I need help! I have a very nice and clean 1910 Mexican Mauser action waiting to be turned into a new rifle. I have no idea what caliber to have it chambered for. I am looking to build a relatively light rifle(as light as a Mauser can be made) with a walnut stock. The gun will be used for whitetails and black bear over bait. If this was your project what caliber would you build? Remember the Mexican Mauser is not a standard length 98. Thanks.

Craig

Howdy,

Hands down my choice would be the .257 Roberts. It works well in the Mexican Mauser action, and it is easy to shoot, easy to load for, and has plenty of oomph for white tail and for bears at closer ranges. btw, my Father has built 3 such rifles, all shoot wonderfully and are very light.

Coach

Hi Craig,

I'd have to agree with Coach Hunt...but just so you have trouble making up your mind I'll add the .275 Rigby (aka 7x57). Decisions, decisions!

I like Coach Hunt's advice, but I think I'd take it just one step further and go for the 257 Ackley Improved. They'll damn near shoot side by side with a 25-06 and they'd feed like a dream in that little Mexican.

I love the Roberts, but a big black bear can be tough. Were it me, I would go either 6.5 x 55, .260 Remington, 7-08, 7 x 57, or .308 Winchester, in about that order.

358 Winchester

Another vote for the 275 Rigby (7mm Mauser). I'm actually having one built now on a Mauser action. I'm going to try the Hawk bullets in this one first, they have weights from about 130 gr. to 170 gr. in round nose and spire point, should work for just about anything I'll hunt in Texas.

I would want a short or medium cartride for this project

How about a 8X57 for that bear. Little bit larger bullet. Should feed well.

or a 284 Win or 30-284 Win

Or if want a real thumper (on both ends) Open up the bolt and feed rail and try to 300 WSM.

My choice would be the 6.5x55 or the 7-08. I can not speak highly enough of the 6.5x55 swede and you will get deep penetration with a tough 140 gr bullet.

CraigP,
What Triggerguard 1 said. Best advice posted so far. Jim

Done up right, that little Mex. will be sweeeet. I'd go 7X57 or 7-08, 22" UL contour. Mausers can be made fairly light if you pay attention to details. My favorite 25-06 is on a G33-40. It weighs 6.3 lb w/a leo 3X9 compact in a Garret synthetic.

Ooops! forgot, a 6.5X55 would be great too.

JimF

[ 10-18-2002, 09:18: Message edited by: JimF ]

bears,thump-thump,9.3x57mm.Not a lot of bullet choices,but,plenty of knock-down power,or the 358.lots of power in a short case.good luck.

Oh shit! ROFLMAO

I'm with Johan, 358 Win is my choice.

7x57 would do all you want. A 8x57 case necked down to .30 cal would be very interesting.

Another vote for the .358 Winchester.

Barry

if you chamber for a sort action cartridge like the .358 you will regret it!

Hello CraigP - I went through the same agony. A 1904 Erfurt receiver in my case. Decided on a 25" Walther barrel in 0.270 Winchester. Hoping to keep the weight down in the 6 lb region. An almost straight, toothpick stock i.e. no pistol grip made from balsa wood...?:-)

As I get older the mountains seem to be growing too.

cheers edi

One more vote for .358.

Fireplug

I change my vote to the 9.3x57 cause JOHAN embarressed me! ROFLMAO

Weren't those Mexican mausers all chambered to the 7x57? For '06 power and reasonable longrange ability I'd do the 8x57.

Mexican Mausers (and their Arisakas) were chambered in 7 X 57 in all the early models. Their later versions were in 30-06. As they are medium length actions, I built a 257 AI and a 7 X 57 AI on two of mine. After reading jeffeosso's posts I think I'll do a 376 Styer on the remaining one I have. - Dan

[ 10-21-2002, 19:12: Message edited by: dan belisle ]

If it were just for deer, I would probably go with the 6.5x55, but since you threw in black bear, I would go with the 358 Win. You won't be disappointed. I am with you Bearclaw, I hope there is enough room in that closet for a few more of us 358 fans.

[ 10-31-2002, 18:10: Message edited by: DOCTOR LOU ]

358 or 376
http://www.serveroptions.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=16;t=001943

I've got a 1910 in 358, a 1936 in 708 and a 1936 in 376.

The 376 is now my favoite, but, sense you said light, you might want to go with a much ligther counture, like a #3.5 or 4.

regret chambering it in a short round? hogwash (sorry) but the 7x57 is a short round.. my 358 loads are right at 2.85, while the 7x57 loads between 3.06 and 2.8.. same same

The box length is about 3.165 or so, max, on my particular 376.

and the 1910 and 1936 are small ring 98s.

the 358 will launch (22" barrel) a 225 at 2500, easy, and the 376 will do 2850+ with the same, 2800 with a 235, and over 2500 with a 300.

jeffe

I'll agree with Coach Hunt with the 257 & ACRecurve on the 7x57 but go one step further and AI either one of them. The 358nWin is also a good choice.

On the low end the .257 Rob gets the nod but I think that the .358 Winnie overall will be of more use to you especially when tackling big blackies.

Another vote for the old 8x57, a great cartridge!

How 'bout .35/284 ? Just a little work on the rails, maybe none on the bolt face. Thump !!!!!!

I'll add a vote for the 7x57 or 7mm-08. Blackies aren't all that tough, and hunting over bait is a short range proposition, so heavy bullets can easily be used. I'll go with .275 Rigby since it's got the coolest name.

The .358 would certainly work well, too, as would the .308 (boring). Hell, the .257s would do the job.

Matt, what's the max OAL for a cartridge in your new short action?

The all time classic for a custom Mexican Mauser has got to be the 7x57. I have also seen them made up in 250-3000, 6.5x55 and 308. They make great custom Mausers in medium length calibers.

Classic Mausers deserve classic chamberings. I'd be going with the 7x57 or 275 Rigby, whatever you want to call it.