I'm a new poster on this site but I've read the most of the pages on some of these custom builds and would like to try my hand at it. I have access to a full machine shop with knowledgeable teachers to help me along the way. I'm looking at building a .223 on a Mauser action. i know this is a LOT to just be jumping into but I'm going to be taking it very slow so I don't have too many mess ups. My first question is, what would be a good action to build off of? I've read that the Yugo 24/47 was good and that the 98 is good. What should I use?

Thank you,
Jacob

If you are wanting to build a 223, find a mini Mauser already chambered in 223. I built a 223 on a M96 once and it was a royal PITA.

The mini mauser's were brought under a number of names but are readily available.

Can you list some of the names it has been listed under? So I know what to look for.

the mini mauser came in as interarms mini mauser, charles daly mini mauser, remington 799 and i believe the name is the zastava model 85. k-var and century international both are importing them i believe. Fal Grunt gives you good advice. find the action that was made to work with the cartridge of your choice for your first build and save yourself alot of headaches.

I'd build on a SAKO A1 action.. they cost to start but much less in the long run.

Isn't the mini Mauser push feed?

How much would an A1 action cost me?

Step away from the light. Before it's too late...

If you want to build a 223, use an action suited for the catridge..
If you want to build a Mauser-actioned rifle, the 22-250 would be a far better choice.

M

223 or .22-250. I'm flexible, I thought I put .223 or .22-250 in my original post.

IMHO, IF you want to build a rifle, why the (yawn) 223. We all have tons of them. If you are going to all that work, why not build something with a high "cool factor" like a 275 H&H or 6.5x68 or 8x68 ? That will get the boys at the range talking a lot more than a (yawn) 223. As for a Mauser, another (yawn) we all have them.
Get a Schultz & Larsen mdl 54 or a Mdl 10 Ross Straight pull (280 Ross, another high cool cartridge).
Let's face it, Savage builds several 223s that are as good as anything you could build.
If you build a rifle you should plan on keeping it as you'll never get out of it what you put into it, so get out of the box, build some thing you'll never see on another bench, like a 400 Holland & Holland built on a 700 action. Certified fight stopper and easy on the shooter.

If you want a small cartridge the 22-250 or a .243 Win sounds good.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Aucti....aspx?Item=328545598

quote:

Originally posted by artshaw:
IMHO, IF you want to build a rifle, why the (yawn) 223. We all have tons of them. If you are going to all that work, why not build something with a high "cool factor" like a 275 H&H or 6.5x68 or 8x68 ? That will get the boys at the range talking a lot more than a (yawn) 223. As for a Mauser, another (yawn) we all have them.
Get a Schultz & Larsen mdl 54 or a Mdl 10 Ross Straight pull (280 Ross, another high cool cartridge).
Let's face it, Savage builds several 223s that are as good as anything you could build.
If you build a rifle you should plan on keeping it as you'll never get out of it what you put into it, so get out of the box, build some thing you'll never see on another bench, like a 400 Holland & Holland built on a 700 action. Certified fight stopper and easy on the shooter.

First off, beautiful rifle!!! Second, I wanted to go with the 223 or a 22-250 because this was going to be a varmint/fun shooting rifle and I didn't want to go with a round like 204 Ruger or 220 Swift because ammo would cost quite a bit. I agree with you on the 223 being a boring cartridge but I'm 17 and wanted a project to do and figured this would be a great one to start! I'm open to any round recommendation though. Just can't be a large one because like I said, it'll be for varmints. And I don't want to hear "Just go out and buy a 223" or anything like that, I want to do this project for fun and the cost is irrelevant to me.

Jake

Build your 223 on a Rem 700 or if you want to take it a step further a custom action such as Defience, Stiller, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by DuaneinND:
Build your 223 on a Rem 700 or if you want to take it a step further a custom action such as Defience, Stiller, etc.

I'm leaning away from the 223 and leaning more towards a 22-250 or 204 Ruger since from what I've read they're better rounds.

Tough question.You would need some in depth experience with all-something that can take forever.

I would give the same advice for either the 22/250 or the 204. I would challenge the statement "better" than the 223. Use describes which caliber is "best". I don't care which caliber you pick, all three will be fun to own and shoot. The plus side to the 223 is cost of ammo over the counter. More ammo means more fun. If you reload there is a very minimal difference.

I had mine buit off a Nesika action which was nice, but pricy. Then again I full backing from the boss and my wallet stayed in my pocket.

I did the custom .223 Mauser thing a few years back. It's a fun little rifle. I wouldn't change a thing about it.

I started out with a Zastavia Mini Mauser action and went from there.

It made a stunning little custom and it's very unique.

Best of luck to you.
Terry

I dunno... like Terry I kinda like the .223. Tons of ammo, cheap to shoot easier to sell if you decide you want to down the road. Doing a full custom Zastava Mini Mauser with quarter rib, barrel band swivel and sights it the epitome of cool. Beats a rifle that is a wildcat and/or is hard to find ammo for... you see those customs for sale for pennies on the dollar based on the original cost of the build.

quote:

Originally posted by jlang95:

quote:

Originally posted by DuaneinND:
Build your 223 on a Rem 700 or if you want to take it a step further a custom action such as Defience, Stiller, etc.

I'm leaning away from the 223 and leaning more towards a 22-250 or 204 Ruger since from what I've read they're better rounds.

I'll give my 2 cents worth.

If you really want a 223 - which is a great round for all the reasons stated - find a Mini-mauser action on Gunbroker. Here is one ready made:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Aucti....aspx?Item=331242703

Here is another (Remington used the same action and called it a Rem 799):

http://www.gunbroker.com/Aucti....aspx?Item=331300711

Finding just the actions can be tough, however.

If you go with the 22-250 - a great round - you can use the Yugo 24/47 action you mentioned. That action is an "intermediate" mauser action, and the bolt has a .308 bolt face, which will work with no modifications for the 22-250.

I see you said "cost is irrelevant to me". Well, in that case, the world is your oyster. Either buy one of the Mini mauser or Rem 799 rifles for the 223, or buy a Yugo action (for a lot less) and do the 22-250. With the Yugo action, you'll have a lot of work to do: Thread and chamber a new barrel, weld a new bolt handle, possibly fit a Model 70 type safety in place of the bolt shroud, install a new trigger, etc, etc.

Have fun!

Artshaw,

Could you explain the purpose of the Rem 700 with the oversized stock? Why is the magazine area so deep?

quote:

Originally posted by bwanamrm:
I dunno... like Terry I kinda like the .223. Tons of ammo, cheap to shoot easier to sell if you decide you want to down the road. Doing a full custom Zastava Mini Mauser with quarter rib, barrel band swivel and sights it the epitome of cool. Beats a rifle that is a wildcat and/or is hard to find ammo for... you see those customs for sale for pennies on the dollar based on the original cost of the build.

I agree with most here...a 223 mini mauser would be really cool...but see the value in having something different. Dont over look the 222, classic little cart. with a lot of snap...not seen that often and plenty of componets. Hey in a mini mauser look at a 7.62x39 too nice little rifle that can handle anything up to deer close.

Ed

my .02...get you a cz 527 mini mauser in 7.62x39 and rebarrel to 22ppc or 6ppc. like this

I have always liked the looks of Terry's little mini mauser. That may be my next type rifle.

I have custom 223s in Mini Mauser, Sako L461 and Brno ZKK601. The Mini Mauser & Sako are properly proportioned for the 223 and are neat compact rifles. The ZKK is a little larger/heavier (scaled for 22-250 size rounds).