500 Jeffery / Appropriate Mauser Action

12 January 2002, 06:10

fla3006

Is a full-size magnum length Mauser action necessary for the 500 Jeff? After reviewing the dimensions, it looks like it may be possible to use a standard length Mauser action for this formidable round rather than something like a Brevex, which I find cumbersome. Any advice or experience? Thanks in advance.

12 January 2002, 06:23

SamB

Yes, it will fit in a standard length action. The March '98 issue of Rifle Magazine has a good article that details the modifications required.

12 January 2002, 06:26

Wildcatter

fla3006,

The 500 Jeffery cartridge was "designed" for the standard Mauser action. If you look at the case, it is of a rebated rim design so that the standard bolt may be opened up to suit. The case length is 2.750 long and the COAL allows it to fit any action that will take a 375.

The only problem is the magazine. Original Jeffery rifles had a special magazine that was essentially a single stack. They held 2 if they wher flush and 3 if the stock had belly.

I would really like to know if there is someone out there making the old Schuler replacement bottom metal or kits for the mauser 98. If anyone hears of such a thing, let me know.

-Catter

12 January 2002, 11:59

<Norbert>

quote:
Originally posted by Wildcatter:
I would really like to know if there is someone out there making the old Schuler replacement bottom metal or kits for the mauser 98. ....

I donï¿½t know, what "bottom metal" means. The Schueler concept uses a blade spring to push the top cartridge aside under the rails. This to avoid the need of an extrem wide magazine needed for the original zig-zag layered cartridges. The magazine has to be opened for the larger diameter by cutting and welding.
I think, the Westley-Richards approach with two clips and staggered cartridges is better.

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12 January 2002, 17:37

ALF

12 January 2002, 18:32

DavidReed

Alf,

I remember your previous post with pics of your .500 Jeffery. Nice looking gun. Where did you get the bottom metal for your rifle? Is it on piece, or no? I remeber you said Germany, but gave no further specifics. I have been toying with the idea of a .500 Jeffery for some time and need all the information I can get my hands on.

12 January 2002, 19:02

ALF

15 January 2002, 13:38

<Pfeifer>

Alf,
Love to see the picts again if they are handy! Thanks Jeff P

15 January 2002, 15:06

ALF

15 January 2002, 15:13

ALF

15 January 2002, 23:01

[This message has been edited by BW (edited 01-15-2002).]

15 January 2002, 23:15

Mike375

Alf,

I could open those pictures by going to properties and copyin the address.

No one ever mentions the rebated rim of 378, 416 and 460 Wbys.

In this case it is made even worse because of the bolt design. The Wby bolt turns all cases into "rebated" rims.

Mike

17 January 2002, 22:41

aHunter

Mike, could you explain that? How does a bolt "make" a rebated rim, if the case has not one from the beginning?

Hermann

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17 January 2002, 22:54

Mike375

Hermann,

The Weatherby Mark V has the three
rows of locking lugs.

When the bolt is in the open position
one row of lugs is at the bottom.
Thus when you pull the Weatherby bolt back
the bottom row of lugs drag across the
case head and belt etc.

The lugs are full bolt diameter but
the bolt nose protrudes out beyond the
lugs and is smaller in diameter.

That is why Weatberbys have very strong
magazine springs in them.

The 378 case also has a rebated rim
which adds to the problem.

However what saves the day most times
is the Wbys based on the 378 case
use a vertical stack magazine which
always simplifies problems.

Mike

[This message has been edited by Mike375 (edited 01-17-2002).]

19 January 2002, 22:59

<500N>

The 500 J is fine on a Standard Mauser 98. As has been commented, the feeding from the magazine seems to be the trickiest to get right.

Another action to consider is the Brno 602 (or CZ550), particularly if you want more in the magzine.

A number of Custom 500 J's have been built in Australia with my one being copied directly from an original 500 J.

500N