Rebarrel K98?

[hylander]

So I have a K98 just setting around.
Not to worry, stock was already chopped and it is not matching.
Action is in excellent condition as is the bore.
However not a huge fan of 8MM, so I am going to rebarrel it myself.
Will also D&T for scope.
Need help deciding what caliber, kinda narrowed my choices to:
30-06
.308
6.5 Creedmoor
7-08
Also what would be a good choice for a barrel maker,
not to expensive but want accuracy.

[LAGS]

What do you intend to use the rifle for.
All the calibers you listed are great.
I have done several in .308 , two in 30-06 , a couple in 25-06 , one in .35 Whelen.
I have more barrels in .308 and I think 257 Roberts
I think most of my barrels are Adams Bennet that I picked up a few years back.
They were inexpensive , and do shoot great.
But there are way better barrels out there , but at double the price.
The rifles were picked up in poor condition or Sporterized already.
I have German , Czech, Yugo, and Spanish 98 's
They all make great rifles.
I have a Bunch of Mausers that were in better surplus condition that I am leaving in 8mm.
But I have made some 8mm into 8mm06 the Poor Man's Magnum.

[Uncle Grinch]

Keep in mind cartridges that feed with little to no alteration of the feed rails. Those you list should feed ok, but may require opening the magazine box up or may require a block spacer for the shorter ones. I would keep in mind cartridges that closely match the “x57” family..

[fast ronnie]

There's also the 280 Remington, a .270 case and necked to 7mm. Our local range, I don't see many reloading the .270 and just leave the brass.

[Petrol & Powder]

The Mauser 98 action is an iconic action and the basis for countless rifles.

I am a HUGE fan of the 308 Win and the 7mm-08, however, as others have accurately pointed out, those cartridges are shorter than the action length of the Mauser 98. They can certainly be made to work in that action but to me it negates the advantage of a short cartridge if you use it in a long action.

I'm going to toss out another option that is in the middle of the pack in terms of cartridge length - the 7mm Mauser (7 x 57).

The overall cartridge length of the 7mm Mauser is only slightly shorter than the 8mm Mauser and the 7mm Mauser is an incredible cartridge. The shorter 7mm-08 has overshadowed the 7 x 57 and almost killed it off in terms of new rifles but the 7 x 57 still has a lot to offer.

[725]

I once did a 98 action in .30-06. Everything was great except the action was just a might short for longer '06 cartridges. I could make it work, but that required a cartridge made shorter than "optimum for the chamber" over all length. It drove me nuts. I could single shoot the rifle with long cartridges for the best accuracy or load them shorter (which made for a less accurate cartridge) if I used the magazine for multiple shots. Lots of short action cartridges to choose from. All depends on your preferences. They all have something going for them. Personally, I'm a .308 & 7mm Mauser fan.

[Texas by God]

Forget the Creedmoor and go with the 6.5x55 Swedish. I have rebarrelled 98’s to 22-250, .243,.300 Savage,and .308 with no feeding problems but maybe I was lucky. I agree with using a 57mm length case for a perfect fit. Larry Gibson and others can describe easy to make 7.62x57 and 9x 57 wildcats that would be a perfect fit as well. Good luck, post your project as it goes, please.

[LAGS]

So far I have not had issues with feeding a .308 in the standard Mauser 98 magazine.
But do modify the magazine box to fit a 30-06 length cartridge in that caliber.
But I like The Yugo 24/47 or 48 for doing rifles in .308 or shorter cartridges because of the shorter action.
But it only makes sense to use the longer actions for the longer cartridges.
The 25-06 and .35 Whelens did not have to have the magazines modified, but could be if you intended to shoot longer bullets.
The 8mm-06 magazines were also extended so I could use the heavier Boolits.
A standard 25-06 will fit the shorter Yugo action with Standard factory ammo loadings

[Petrol & Powder]

At the risk of getting into yet another long action v. short action debate, I will say that I am a dedicated fan of the short actions.

The 98K is a long action and while it can certainly be made to function with a short action class cartridge, doing so negates the advantages of a short cartridge.

If I was starting with a short action my vote would be for a 308 or 7mm-08 and that would be a strong vote. Those are fantastic cartridges, barrels in 7.62mm and 7mm are plentiful and all of the advantages of a short action could be realized.
However, if I was configuring that project around a long action, I would want to stay with a cartridge in that same class.

There are a lot of choices in that class. The .30-06 can be made to work in that action but the overall cartridge length can be an issue with some bullets. I agree with Texas by God that the Creedmore should be removed from the list and I also agree that the 6.5 x 55 is a good possibility.
The OP said he wasn't a fan of the 8mm Muaser so I assume that going to a bigger diameter bore is probably not where he is heading. So that eliminates the 9 x 57. ,
The 7.62 x 57 is interesting.


In FULL DISCLOSURE, I am a huge fan of the 7mm-08 and the 7mm Mauser (7 x 57). If it wasn't for the OP's long action starting point, I would vote for the 7mm-08. With that 98K long action my vote is for the 7mm Mauser.

[Bigslug]

I'll second the suggestion of 7x57, since your modifications will likely only need to consist of the barrel swap. That action needs some hefty tuning to work with .308-length rounds, and the .30-06 is a trifle long to fit without surgery.

There is also the 6.5x57 to consider.

As for the cartridges on your list - save yourself the grief and just buy a new rifle chambered for them. They ain't scarce.

[RustyReel]

I've rebarreled several Mausers so have no issue with you wanting to do so. However, the 8x57 is a great round that can do just about everything the rounds on your list will do. I'd keep it as an 8mm Mauser. D/T and whatever else you want to do to it. Lots of shot out crappy Mausers out there to rebarrel.

[dh2]

I have done a few , I have used green mountain barrels out of Midway USA for about $100 and been very happy with them

[Dan Cash]

I don't mind being odd opinion out. Since the bore is in "perfect" shape, leave it alone. Restock the gun for appearance, bend or replace the bolt handle and drill it for scope. By that time, you will have spent the price of a pretty good new rifle and have a $200 milsurp. The 8mm is as good as it gets when it comes to killing things.

[Slugster]

Since the barreled action is x57 length and the bore is perfect, I would just use it as an 8x57 Mauser, but would up the loading to a much higher C.U.P/PSI ( watching for signs of high pressure, be prudent ) to be able to enjoy this very fine cartridge as is, without having to modify the feed rails/mag box/feed ramp/etc.

I'm working on two Mausers at presently, one in 7x57mm, the other in 8x57mm, for use as cast bullet rifles.

I have built Mausers for just about all of the cartridges that would fit in the mag box, modified when needed, and I will say that using a short action cartridge in a long action rifle wastes some of the advantages of the longer action.

My $.02 worth of advise would be to go with the 8x57, or re-barrel to a .284 bore for use a .280 Remington. With well placed shots, either of these fine cartridges will be suitable for anything on this continent, except for the really big bears.

I once built a .458 Winchester out of a Large Ring Mauser for a gentleman several years ago. Finally got it to feed from the magazine correctly, but it was a lot of work. Also would only hold 3 cartridges, but what would you need the other 2 for anyway?

Good luck on your project whatever you decide.

[Gtek]

And it appears another has found a Mauser rabbit hole, former multiple explorer here. VZ24's, K98's, oh they got me! I still have several and know I will be lucky to get 25-40% return on investment if looked at in a monetary sense. Did I enjoy the journey and gain a lot of experience, I most certainly did. I also spent a bunch of money that just sits in the safe hoping to be played with again one day. If I may offer some advise, look for used pieces parts, those handed off or not needed by previous travelers. I have seen really nice old Bishop/Fajen used stocks on Fleabay and other sites for reasonable coin. Sand, bed and finish and away you go with all the hard work done. The 8mm is a great round but the projectile thing strays some. If you are going to cast for it I would leave caliber as is and rock on, brass expenditure in 8 or convert plentiful 06. Your project, your plan, your path, and in the end probably still a lot cheaper than professional therapy though, just enjoy!

[LAGS]

There is a market for a 8mm barrel in good condition.
There are lots of us that have surplus Mausers with really bad bores , that wish to keep them in almost original condition.
There ain't much collector value , but the surplus value still holds up there with the Armory Refurbished made out of mis matched parts.
And if it is fit right , it should outshoot other surplus rifles.

[cwlongshot]

I have one in process now. Took some time to decide between 6.5x55 & 257 Bob. The Bob won.

Its a 7.65 now. It has action work done. New spoon bolt handle, shroud & Timney trigger. Its a 1909 Argentine 98. It will be my fifth. Love these 98’s. I agree that ya need to keep it between 55&63 mm. Magnums present bolt face and rail issues. Shorter like 308/358 just dont feed smoothly. (First I did was 358W. Its a Whelen now. )

I almost went 25/06 but I have ck couple hundred roberts virgin cases. & I have a prev built 6.5/06 already.

Good luck!

CW

[LAGS]

I too prefer the 257 Roberts except for super long range stuff , that is why I went with 25-06 on my first two.
I also prefer the 1909 action.
Built a friend one in .35 Whelen also.
I still have Two Bob barrels to be installed on Yugo 24/47 actions when I get other projects finished.
One of the barrels will be Rechambered for the 257 Improved.
That will allow me to use heavier bullets and increase the range in the Bob.

[Texas by God]

The 6mm Remington is perfect for the 98 and sadly overlooked by the masses.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[cwlongshot]

Your right TbG!! I always wanted a 6mm. Maybe the next one! ;)

I thought about the improved bob. But +p is plenty for me. If need more Ill choose another caliber.

Its been a couple Years for my project. I actually stole its trigger for a 8mm Mauser and just replaced it last week. My project need to get rolling again.

CW

[LAGS]

The 6mm is a very good round and often overlooked.
I had a Ruger 77 in that caliber years ago.
And you are correct , that would make a fine caliber for the Mauser.
Got to put that one on my list too.
I like it way better than the .243

[uscra112]

.35 Whelen A.I. Someday I'll finish mine.

[LAGS]

The A I in the Whelen does give the round a little more Boot.
Same as the 257 A I
In the Whelen ,I actually prefer it over the standard 35 Whelen , because it gives you a sharper Shoulder to headspace the round on.

[hylander]

Thanks for all the suggestions :-)
This won't be my first time at this, I have done 30-06 and .243 K98's before.
I will look into the 6MM Remington, however I am leaning toward the 30-06.
For a few reasons.
1: I love the caliber
2: I have lots of brass and bullets for it.
3: Already cycled some 30-06 rounds that I load for my other 06 @ 3.300 OCL.
and the do fit (barely) and feed fine.
4: I will be using the rifle for hunting and Cast Match shooting

Trying to stay on the less expensive, already have two sporter wood stock to work with as well as a
Hogue overmold stock.

The big question is what barrel maker to use?
And what scope mount to install.

[LAGS]

Hylander.
Check your PM.
I have some barrels I am willing to part with at a good price.
For scope mounts , I prefer the Leupold one piece base.
But I do use a lot of Weaver two piece bases and I can't remember the name , but several rifles I built have the one piece Weaver Rail style.
Now are you going to remove the stripper clip guide from your Receiver ?
I do on the really Custom ones just for looks.
But they make mounts that will fit the one piece base in both configurations.
But decide on the removal of the stripper guides before you decide on a mount.
They have different hole spacing

[hylander]

Hylander.
Check your PM.
I have some barrels I am willing to part with at a good price.
For scope mounts , I prefer the Leupold one piece base.
But I do use a lot of Weaver two piece bases and I can't remember the name , but several rifles I built have the one piece Weaver Rail style.
Now are you going to remove the stripper clip guide from your Receiver ?
I do on the really Custom ones just for looks.
But they make mounts that will fit the one piece base in both configurations.
But decide on the removal of the stripper guides before you decide on a mount.
They have different hole spacing

Won't be removing the stripper clip guide.
Probably use Leupold one piece mount or a weaver rail.

[LAGS]

Then I would recommend the Leupold one piece base for the military Mauser.
But the one piece Weaver Rail is good enough for a hunting rifle and cheaper.
The two piece bases are even cheaper and still work good.
But the Leupold has windage adjustable rear

[jonp]

6.5 Swede or 7mm Mauser. You going after something either one of those can't handle? I doubt it.

[Geezer in NH]

Another 8x57 fan good barrel keep it. Need to change .338/06 for me.

[a danl]

it's very easy to make 8mm brass from
30-06 brass by cutting to approx correct length with a tubing cutter and running them into an 8mm die then final length size. they will work perfectly.

[hylander]

Thanks for everyone's input :smile:

So here is my plan, I will be going 30-06.
Reason: I like the 06, I have never really cared for 8mm and don't want to start reloading for yet another caliber.
I already have all the reloading stuff for 06.

This Stock:

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-parts/furniture-sets/stock-set-fixed-brown-sku100010733-72400-105940.aspx

This Barrel:

https://www.lothar-walther.com/drop-in-gun-barrels/rifle-barrels/mauser-98-military-rifle-barrels/726-mauser-98k-action/850/mauser-98k-original.30-06spr-mud.610-l-23.62-cr-moly-steel?c=66

This Mount:

https://warnescopemounts.com/product/m960m-mauser-98-alteredunaltered-1-pc-base-1-rear-hole-matte/

I will be doing all the work myself apart from D&T the receiver, since I sold my jig.
And the front & rear sights, I will probably have Jack Huntington install those.
Of coarse I will have to hunt down all the hardware for the stock.
Yes, I will have way to much into this and I could just buy a new Rem 700.
However this is a project and I like building things.

[LAGS]

That is the Weaver Style mount I was talking about.
They work great..
I have a similar military stock , I think from Boyd's to put on a K98 with good metal , and I am leaving it in 8mm.
Now , ?
What about your bolt Handle.
Who is going to Forge that down for using the scope.
And are you going to replace the safety or modify your safety to work on the right side with the scope?
Yes , you can put a lot of money into these rifles , that you will rarely ever get back out.
But they shoot great , and in most cases , better than a Off the Shelf rifle that costs less money.
I just happen to be one of those lucky ones that does All my own work , so my time is better putting into the rifle rather than the cost of a Gunsmith doing it for me.
Good luck , and keep us posted on your progress.

[Texas by God]

I’ve come to prefer the #45&#46 Weaver two piece bases for unfettered action access on a 98 but that’s just me. If you need to borrow a bolt handle welding jig and/ or a D&T jig drop me a PM. A minor suggestion for your peusdo-sniper 98 30-06- a vintage steel tube fixed power Weaver scope!

[Zingger]

Forget the Creedmoor and go with the 6.5x55 Swedish. I have rebarrelled 98’s to 22-250, .243,.300 Savage,and .308 with no feeding problems but maybe I was lucky. I agree with using a 57mm length case for a perfect fit. Larry Gibson and others can describe easy to make 7.62x57 and 9x 57 wildcats that would be a perfect fit as well. Good luck, post your project as it goes, please.

I second that! The Swede is a sweetheart of a caliber. Just be careful when you are setting headspace with the finish reamer and don't run it too far.....:oops:

[hylander]

I’ve come to prefer the #45. Weaver two piece bases for unfettered action access on a 98 but that’s just me. If you need to borrow a bolt handle welding jig and/ or a D&T jig drop me a PM. A minor suggestion for your peusdo-sniper 98 30-06- a vintage steel tube fixed power Weaver scope!

The Warne mount has the ejection side cut out for clearance.
A vintage steel scope would be good.
I don't think I would do a good job with the bolt handle so I will probably send it to The "Boltman"
I might take you up on the D&T jig when I get to that point.

[fast ronnie]

My 'o6 98 is a great shooter. I put a Shilen 27" tube on it. It shoots way better than I can. 1909 Argentine with a Fajen stock. Leupold glass with Burris mounts.

[gnoahhh]

Nice choice of barrels there. Rarely a bad barrel from Lothar-Walther.

The thing with cheap aftermarket barrels is you would likely get an ok one (if not a truly great one), but your chances of getting a stinker drop dramatically when going with good premium barrels.

[waksupi]

My belief is to leave it alone. For cast bullets, hunting or target, the 8mm is only surpassed by the '358 Win, and not by much.