Barrel nut on SR Mauser

[Texas by God]

I'm going to turn down and re- thread a large ring Mauser barrel to small ring. What do you folks think about doing it the Savage barrel nut method? I'm planning to convert a 93 action to 30-30 using a 98 7.62x39 barrel. I realize I have to cut off the rear for the chambering to be correct.

[leadman]

The barrel nut is in use on the kits that Rhineland Arms sells for SR Mausers. You may find it very difficult to get the 30-30 to feed in a sr Mauser. The feed guides are machined into the base of the receiver and would have to be modified. Also a rimmed cartridge in a Mauser takes a slanted magazine. I rebarreled a 93 to 7.62X39 and even with the Numrich kit it did not want to feed well at all. I did shoot it and it was good with American made factory and my reloads, but the steel case cartridges had a very wide velocity range. I was using a Chrony to measure velocity and the last 7.62X39 I fired in it locked up the bolt. Velocity was about 2,600 fps, almost 300 fps faster than the other 4 cartridges fired. I used a hammer at home to open the bolt and the case showed extreme pressure signs. I rebarreled it to 7X57 and all is well now.

[Moleman-]

I've done it for other actions but it ends up being more work than just cutting a traditional stub and chambering it. Only reason I did it was there wasn't enough diameter for a torque shoulder on the barrel blank. Worked fine though.

[Texas by God]

Thanks for the replies. Leadman- this barrel is from a Numrich kit. I had it on a 98 and you are right it didn't feed well. No pressure problems but the feeding issue was a deal breaker. I' ve cycled 30-30s thru the mag and it works- but I'll bet I'll only get by loading 2 or 3 in the mag-no biggy. Best, Thomas.

[HollowPoint]

I've re-barreled my Lee Enfield and my Swiss K31 using the Savage barrel nut method and both turned out surprisingly well for me. Both rifles feed and eject as they should.

The reason I decided to use the Barrel Nut method was because at the time I did the re-barreling jobs I had no hands on experience in re-barreling anything. The Savage Barrel Nut method made it easy for me to adjust the head-spacing involved in the re-barreling of the cartridges I was working with. On the Enfield I went from the rimmed factory 303 case to a rimmed 30-303; basically the same cartridge utilizing a 308 bore barrel. On the K31 I went from the factory 7.5x55 Swiss to the 6.5x55 Swede.

In both cases, the Savage barrel nut method helped simplify things for this novice do-it-yourselfer.

HollowPoint

[Texas by God]

Thank you all. I'll decide what route to take once I get started. The 30-30 is one of my favorite cartridges of all. Just the right amount of power for deer and hogs. I love my 1954 Winchester but a light bolt action will be fun and hopefully more accurate. Best, Thomas.

[leadman]

If you have a lathe you could turn down the 30-30 case rims to to fit the bolt face and it might help with feeding also. If the standard 30-30 doesn't feed well rechamber it for the 30-30 Ackley Improved. This straightens out the long shoulder and gives the case a 40 degree shoulder close to the neck end. I have a Contender in the 30-30AI if you need to try a case in your rifle.

[Texas by God]

Thanks leadman. I'll be able to tell more when the 7mm barrel is off. I know I'll have to relieve the bolt face nub opposite of the extractor a bit as well as polish a bit off the extractor claw for rim clearance. I prefer to use normal 30-30 chamber but I see your point with the Ackley suggestion. Best, Thomas.

[Texas by God]

After 90 years of marriage, I force divorced the action & barrel tonight. It took my home made action wrench with a copper spacer for the SR action, a relief cut at the bbl shoulder, 14"pipe wrench & 1-1/2" x 60" cheater. Made a definite POP when it broke free. All is well! Oh yes it soaked in PB blast for a week before. It reminded me of a P14 and a 38 Arisaka that took similar measures. 98 Mausers are much easier IMO. Best, Thomas.

[Texas by God]

Both barrels and the receiver are at the machine shop. I did not detect any bolt setback on the locking abutments in the receiver. I will lap the lugs to 100% contact while it's handy.

[leadman]

You may want to check the last 1" of the bore of the barrel for and enlarged bore area. I had bought my 7.62X39 barrel from Numrich also. When I slugged it prior to installing it I found a loose spot just before the muzzle. I sent it back to Numrich and they sent me another barrel, had the same issue. I spoke with a gunsmith/friend that worked for Broughton barrels. He lapped and rifled them and said this is from the button moving as the guide leaves the barrel. He said it is normal to have to cut and inch off the ends because of this.
The bolt locking lugs should be lapped before chambering the barrel as it can affect the headspace.

[Texas by God]

The plan is to get it all back then lap the action before I rent the chamber reamer. Thanks leadman!

[Texas by God]

I modified the bolt face today and the 30-30 rim fits securely under the claw now. I think/hope it's going to work. I will check the bore by slugging. I think I did before when I did the 98/7.62x39- but I don't recall. Stay tuned.

[Texas by God]

My barrel is back and threaded perfectly. I'm going to lap the action lugs using home made tooling then after Christmas rent the 30-30 chamber reamer. I also need to add a stop on the rear top of the follower to keep the rim of the cartridge from dropping dwn behind the follower. Maybe a weld but probably D&T a screw will be simpler. The barrel has enough shoulder so I won't use a barrel nut. Best, Thomas.

[Texas by God]

The lugs lapped in nicely. It went from about 50% to 90% where I stopped. Baby steps.

[SierraHunter]

I have a theory that the Savage barrel nut helps to line the barrel up truer to the reciever helping with accuracy. I've never had a gun with a barrel nut that did not shoot good.

I have plans to build a left handed 788 in 6.5 creedmoor with a barrel nut in the somewhat near future.

[Texas by God]

I have a theory that the Savage barrel nut helps to line the barrel up truer to the reciever helping with accuracy. I've never had a gun with a barrel nut that did not shoot good.

I have plans to build a left handed 788 in 6.5 creedmoor with a barrel nut in the somewhat near future.

That will be a neat rifle. Is the donor a 6mm or.308?

[SierraHunter]

That will be a neat rifle. Is the donor a 6mm or.308?

I don't actually have a donor rifle yet so which ever I find cheaper.

[Texas by God]

I saw a lefty 788 at a gun show with an ugly home made "benchrest" stock for $150. I still don't know why I didn't buy it. It had a 6mm Shilen heavy barrel and a Canjar set trigger. It was Acraglassed in the stock. I think I was put off by the amount of work I would have to do to make it useful to me. I'm severely right handed but I think left hand guns are cool. Best, Thomas.

[Texas by God]

I have sent off rental funds for the reamer. I'm taking cell phone photos along the way-I'll post them if possible when I can. A "false spring" project- 80degrees here lately! Best, Thomas.

[Texas by God]

Today is chambering day.

[tomme boy]

Did you have a nut made? Or did you make it? I am sure you trued up the front of the receiver so nut will seat square?

[Texas by God]

I went conventional. And yes I did square the action face. I test fired a round this morning and all seems well. I did have to open the bolt face a bit. Now comes extractor mods and inletting the stock for the new barrel. I welcome tips and suggestions. Best, Thomas.

[Texas by God]

It's feeding but needs more smoothing out. Now I'm fitting the barrel channel. Having to remove Acraglas sucks. But I'll put some back in. Best, Thomas.

[Texas by God]

A blind hog found an acorn. I put the stock on with only action bedding to try it out today. The only scope I had to use is an old Chinese NC Star 3x9 that I knew to work. For ammo I had Rem 150gr CorLokt and reloads with 170gr Silvertips. I was encouraged by the 40 yd groups and the first group @100yds with the Silvertips was 3 touching shots. Feeding is great with the Rem ammo with it's pointier bullet. The flat point ST had a hiccup or two- I need more feed ramp work.
To sum up the action mods: install stop screw on magazine follower to limit rearward travel of the case rim. Enlarge bolt face to allow for the larger diameter rim. Remove sharp bottom corner and bevel edge of extractor; file away slightly the back side of the extractor claw. Grind & polish the feed ramp. It works best if you only load three rounds in the mag. Now it's time to glass bed the chamber area, polish & blue or brown the metal, touch up the stock, and locate the correct scope for it. I'm thinking vintage Weaver k4 or K6. If I ever figure out how to post pics I will! Best, Thomas.

[wmitty]

Thanks for posting! I checked my M 93 and was surprised to find it would feed .30-30 rounds from the magazine. I'm on the lookout for a .30 cal barrel to fit to the action and chamber in .30-30. Looks like the grinding on the extractor will be the most critical work; I think I've got an extra somewhere if I mess the first one up.

[Texas by God]

I feel the stop screw is critical on mine because the rim on the first round would fall off the back end of the follower without it. Please PM if you have questions along the way.
Best, Thomas.

[hpdrifter]

I think I want my mauser back!!!!:D

Good read and hope it shoots good for you.

I'd love to have a 30-30 rolling block. 30-30 is a perfect deer gun. Perfect cartridge except for maybe the weak brass.

[Texas by God]

I love my 94 Win 30-30 but it's a 4moa gun. This bolt action is going to be great. I can work on "accuracy loads"!
And sorry Rick-it's staying on this side of the river. Best, Thomas.

[Budzilla 19]

I came upon this thread while looking around the forum. If you guys are rebarreling these sr mausers, here is a source for barrels for a good price! IT&D Custom guns in Minerva,
Ohio has takeoff barrels for sale! Example, I bought a new unfired Remington 700 Sendero barrel in .308 Win. for $98 delivered! There are other brands available. You can buy factory contour (non varmint style )barrels for Rem.for $45? IIRC . With the open sights on most of them! (Sights are worth that)Call them, ask what they have, I believe they will fix you guys up! Just my .02 ,good luck!

[hpdrifter]

I love my 94 Win 30-30 but it's a 4moa gun. This bolt action is going to be great. I can work on "accuracy loads"!
And sorry Rick-it's staying on this side of the river. Best, Thomas.

TbG, I hope the win 94 shootin so bad is with poor iron sights...I don't know what mine will do at 100 yards with the open sights(poor eyes), but at 50 they're pretty well touching

[Texas by God]

TbG, I hope the win 94 shootin so bad is with poor iron sights...I don't know what mine will do at 100 yards with the open sights(poor eyes), but at 50 they're pretty well touching
Rick-same with mine at 50. I have a Williams peep rear sight and I have done better than 4" @ 100 a few times but due to eyes I only hunt the brush for deer with it. With cast, it remains my #1 gun for calling turkeys. My Dad gave it to me a few years back- it's a 1954 model 94 Win. He bought it on layaway at Leonard's in the late 50's when he worked at General Dynamics.
Best,Thomas.

[hpdrifter]

Good............and bad. I was hoping it wasn't the rifle. bad part, it's the old eyes. I limit my open sights to about 75 for that reason.

[Texas by God]

I came upon this thread while looking around the forum. If you guys are rebarreling these sr mausers, here is a source for barrels for a good price! IT&D Custom guns in Minerva,
Ohio has takeoff barrels for sale! Example, I bought a new unfired Remington 700 Sendero barrel in .308 Win. for $98 delivered! There are other brands available. You can buy factory contour (non varmint style )barrels for Rem.for $45? IIRC . With the open sights on most of them! (Sights are worth that)Call them, ask what they have, I believe they will fix you guys up! Just my .02 ,good luck!

Budzilla- great point. Hard to beat a Remington barrel. At that price you've saved enough to pay for the re- threading. I would caution against .243/.308 in a SPANISH Mauser; BUT- a friend had a 91 Mauser with a Sako varmint barrel and a single shot conversion that he got in a trade. We tried to wear it out- we couldn't. It was a 22-250- no slouch in the pressure department!
Best, Thomas.

[Texas by God]

Finished bedding am touching up truoil on stock. I'm polishing the metal- leaning to Plum Brown. Polished the feed ramp. AND scored a Weaver K4-F with post reticle. All Right!

[Texas by God]

The stock and magazine are finished. In the middle of browning the barreled receiver. Don't you love the smell of sizzling acid?
Best, Thomas.

[Texas by God]

All done. I have pics that I can send if PM'd. Maybe someone can post them-I sure can't do it! It's far from perfect but looks okay I think. Time to start finding the CB load.
Best, Thomas.

[wmitty]

Which boolit do intend to use?

[Texas by God]

Which boolit do intend to use?
311291 NOE 169gr that .455webley provided. He sent plain base and gas check versions. Unique and 3031 will get the nod for powder. Pet loads appreciated if any of you have them for this boolit.

[pietro]

.

Posted for Texas by God: His /30-30 Mauser project



http://i.imgur.com/lxWfnRsl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mkRfxXLl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/CoFTgBvl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/vCHZXWPl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/RjIMvuql.jpg http://i.imgur.com/zu7VVS4l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MRzZkqkl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/3eZcOXrl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/aefedj5l.jpg http://i.imgur.com/SEMpmcUl.jpg

.

[Moleman-]

Looks great! Love making old mausers useful again.

[Texas by God]

Pietro- you are my hero. Thanks for posting the pics for me. As everyone can see I had blue paint on it for storage. In one pic you can see the remnant of the 7.62x39 chamber. I may be looking for a timney or such if it keeps shooting so well. The barrel didn't take the browning as well as the action but I'll redo that later. Right now I'm looking for my CB load; it shoots jackets great. Care is used loading the mag with three rounds only and it works fine. Thanks to all along the way. This dog can hunt!
Best, Thomas.

[map55b]

Very nice! I like your simple way of addressing the magazine box length. I'm planning on putting a 219 zipper in a 93, I may follow your lead.

[Texas by God]

One of those light bulb moments. Obviously for rimmed cartridges only. This was/is a fun project. Are the 93 actions Sarco is offering Spanish or German?

[map55b]

The ones that I received were all made by Oviedo. On another note, when I put a rimmed case in a box magazine, I like a hinged floor plate. In the event that someone loads it incorrectly its very easy to dump the cartridges and start over.

[Texas by God]

Been there a few times. It would be a hassle with a bullet tip release.

[map55b]

I have had about a dozen of the bullet tip release style buttons. I simply make new ones that stick out farther and checker them, so I can use a finger to operator them.

[Texas by God]

How's the Zipper going Map55b?

[map55b]

Haven't had much time to make chips lately. I did thread a Green Mountain 1" blank to .980x12 for a SMR and made a barrel nut. Should work just fine. Need to taper the barrel and get an action ready for it. I've got a few other things on the bench that should be finished first.

[Texas by God]

Please share your results.
Best, Thomas.

[Uncle Grinch]

Anyway we can get the pictures re-posted? Would love to see your results!

[Texas by God]

Uncle Grinch- Pietro posted those for me and I don't have the file anymore. If you PM me I can text cell phone pics. I'm way too dumb to post pics!
Best, Thomas.

[Texas by God]

I'm going to take it out of the stock and modify the military trigger and redo the browning on the barrel; and maybe slim the stock down somewhat. I'll probably add a 1/2" pad for security when it's leaning in the corner while I'm at it.

[Texas by God]

Update- it works!
Lee C309fp at 1800 fps over IMR 3031
Range 36 paces. Let's eat.
The Limbsaver is shoulder recovery mandated. This marked my last pull of that terrible original trigger. It now sports a Timney that gauges 3# so I'm happy.
I'm going to find an unaltered folower to try to get more OAL for pointy 150grs.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171113/521799791a2fabd13de767eeb37beb34.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I found an original unaltered follower from Numrich/GPC.
I will still need the "rim stop screw" but it will be installed farther back on this one.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171120/e51777f7352ad5b5f5ac31a377090933.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[vzerone]

Update- it works!
Lee C309fp at 1800 fps over IMR 3031
Range 36 paces. Let's eat.
The Limbsaver is shoulder recovery mandated. This marked my last pull of that terrible original trigger. It now sports a Timney that gauges 3# so I'm happy.
I'm going to find an unaltered folower to try to get more OAL for pointy 150grs.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171113/521799791a2fabd13de767eeb37beb34.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Hey, congraduations on the rifle and harvesting a deer with it.

[map55b]

Why not just weld in a little shelf in the back to keep the rims from slipping over the back? Something like this poor drawing. :) It would take up less real estate.
208286

[Texas by God]

I need to see the one you did for your 219 Zipper lol....
That is a great idea map55b. I may try it but the screw is easily done and works great.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[map55b]

Hey Texas by God: I did thread a 1" .224 blank and make a barrel nut (SRM) for the zipper project. I just haven't tapered it yet or prepared an action. I have three barrels that I hope to get tapered tomorrow, though two will be copies of an '03 Mannlicher Schoenauer profile, so they will require some extra work. I'll post some pictures of the barrel when its done.

[map55b]

Look Texas by God! Progress! :) I started off with a 1" .224 barrel blank from Green Mountain. Turned it on centers, threaded it for small ring Mauser, tapered it and made a nut. I may shorten the nut later, or maybe not. Still need to polish out the barrel too.

208448

208449

[Texas by God]

That looks great. Map this needs it's own thread don't you think?
I'll sure be following it!
"219 Zipper SR Mauser as built by a master" - there; I titled it.

[map55b]

Sure, I'll start a thread on it when I get it together. While I'm flattered, master is a bit of an over statement. While I am sure that you and I are a lost bread doing this kind of work, I still consider myself only a few levels above a hack. :)

[Texas by God]

I added the stop screw to an unaltered follower for more OAL of cartridge. I fire blued it with a torch and motor oil. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180107/e0cdc9c8963e838bbd5c19666a1c9c7a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180107/9758c0ff07bb833ae840e40b4b25d390.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180107/0f27ed36a2f8db1de1db8a3353caf154.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I loaded these j words last fall and just tried them today. 4 clicks right on the old Weaver and good. Time to load more cast but this answers the question- do I clean the barrel between cast and jacketed?
Nope.
100 yards.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/acaa154127fca1f28eb5482633dbb0ab.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/9f388f3569ed588e120b930b26d30e82.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[bruce drake]

I've re-barreled my Lee Enfield and my Swiss K31 using the Savage barrel nut method and both turned out surprisingly well for me. Both rifles feed and eject as they should.

The reason I decided to use the Barrel Nut method was because at the time I did the re-barreling jobs I had no hands on experience in re-barreling anything. The Savage Barrel Nut method made it easy for me to adjust the head-spacing involved in the re-barreling of the cartridges I was working with. On the Enfield I went from the rimmed factory 303 case to a rimmed 30-303; basically the same cartridge utilizing a 308 bore barrel. On the K31 I went from the factory 7.5x55 Swiss to the 6.5x55 Swede.

In both cases, the Savage barrel nut method helped simplify things for this novice do-it-yourselfer.

HollowPoint

Did you do the work yourself or do you have a local gunsmith you can recommend? I'm considering rebarrelling one of my Enfield #4s to either a copy of the Aussie's 22-303 or a 6.5-303 (The 6.5 Dutch Mannlicher is basically a 6.5-303)

[Texas by God]

I have a friend that does wonders with refinishing stocks. I've talked him into slimming this one down like I've always wanted to. He redid a Remington 81 for me and it was stunning; I can't wait for this one.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
It's back! I missed it a lot but the stock is slimmer and lighter and he had put a 70's K6W that he " had no use for"- duh, Thanks! Since it's already mounted, I'll test it out......
Before and after pics:https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200301/250875c18e1987a453553654377947d3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200301/3b84a3320d19744052fbb09366551bd0.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200301/347f56c14947f435a06ee990a22a0d5f.jpg

[Texas by God]

Since I was prepared for long range with 125 gr Nosler ballistic tips; this doe came within 80 yards of me. I had been carrying the 44WCF with cast and the permitted does stayed a couple of hundred yards away so I switched to the ultra modern "7.62x52R" for the distant work.....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211214/4ffc239d61f37e9c7f290ed49c8382ca.jpg

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[BunkTheory]

how did you rig up the extraction and ejection system?

[Texas by God]

The bolt face had a small peninsula area that I faced off to accommodate the 30-30 rim. I hand fitted the extractor by relieving the backside of the claw only. It works as CRF like a Mauser should. The ejector works great unaltered.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211214/e0566a43d6288219ffeac538843423cf.jpg

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[BunkTheory]

I tried explaining that idea to a bunch of gunsmiths a few years ago when i tried to have a custom built 30-30 bolt built. Everyone of them told me it couldnt be done.

Wouldnt happen to have a heavier barreled rifle laying about ?

[Texas by God]

Apparently my rifle is akin to the bumblebee.
I've been told it won't work either, but it does.
I wouldn't hunt dangerous game with it; but it does feed quite well. If I did another one, it might or might not work- there's no way to predict outcomes.
All I know is that I finally have a bolt action 30-30- something I've always wanted.

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[405grain]

Texas by God: Your small ring 30-30 build has inspired me. I picked up a 98 Turkish action last year and have started work making it into a bolt action 30-30. Right now I'm almost done on the bolt and have got to the point of fitting the extractor. I'm installing a set of angled spacers in the mag well so that the rimmed cartridges will stack properly. I haven't turned the barrel blank yet, but the action seems like it's going to feed OK. As with a lot of oddball gunsmithing conversions, sometimes its two steps forward and one step back. Once I have enough to show I'll start a thread. Thanks for the ideas and showing that the impossible is only a barrier for those that don't try.

[Texas by God]

Thanks, 405grain. I’m anxious to see it!

[Ajohns]

This is a nice build for sure, and a fine round in 30 WCF.
From what you went through doing all this, would a 30/40 Krag be possible? Be about .020 more opening the bolt face.
Length would be about the same as the 7 Mauser. But maybe the rim going that much more would be too much to feed right. Though if I could get three rounds like yours, that would be fine with me.
If it would work, I would suppose 303 Brit would work too.
It maybe a fart in the wind, or too much to make work right, but I like the idea on a Mauser. Plus I have a couple of them.

[405grain]

Two things: in an earlier post Texas by God pointed out that a Siamese Mauser trigger guard has the same action bolt spacing as a small ring Mauser. It would take some fitting and gunsmithing, but if you wanted to build a small ring Mauser in 30-40 Krag this might be a good alteration for getting a slanted magazine well. Second thing, I've built a 93 Mauser in 223 by cutting off the Mauser bolt head and installing a Savage 110 bolt head on that bolt body. A magnum Savage 110 bolt head would be the correct diameter for a 30-40 rim. During the US trials that lead to the adoption of the Krag rifle Mauser had an entry. That rifle (a small ring Mauser) almost became our service rifle, only being won out because it's extractor broke during the trials. The "trials rifle" actually was a small ring Mauser in 30-40, so as far as building something similar - it's do-able.

[Ajohns]

Gotcha. Well, maybe I may have to look into it, thanks!
That's a neat idea with the bolt head.