3 weeks straight to your door. These really are great times that we live in.

I should have specified non custom moulds like Lyman, RCBS, Lee etc. Are Accurate and Mountain Molds expensive?

[Deep Six]

A 2 cavity aluminum full custom runs about $90 at either one. The 5 cavity iron mold from Accurate is around $200 I think. I consider them to be equal price compared to a Lyman or RCBS and you get a full custom design rather than a catalog design with one size fits all dimensions.

Lee certainly has its place in the market but if a caster has extra cash to spend on a mold or two, I highly recommend the custom route. It's almost as much fun as buying another gun!

[Mr Humble]

I'll admit I love unscrewed with 96 Swedes BUT I can't see any reason to mess with a 93 or 95 .... it's money down a rathole. There are tons of sporterized 98s out there for less than this project would cost. 8X57 is a great CB and jkt cartridge. Brass is easy and Lee makes dies.

Never understood this light rifle thing. Hard to shoot well. Most of us could easily lose the 2 pounds we might save with a light rifle.

But then again , people pour huge money into Mosins.......

[hpdrifter]

Well, since JES doesn't like to do military barrels any longer, I suppose I'll just throw it back in the closet and clean it every 4 or 5 months.

Thanks for all the input.

[Texas by God]

Thanks for the info Deep Six. I will look into them. Best, Thomas.
So- hpdrifter: is the 95 Mauser for sale? Is it the one in the pictures?

[hpdrifter]

Thanks for the info Deep Six. I will look into them. Best, Thomas.
So- hpdrifter: is the 95 Mauser for sale? Is it the one in the pictures?

Hadn't really thought about it. Guess it could be. It's the one in the pictures.

[flounderman]

It costs more to rebore than to buy a new cheap barrel. There was some new cheap military small rings available and they would be the cheapest option. Otherwise a cheap new barrel and install it yourself. The 358, loaded down to a sensible level has the cheapest dies and brass available. If you are shooting lead, you are not loading high pressure, loads. Stick with standard calibers.

[hpdrifter]

It costs more to rebore than to buy a new cheap barrel. .....

Then you need gauges, if it doesn't line up correctly you're stuck for more $, probably buying a "short" chamber and have to rent reamer.

Just too much variable there for me.

[Texas by God]

Any identifying markings left on it? Lowe or DWM?

[hpdrifter]

Ovieda??

[Texas by God]

That is a 93 made in Spain. Thanks for the reply.

[hpdrifter]

my mistake. I looked it up according to some instructions years ago...........musta followed the instructions wrong.

[Texas by God]

A sure way to determine if a Mauser is an 1893 model is to look at the bolt face. Flat bottom on 93s and round bottom on 94,95,&96 Mausers. I think. Best, Thomas.

[justashooter]

Simpsons has 96 swede action based commercial rifles in 9.3X57 in restorable condition for about $250. sourcing commercial .366 bullets can be problematic.

[Wayne Smith]

Graffs carries the PPY bullet.

[leadman]

The 95 bolt fits and works fine in the 93 so the majority of the time you will be able to tell by the bolt, but not always. The are some cheap barrels on Gunbroker (I think) in calibers that Midway no longer carries for the small rings. About $125 IIRC.
I do find that the 8mm seems to be a little easier to get very good accuracy from cast in as compared to the 7 X 57. I have both but it could just be my guns. My worst cast boolit shooter is my 28" Encore Pro Hunter in 7mm RM. It does shoot extremely well with jacketed though.

[Safeshot]

Before you spend a lot of money and time you might try some "modified" reloads in the original 7 MM Mauser caliber. You might try the longest heaviest jacketed bullet you can find (such as the Privi-Partisan jacketed bullets from Grafs) loaded to the longest overall length that will feed through the magazine and chamber. Another approach would be the longest heaviest (and largest diameter) cast bullet (with a gas check) loaded with a good bullet lube and to the longest overall length that will feed through the magazine and chamber in the rifle. Some of those old 7mm Mauser caliber rifles have worn, oversize bores that may still give reasonable accuracy with "larger diameter" heaver bullets.

[dogmower]

Roger what someone else said about C4HD. If you can think of it, they can make it. I was looking for a 43 Beaumont size die. Called them expecting a long wait. Uh-uh, had it in stock and got it shipped from OH to AZ in about 3 days.
Their dies aren't cheap, but you get what you pay for.

[30calflash]

Not sure if they are still available but Brownell's had 35 Rem and other lower pressure sporter barrels for the non 98 Mauser actions.

You seem warm on the 358 bore, 35 rem would do it, Grumpa here on the forum has brass. You could shoot handgun projectiles, cast, et al. Hunting, paper puncher, dirt clod buster, can do it all.

[MostlyLeverGuns]

E. R. Shaw has threaded and chambered barrels also,along with Brownwll's, MidwayUSA might also, .35 Remington would probably be best (safest). I Built a .243 'short' on a 93 Mauser with a Shaw barrel, it shot 3/4 inch groups long ago. I headspaced so that commercial .243 Win would not chamber. Shortened a Resizer to work. For safety, this can be done with many calibers. New barrel from Shaw would cost less than a rebore.