Are these military actions good or strong enough to build a custom big bore rifle like the 458 Winchester? What is the difference between model 48 and model 98? Any insight will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for any info you can give me!

The M48 Egytian is the same as a Yugo M48. They generally come without crests or markings and usually have stamped bottom metal. They are classified as an intermediate action and are about two tenths of an inch (0.2") shorter than the standard M98. I'll let the gunsmiths on the Board tell you if it can be made to safely feed and fire the .458 Win Mag. I think the .376 Steyr is the perfect length for this action.

Thanks for the reply! I have since searched the site and found tons of info about the M48. I did not realize that it was the same as the yugo M48. I still would like to know if it is okay to chamber to the 458 Winchester. Thanks.

I am not a gunsmith, nor an expert at most anything, but from everything that I have heard/read, the M48 is too short for standard lenght cartridges. Not enought magazine room.

Coot

Not only are the magazines too short, if the bolt face is like a 48 or a 24/47, it does not have an opposing "nose" that is opposite the extractor.

When you open up the boltface for the magnum, the depth of it will get shallower as you approach the edge.(most mauser bolts have a radius cut instead of a square shoulder on the outside)

It is quite easy to ruin the bolt so that nothing will stay on it, without the projection that is opposite the extractor to help you out.

Michael S.

If your 'smith is careful, this can be done. Lot easier on a full length action though. - Dan