Have anyone convert an 8x57 js in 8 rem mag?
Some years ago I bought a very nice and as new mauser oberndorf 8x57 js and was thinking in pass a reamer of 8 mm rem mag through it and modify the rest of the rifle.
What do you think about that ?
Am I mad?
Thanks
guillermo Trotz

I don't know the length of the magazine, follower, and box, but it is almost certainly too short for the 8mm RM which requires at least 3.6". Considering that you would have to modify the bolt stop, the magazine components, the bolt face, the feed rails, and possibly mill away part of the action metal just behind the lower lug, I don't think the conversion is advisable.

If you need more power, then you might consider rechambering to 8mm/06 Improved. This would require little or nothing in the way of action modification.

I wouldn't corrupt a nice original commercial Mauser to get an 8 Mag. 1) You will devalue a desirable gun and 2) like Stonecreek said, the amount of work to do it safely is very expensive.

If you want a Mauser 8 Mag, find a beater FN 375 or other long magnum and rebarrel it.

If you just want a classy 8 Mag, find a good used SAKO or Model 70 in any magnum caliber and rebarrel it.

If you are determined to use that rifle, the 8-06 AI is good. So is the 8x60 or 8 x 64 if you want to retain a German chambering.

In fact I advise that because an 8 Mag at full potential will kick the snot out of you in a petite little Mauser sporter.

As tiggertate said ,Don't wreck a commercial Mauser, value-wise it's a big mistake.(At least collectible-wise here in the US)
Buy another action and build on it.
Even a military 8 mauser already sporterized, besides you need 26 inches of barrel to really see the benefit , at least over my 8mm handloads.

quote:

Originally posted by gtrotz:
Have anyone convert an 8x57 js in 8 rem mag?
Some years ago I bought a very nice and as new mauser oberndorf 8x57 js and was thinking in pass a reamer of 8 mm rem mag through it and modify the rest of the rifle.

guillermo Trotz

Guillermo,

Quite apart from any possible value of the Mauser as it is, these are considerations:

1) make SURE this is an 8x57I S (i.e. with a .323 bore)!! If not, you have to stay with .318" bullets - ruling out the 8mm Rem Mag.

2) the 8mm Rem Mag is really too long to shoe-horn into a mid-length action like the Mauser. Not only would you have to modify the action; boltface, extractor, ejector, magazine etc would also have be modified.

3) If you have your heart set on 8mm Rem Mag ballistics, an 8x68S would almost get you there. It would still be an extensive modification, but at least the action size fits the 8x68S better. Brass and ammo will be more expensive, though.

4) The easiest conversion would be to cartridges like the 8x64S or the 8x60S. Same boltface, no action work, only magazine (potentially) to be changed.

Handload your 8x57IS to potential, and it will run with a .30-06 as it is.

- mike

quote:

don't know the length of the magazine, follower, and box, but it is almost certainly too short for the 8mm RM which requires at least 3.6".

The 8X57mm Mauser is on the short side for a full-length magnum case. DON't butcher up your Oberndorfer!!

You will also have to modify the stock to accomodate the longer magazine, and should add cross-bolts as well.

i have built several 8 mags on f n standard actions and 09 argenines
also on rems and sakos
the 98s seem to hold good value
theres plenty of buyers

Thank to all.
The true is that I normally use 8x68 s rifles ,I have two of them , a Sauer 202 and a Manlicher Shoenauer.
But a very good friend say that is too expensive the ammunition or the brass but want something in that power for the letallity that they have.
So he ask me if it is posible to transform the rifle that I ask or a VZ 8x57 .
The question was more than my knowledge so I ask here that you can have so good number of experts.
I have some very good actions so I will tell to him that he have to work with one of them.
Thank's again
Sincerelly
Guillermo Trotz

What they said. Keep your Oberndorf original!

One thing I will also add is a good option for another such project is the 8mm Poor mans magnum. You just use 7mm rem mag brass and neck it up. Much easyier brass to find then 8mm Rem Mag.

I don't about the import/export issues but there is a well priced Remington Classic in 8 Mag here:

Rem 700 8MM Magnum

Pretty good deal compared to building one from scratch. Click on Centerfires and scroll down to the remington.