I know the 98 has a third safety lug, and other features that are improvements over the pre-98 Mausers. But with regards to cartridges and pressures, why is it recommended to use lower pressure loads for cartridges such as 6.5x55, 7x57 etc., in pre-98 small ring mausers (e.g. Swedish 96s), whereas these same recommendations are not made for small ring 98 Mausers (e.g., Mexicans, G33/40, Brno 21 etc)?

It seems that they are very similar with respect to the front receiver ring, barrel shank diameter, locking lugs etc.

What am I missing?

David

quote:

Originally posted by DKim:
I know the 98 has ... other features that are improvements over the pre-98 Mausers.

........What am I missing?

David

Its these other improvements that make the actions better able to handle higher pressures.

These would include better heat treating or more specifically heat treating designed to handle higher pressures that subsequent cartridges were designed to operate at. Also the 98's better venting & redirecting of gas to name just two.

depending on the year made, you are looking at gas handling and 3rd lug, plus stock pattern availability.

the swedes put 270s and 9,3x62s in 96 actions.. though they were FN made and good steel