12FLVSS,



Here's a good article on the 9x57:



http://www.african-hunter.com/9x57_mauser.htm



The 9x57 is sort of between the .358 Winchester and the .35 Whelen. But, of course, the 9x57 predated them. A 9x57 would still make a very useful cartridge. (If you have one made, be sure to specify a .358" bore/groove diameter. See the above article for more information.)



And then there is the 9.3x57. (9.3mm is a .366" diameter bullet.) Also a very useful cartridge. Some Norma load data for the 9.3x57:

Norma 9.3x57

A 232 gr bullet at around 2300 fps and a 286 gr bullet at around 2100 fps. Not a long range round but still a good thumper.



And, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the good ol' 8x57. I have one of the new Remington 700 Classics in 8x57 and it is fast becoming one of my favorite cartridges. (I haven't hunted with it yet, though.) I chronographed some S&B 196 gr SPCE factory ammo at 2,640 fps (six shot average) from my 700 Classic. That gives around 3,000 ft lbs of muzzle energy. Not too shabby.



Any of these would be a natural in your M48.



Just my two cents worth....

-Bob F.

This was a fool around thing...it was on a Thompson Encore with a 24 inch bbl...and it basically was just shy of a 35 Whelen in velocities...I gave away the liad data when I sold the gun...

The x57 case basicaly splits the 08 case and the 06 case in half and then improving it gets it right up there with the 06 case...so I just looked at 358 Win loads and 35 whelen loads and split them the difference and worked up.

BTW Ray...I am allowed to do stuped things cause I am still under 45...when I reach 45 I have to start growing up.