I am buying a Yugo 48 Mauser action at a great price. I believe the original caliber was 8X57. Of course I can't wait to built something on this action. Considering the length of the action and bolt head size what calibers would I be restricted to.

Hello Al,

I think the 30-06 Springfield OAL/rim diameter "class" is the "limit" without doing extensive modification to the action/bolt. Nothing wrong with that old 8X57 either....

Regards, Bill

Go with the 35 Whelen.

The M48 Magazine box is about .090" shorter than the "Standard" M98. The box also does not have the "expansion room" built into it that the "Standard" does. The loading ramp area is already much shorter than the M98K "Standard" length. The action is about 1/4" shorter and the fact that it already is whithin .090" of the "Standard" length M98 bears this out. 3.200" COL is about the max.

the following "short" and "intermediate" length cartridges will fit handily.

Short action rounds

• 22-250
• 250 Sav
• 260 rem
• 7mm-08 Rem
• 300 Rem
• 308 Win
• 358 Win

[/list]Intermediate action rounds (ideal for this action @ 3.150" COL

220 Swift

6mm Rem (much better in "intermediate length" as it is based on 7X57 case.

257 Roberts (see 6mm Rem comment)

6.5X55 Sweed

7X57 Mauser

8x57 Mauser (Easily makes 2800fps with 180gr Nosler Ballistic Tips) [/LIST]
Now, if you want to open up the bolt face, you can chamber any of the WSM or SAUM cartridges and load to 3.150" COL or there abouts for much more flexibility with heavier projectiles. I have spoken to two gunsmiths of considerable reputation, and they say this is safe in the M98 large ring, large thread action. (The M48 is thus) One of them however recommends chrome moly barrels for this as they are stronger (tensile strength) than stainless. (Although stainless resists throat erosion better)

You might want to consider the 8X57. This round is loaded to pathetic presure levels in America for fear that some "numbrod" (pun intended) might chamber one if these in a "j" bore (.318" bore)

I have easily reached 2800fps with 180gr Nosler Ballistic Tips (IMR 4064) and 2600fps with 200gr Nosler Partitions (IMR 4350). This was out of an issue barrel and action "Standard" M98K circa 1942. No pressure signs with either load.

I am sure that I have "missed" someone's favorite, and I am sure we will here more recommendations.

This action is too short for 3.340 COL (30-06 length) cartridges!

[ 11-14-2002, 21:49: Message edited by: wildcat junkie ]

Thanks guys. This is gonna be fun!

.25-06?

I'd even be willing to go .30-06 or .35 Whelen and accept that there would be a few loads that had to be seated a little deep.

Can't believe I missed it the first time.

How could an Alaskan pass up a chance to build a 9x57?

I converted one to 30-06. I use round nose bullets, either 150 or 165gr. That solves the length problem. I haven't had any dead animals complain about the poor ballistic coeffients of these projectiles.

Unless you went up like someone suggested to 9x57 or 9.3x57 I wouldn't change it. Or down to a shorter cartridge like .257 or .250-3000 or the other mid length cartridges previously listed. My own sporter M48 had a brand new barrel. It shot great so I turned out the steps and installed better sights. If you're handloading there isn't any gain to be had be deep seating 30 cal bullets when you can easily load out the 8mm's as far as the magazine will allow.

-M

Al,
I would humbly suggest you look at the 284 winchester, and the wildcats on this case from .224 thru .375(maybe even.416)any of these will fit magazine length and you will not have to give up the option of spitzer's. I am sure there are times when long shots are unavoidable.
I do not have any experience with the new wsm or usm's, but I do know the 284 family feeds flawlessly in the Yugo.

The magazine box could be lengthened.

Short mags sound like they deserve a look. What about the feed rails and the magazine? Would that fat cartridge fit?

The 7.92x57, in European loadings is IMHO, the equal of most commercial .06 loadings.

A while back a friend had his chrono set up and I ran some S&B 180gr. sp. thru. The velocities were just over 2900 fps. with about 11 fps. spread.

This Yugo was a mismatch with a brand new barrel from the rearsenal work. I didn't re taper the steps, simply smoothed them till there was no sharp edges. It almost drove me nuts, till I figured out it liked a little pressure at the end of the forearm.

BTW, this is an m24/47, with one of the F.N. contract actions.

[ 11-19-2002, 07:13: Message edited by: TERRY8mm ]