Hi all

I am going to have a gun made for me, in a caliber that is not so popular today..or even back when they was first made.
It is the German 10.75*68 mauser v.s the .425 WR I got in mind.
Yes, I know about the rim on the .425 , but some SAY it is ok..... What you all think?

Yes, I know some say that I am crazy, why not go for a .416?
Well, why? Back when the .425 or the 10.75 was new, they did deliver the killing power needed.
And that is why I like to give one of the old work horses new life.

Saying so, what will work best? Yes, maybe if I was going to use if for a lion hunt, it will be harder to say what is really the "best". But, thinking of the bad words regarding the .425`s rim style, will I be better of staying away?
Or is that bad words, talking, just coming down to poorly made guns?

But, way did the 10.75 and the.425 die+ Well, not 100%, but thinking of how popular the .416 Rigby is today, who talks about the good old 10.75/.425?

All help is good for me.
Thank you for looking

Vegard dino:

Welcome. That is a tough question. Both are classic calibers. Since you are building a rifle, I think the 10.75 offers some advantages over the .425WR.

First off, as you mentioned, there can be feeding issues with the .425WR unless a very skilled gunsmith gets it right. Some of the old original rifles used clips to guide the rounds into the chamber. Not necessary with the 10.75.

Secondly, since factory ammo for both is practically nonexistent, you will most likely reload. This is where the 10.75 is more practical. Bullets for the .425WR are very scarce and I know of only Woodleigh that makes them. The actual caliber is .435. On the other hand, the 10.75 uses the same caliber bullets as the .404Jeffery (.423 caliber) so the original 347 grain offerings for the 10.75 can be used as well as a number of 350-400 grain bullets intended for the .404J. Woodleigh, Swift, NorthFork, GS Custom, and now Hornady all make .423 caliber bullets. The 400 grain Barnes may be a little long for the 10.75 since powder capacity is an issue. Probably the best brass is made near you by Horneber in Germany. So components for the 10.75 make it a winner in my opinion for your project.

I have an original Oberndorf Mauser sporter in 10.75x68 that I am just beginning to prepare to shoot. I have acquired dies, Horneber brass and Woodleigh and GS Custom bullets. I may be a little biased toward the 10.75 since I own one, but I feel that my comments to you are factual and applicable to your questions.

Good luck with your project!

Regards,

RCG

quote:

Originally posted by vegard_dino:
Hi all

I am going to have a gun made for me, in a caliber that is not so popular today..or even back when they was first made.
It is the German 10.75*68 mauser v.s the .425 WR I got in mind.
Yes, I know about the rim on the .425 , but some SAY it is ok..... What you all think?

Yes, I know some say that I am crazy, why not go for a .416?
Well, why? Back when the .425 or the 10.75 was new, they did deliver the killing power needed.
And that is why I like to give one of the old work horses new life.

Saying so, what will work best? Yes, maybe if I was going to use if for a lion hunt, it will be harder to say what is really the "best". But, thinking of the bad words regarding the .425`s rim style, will I be better of staying away?
Or is that bad words, talking, just coming down to poorly made guns?

But, way did the 10.75 and the.425 die+ Well, not 100%, but thinking of how popular the .416 Rigby is today, who talks about the good old 10.75/.425?

All help is good for me.
Thank you for looking

RCG gave truthful facts and issues. If you want or need more power then don't be afraid of the .425. Hawk makes bullets, but last I checked they were about same price as Woodleigh.
A good 'smith can make the .425 feed without "clips". My by Apex feed soomth with a lot of "bite" to push on the rim.
Now, that said, if you don't need the additional power and knockdown from frontal area the go 10.75x68

hold the phone
unless you MUST have headstamped brass, you can make 425 from RUM brass, and set the rimto be any size you want, .532 or smaller

the 10,75x68 is a fine round, no doubt. However, the 404 is superior

Today, the 10,75x68 easy reaches 2150 with 400 grs, actually surpassing the 0riginal .404 Jeffery load, reaching 4000 lb/p.
An easy, super cartridge.

The .425 WR is a 5000 lb/p cartridge, and RCG has explained its fortes and problems. It CAN be made from RUM brass, eliminatinmg the problem with the rebated rim, but can hardly be called a classic anymore.
A troublesome, super cartridge.

Of the 2 you mentioned it would be the 10,75x68.

Far less componet problems. If you need more power than the 10.75, then go with the 404 Jeffery.

You can load it with 300 and 400gr bullets to its original ballistics, or go a little hotter in a modern gun.

With 300gr bullets either the 10,75 or the 404 Jeffery would work perfect for that Swiss Canton [I am not going to try to spell it] that requires over .40 cal.

Both great classic old rounds. I have a 425WR and love it.
I think the bad words were from a few poorly made rifles.
Similar to a few poorly made 458Win rounds.

Brass availability ,now and in the future should dictate your choice.

At present Bertrams of Australia and Hornerber of Germany make both cases.
I figured, one to two hundred should see me through, plus some.

dino.....

I can't say much about the 425WR because I've zero experience with it; but certainly appears your're getting sage advice from others above.

Quite the contrary with the 10.75x68. I've bumped into a few rifles so chambered lately on the German used rifle market; most being offered at reasonable prices.

IMO the 10.75x68 has alot going for it.

1. Fits in a standard Mauser action.

2. Improved bullets & powders make it a better cartridge today than when conceived.

3. Brass more readily available than the 425WR and without a rim.

It would be my choice, also.

Have fun.

I have had both calibers, one in a Manton made rifle in 425 and the one I bought from Atkinson a Hoffman in 10.75x68. I got rid of the 425 as components, good ones, were hard to come by. Bullets were available from North Fork and I bought about 300 of his 340gr soft points. They work very well on game. I do wish Barnes would make some 350gr, TSX bullets for us 404 fans as that would really turn the 404 into a great universal big bore and also feed its little brother as well.
Being able to find the proper components is the key to making rare calibers work. If you have a lifetime supply of components then no worries. If you are going to make up a rifle, I would lay in a lifetime supply of bullets and brass before even starting the project. That is what I do. How about the 404 Dakota! I am buying 400 rounds of brass and have several thousand bullets, and just received my Redding dies. I would like a set of 10.75x68 Redding dies but they will not make them for me.

Hi all
A, so much replys and info
Thanks all.

Well, I got it, they are good, the two of them. As long as I find a good made .425WR. But, that goes with all guns, have to be made to fut, work right. If not.....
But, it may be easy´r to have a rifle made, or find a used old one, that is in a good working condition, than one to work with a .425 case.

And, when it comes to knock dowm power, the 10.75 is more than what I need for the hunting here in Europe. Maybe it is a bit "weak" on a African safari, but with a good bullet I think it will be good.

To make a 425 with out the rebat rim, is a good idea, but not the way for me. I like to keep the things as they where made. Sorry if I hurt someone now....

So, it all may have to come down to what how easy it is to find components, brass, bullets, and so......and that may be giving the 10.75 a lead.

Will let you all know what it turns out to be.