I've been reading about the 98 Mauser, and from what I understand there are 2 different diameter bullets for the 8mm. I would like to start reloading for my 8mm, but not sure what to use. My question is, how to tell which bullet to use? Can you tell by markings on the gun or do I need to take it to a gunsmith? Thanks

Hey nash22,

The safest way to tell the correct diameter of bullet to use in your '98 is to take it to a gunsmith and have him measure the chamber and barrel. Doing so will also afford you the opportunity to have the action and barrel checked out for safety and wear. The safety of many of the surplus military rifles sold today is questionalble. Most are safe, however...an ounce of prevention...

Good Shooting,

Smoker

Thanks, Smoker The rifle was my grandfathers that I did inherit. He used it to hunt everything with, so I know that the action is ok. He used factory ammo. I wanted to make sure that when I start to reload for it that I use the correct bullet. Kelly..

You can tell with some certainty based on the rifle's markings. 1905 was the year of the changeover to the current 8mm diameter. If your rifle was made after that you can be assured that you have a "typical" 8x57 mauser.

Of course that assumes it is an 8mm. Mausers have been made for countries literally all around the globe and many were 7mm, 6.5mm, 7.65mm. Also, some countries changed their chamberings to 30-06 or 308.

Give the specifics on the rifle's markings and what history you know about it, (eg. dad brought it back from ww2) and we can get a better idea about it.

Regards,

Dan

DanM, here is the info on my mauser. Mod 98 on left side of action, eagle over swastika on left side of action and barrel, s/n 13xxx on left side of barrel, all parts matching s/n's, byf44 on top of action and bottom of floor plate, 44D703 across top of barrel in front of action, on floor plate and barrel possibly a small eagle over 133 or 135, on left side of barrel byf over a 1 over what appears to be between a half moon and a v. The stock is not an original as it is a Bishop Stock. Hope this info helps ID the rifle. Thanks..

Nash, 44 and 45 were not good years for the German made Mausers. You will find out in time and I hope that you got a good one but it is possible that yours will turn out to be "non-standard". Many of the parts were not interchangeable between those 2 years and the earlier ones. derf

Nash,

Your particular rifle was manufactured in 1944 at the Mauser factory in Oberndorf(byf). It is true that quality control dropped off considerably towards the end of the war when labor and material shortages put the German industrial machine in a bind, however I would not be too concerned about a rifle from Oberndorf.

Its too bad that you don't have the original stock as your rifle would have considerable collector's value if indeed it was a veteran's trophy. (no import marks, Swastikas intact etc)

Even though the serial #s match you might do yourself a favor and check the headspace. Its easy to do with a "no-go" gauge and they are not very expensive.

Now for your original question, Assuming nobody did anything unnatural like re-boring the barrel when they restocked the rifle, you have a typical 8x57 mauser. Bullet diameter is 0.323

Ask around if anybody still has that original stock, You've got a piece worth restoring. IMO.

Regards,

Dan

Dan,

Thanks for the information. I've got to do some research and find out where my grandfather got this rifle. Thanks...

welcome to the addiction. nothing spells happiness like byf mausers!