The Accurate Reloading Forums
The Mauser M03 Switch Barrel. Target Posted
06 September 2021, 12:02
SaeedThe Mauser M03 Switch Barrel. Target Posted
I was given a brand new Mauser M03, in a lovely fitted case.
Very interesting design.
There are two bolts on the barrels.
These bolts fir into the stock, and two more screws are tightened.
That is it.
Changing the barrels means having to remove the two screws, and replace it.
And instead of two bolts, the bolt has two bolt faces that can be exchanged.
The rifle came with 3 barrels.
222 Remington
22-250 Remington
308 Winchester.
I had a set of dies in the press, 22-250, so I put the 22-250 barrel on, and installed a Leupold VX-6 3-18 scope on it.
Preliminary results are very encouraging - only tried H380 and 52 grain Match bullets from Bill Brawand.
These usually shoot extremely well.
I will post my results.
06 September 2021, 13:19
The NorwegianLooking forward to see the resultas Saeed.
We Europeans are very familiar with the Mauser M03 system changing barrels. In fact a system they copied from Blaser as they both are owned by the same company group
Morten
The more I know, the less I wonder !
06 September 2021, 15:35
SaeedTried 2 bullet powder combinations, non is anything to write home about.
Will continue with other combinations.
Tried H380 and Brawand 52
VVN 140 and Sierra MK 52.
In fact, this seems probably the worst shooting rifle I have had come through here for a very long time!!
06 September 2021, 18:53
The Norwegianquote:
In fact, this seems probably the worst shooting rifle I have had come through here for a very long time!!
Meaning ? Is it difficult to shoot with or does it not fit you ?
Morten
The more I know, the less I wonder !
06 September 2021, 19:26
SaeedAccuracy is nowhere near any 22-250 rifles I have shot in years.
Rifle function fine and everything works.
But accuracy is not there.
06 September 2021, 19:59
The NorwegianMaybe the rifle barrel does not like your powder or bullet ?

Morten
The more I know, the less I wonder !
06 September 2021, 20:15
Saeedquote:
Originally posted by The Norwegian:
Maybe the rifle barrel does not like your powder or bullet ?

Morten
I am a bit intrigued.
It seems a shame this could not be made to work.
I have many combinations and I hope some might work.
06 September 2021, 22:46
miles58I have a Jackson Hole Arms mauser switch barrel rifle with 30-06, 22-250 and 257 Roberts barrels that shoot very well with the '06 barrel. The first shot after a switch might be an inch or so out but after that it's a sub inch rifle.
07 September 2021, 05:43
Beretta682Equote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
quote:
Originally posted by The Norwegian:
Maybe the rifle barrel does not like your powder or bullet ?

Morten
I am a bit intrigued.
It seems a shame this could not be made to work.
I have many combinations and I hope some might work.
This gun has the same barrel - steel, machining, chf ect as a blaser. Made in the same factory.
They should shoot sub moa. Try some factory ammo.
Mike
07 September 2021, 06:10
MJinesI hate the cocking lever set up on the M03, much prefer the set up on Sauers and Blasers. Just very awkward in my opinion. That said, most I have seen shoot very well.
Mike
07 September 2021, 06:18
Beretta682EAlso M03 is done. Blaser won’t be making anymore.
Mike
07 September 2021, 07:49
SaeedI have never, ever found a rifle tat would shoot better with factory ammo better than reloads we make here.
And I do know Blasers have no problem with accuracy.
I wonder why they have stopped making this one?
I will try other powders.
07 September 2021, 08:14
Beretta682Equote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
I have never, ever found a rifle tat would shoot better with factory ammo better than reloads we make here.
And I do know Blasers have no problem with accuracy.
I wonder why they have stopped making this one?
I will try other powders.
Straight pulls will be blasers.
Turn bolts will be sauer 404 line.
M03 never had great demand.
The scope mounting from blaser r8 is much better as it mounts directly to barrel.
Mike
07 September 2021, 08:16
Beretta682Equote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
I have never, ever found a rifle tat would shoot better with factory ammo better than reloads we make here.
And I do know Blasers have no problem with accuracy.
I wonder why they have stopped making this one?
I will try other powders.
When I was looking between the m03, sauer 404 and blaser r8, even the Mauser product rep told me to buy the blaser if I had no issues with the straight pull.
Mike
07 September 2021, 14:40
SaeedI only have one more lot to shoot.
And so far nothing better happened.
Whelen said only accurate rifles are interesting!
This very well made piece is the most uninteresting rifle I have seen in a very long time.
May be the other barrels might better.
We shall see.
I will post the targets tomorrow.
08 September 2021, 14:40
SaeedFinally!
Found that Hornady A-Max shoots well in this rifle.
I have finished shooting this barrel.
Got a bit tide up with installing scopes on a bunch of air rifles.
Will post results when finished.
11 September 2021, 00:50
richjVarget.
AR-Comp, Varget and 4895 in 308. (155/168gr)
I have 222 dies but it's probably not worth the postage :-) My buddy likes 4064 in 222 and everything else.
11 September 2021, 07:25
SaeedI think we have several hundred dies for so many cartridges, some of which only exist here.
Just thought of trying the 308 first because it uses the same bold head.
Will also try the 222.
11 September 2021, 16:13
SaeedI put the 308 barrel on.
First shot from that was over a foot lower than with the 22-250 barrel.
But, first bullet I am trying - Berger 150 grain and VARGET - is shooting much better than the 22-250.