Its a weakness really, for medium bores and rifles that I don't "need". Right now I have a 1903 Mannlicher action that I am thinking about turning into a 7x57 or 9.3x62, a Remington 700 short action that is crying to be a 358 Winchester (or maybe a 260). and about 4 Mausers actions in various stages that I am trying not to build a .300WM, .338WM and .338-06 on. For goodness sakes I already have a 300Wby, a 338WM and 35 Rem. not to mention 2 7mm mags. three 30-06s, two .270s plus two 375s a 458 and we won't even get into small bores. What do I do? I can't justify a 338-06 or another 300. Is anyone in the same fix I am?

I've always wanted a 7x57 and a 9.3. Either is a good choice for fun in the sun.

So ... what's the problem?

Build what you want and enjoy having the good fortune of choice on hunting days

No excuses ... needed!

I don't have a problem I have two 300's ones a RUM the other is a Win. Everthing else I have one of.

358 NORMA Mag. I have wanted to build one for years.

You might consider converting your Remington SA to the .300 or .338 RCM or maybe something based on the .284 case

I'll lesson your probem a bit. Forget about turning the 1903 action into anything, unless you can find a magazine rotor already made for the new cartridge.

The factory originals are precisely machined for a specific cartridge (and bullet). Any variation will have to be modified by an MS expert, and don't think there are too many around. I've seen a lot of converted Mannlichers that are now 2 shot instead of 5.

Kurt,
I have heard the same thing. It is of course a 6.5x54 right now. Would the 7x57 not work in the magazine?

The shoulders and necks would have to be excatly the same. I would try putting 5 cartidges of 7x57 in the mag to test it. You might not be able to try this if you do not have the stock, as the wood also served as part of the mag walls.

The early spools were also shaped for heavy, round nose bullets. I've seen rifles not be able to feed spitzers (other than the top 2 in the spool).

6.5x54mm is a splendid round. I wish I had the same problem you do! I can't even bring myself to replace my old 7mm Rem Mag with something lighter kicking for whitetails even though I have some of the money set aside already. I can't even think of starting any projects! You're a lucky guy!

as kurt c said, i'd skip the mannlicher and use one of the mausers for your 7x57. every decent collection of rifles has to have a 7x57 in it...it's the "standard" of classic rounds and one of the most versiile and dependable meat dropper there is. i've got one in ackley improved, am somewhat in the same position as you, have three mauser actions waiting for something i don't come close to needing and enough mid-bores to fill a house. even with all my other guns, when it's time to put some venison in the freezer, i'll reach for the 7x57 first, automaticly..... i know i can shoot it and i know it kills 'em dead real good.....
currently waiting for a 35 whelen barrel for my 1909, another mid-bore i don't need at all, but have to have.

Not a problem; unless you spend money that should be going to your bills. I've found it can also go the other way. I had a boat load of firearms at one time, to the point of not being able to decide which one, or three, to take on a hunt. Over the years however, I would sell a couple and buy one that was much nicer. I did this for a few years, until just this year, I sold all but the ones I concider first string for their intended purpose. I'm now down to just a dozen firearms, but find I enjoy them a LOT more. I can focus more clearly on each one for it's use and appreciated them more. So, for me, less is better. Remember the simpler times as a kid when you just had that .30-30 carbine, and used it for everything?

Thanks DWright that may be the start of a cure for me. Also so go back and forth between single shots, autos and a few bolts. Its confusing.

Well, good. One example is that I have an old '1916 Spandau Mauser '98, in 8x57. I had a good friend reshape the old stock into the classic british styling. The old barrel has had the steps turned down into pretty much a straight taper. It has a old steel Redfield aperature rear sight, and is deadly accurate at several hundred yards. A pretty nice rifle overall. Well, my point being, when I had a whole room filled with other rifles, this old Mauser was just a $250 beater rifle in my eyes, and I paid it not much attention. Since I'm down to just a dozen and it was one of the one's I wanted to keep, I find it is really a work of art! I fondle and admire it almost daily; as I do the rest of my rifles. Each one has taken on a new meaning. Something to be said for purpose and quality, as opposed to just having as many as you can. The more I have anyway, the less I enjoy each one. Cheers.

quote:

I'm now down to just a dozen firearms, but find I enjoy them a LOT more. I can focus more clearly on each one for it's use and appreciated them more. So, for me, less is better.

I agree with DWright 100%. I have found the exact same satisfaction in the less is more theory. I too am down to about a dozen rifles.

Sit down and write out some goals for what you want in your personal collection.

Then slowly work toward those goals. I did the same thing as DWright a couple years ago. I liquidated and used the cash to create a small modest collection that will serve me well into the future.

I chose a few specific calibers, and have a couple of rifles in each caliber, this also saves on the reloading room overhead.

What about an 8x68S? Classic load. I love my 9.3x62...and my 9.3x64...and I have a 9.3x57 and if I could find an original 9.3x70 I´d be a lucky man