I recently found this group while researching about a K98 Mauser I got when my Grandpa passed away. I never got a chance to learn the history of it. My Grandpa was in the Merchant Marine, a butcher, during WWII. The more I learn about the rifle, the more questions I have.
It has been in the case for 40 years since since I got it. I have done a bit of research. The receiver is stamped S-147, 1936, so it was made in Germany in 1936 by J.P. Sauer und Sohn Gewehrfabrik, Suhl The bolt numbers do not match the receiver and barrel numbers. All things considered, it looks to be in great shape. Worn but still good, no rust, or dings. The bore is nice and shiny but the fore-stock has been shortened thus hand guard over the barrel is also gone.
Previously I had only fired about 2 rounds when I was 12-13. That was 55 years ago. In the case with the rifle were 3 unfired rounds of Remington Kleanbore 170 grain in the box with 15 fired cases. There is no 8mm ammo in shops around here. Recently I got 15 rounds of old 1952 surplus rounds from a local dealer. The Remington rounds miked at .318, the surplus was .324. Is all commercial 8mm .318?
I have not yet checked the twist of the barrel, but I slugged the bore before firing the gun as I was worried about shooting the .324 in it. The slug came out at .326. The gun seems to shoot very pretty well. Since the ground was cold and wet, from standing, I was able to hit some chunks of firewood at 50 yards, so I don’t have real grouping info.
I am thinking since the grooves are .326, and the only jacketed bullets I have found are .323, I would be better off to start a new hobby and cast my own. I now have 30 empty cases. Planning to go get some more surplus rounds, since they cost less than purchasing empty brass. They do have crimped military primers, but that can be fixed.
I used to reload for 22-250 and .221 fireball, still have my old Lyman Spartan press and dies for those. I now have dies for the 8 x 57. Looking for a bullet mold. I have found a Lee, DC C329-205-!R, it is .329. Lyman’s are .324, all of NOE’s are .326. From what I read the .329 Lee is the only good option?
I did find a thread here about bullet “bumping” but I am not sure I want to jump into that at this point in the process.
I am considering making my own mold. Another long time hobby is fabrication and machining. I have a small shop in my basement.
I am just planning to shoot for fun, I did find a local range has an “old military rifle” competition, so I may try that.
What do others shoot in their K98’s? Should I plan to make my own gas checks also, or just go with plain base?
Thanks