Mauser Caliber Ideas

[OntarioHunter]

Put on your big boy pants. Last summer I built this 404 Jeffery on an 8mm BRNO vz.24.
View attachment 312045
View attachment 312046
Lilja made the barrel and Dennis Olsen put it on the action. Both are in Plains, MT. A local machinist here opened up the bolt face using Duane Wiebe's useful booklet for making these conversions. I did the rest of the work including installing a 3-position Model 70 style safety from Parkwest, 416 Remington bottom metal (trigger guard/magazine box) from Swift-Blackburn, magnum length follower from New England Custom Gun, Model 70 Safari Express iron sights from eBay, Timney trigger from eBay, semifinished stock from a GunPost vendor, scope rail from Sarco, and Warne Quick Detach rings from eBay. I also modified the action feeding ramp, rails, exctractor, and follower to cycle much longer and fatter 404 cartridges. The stock came with one recoil crossbolt and I added a second "internal" one behind the magazine box (a la Weatherby). And I floated the barrel and bedded the action.

I would advise upgrading to 375 H&H rather than 404. It's easier to find ammo and components for 375 which is also a more versatile caliber. These actions have been built into 416 Rigby (e.g. Harry Selby's rifle) but I think that's pushing the envelope ... for both shooter and the action. 375 is an excellent caliber for anything from deer to 1700 lb Cape buffalo. I used one to take two buffalo.
View attachment 312047
Did I mention I've never built a big bore rifle before? It's not rocket science. Not quite.

Just finished upgrading my 404 Jeffery project with a used commercial stock I bought on line, a new 1-4x 30mm scope, and lower one-piece base. To beef up the stock for 404's heavy recoil I added croosbolts and a steel reinforcement rod through the wrist. The military action and Timney trigger had to be modified to fit the slimmer commercial stock. Then I rebedded the action and refinished the stock using Linspeed oil. Turned out well.

 

[6mm Remington]

I have a .338-06 and wish they made a good 200gr option. I use both the 185gr and 210gr Barnes TTSX

200 gr. Nosler Accubond
200 gr. Nosler E-tip

 

[CaliforniaPatriot]

375 ruger - do something crazy

My .375 Ruger is my go-to hunting rifle. Barnes TSX's, RL15, 1" groups or less when I'm up to the task. Averaging around 2725 FPS to my recollection; it's perfect for everything that isn't "true" long range (I'm good to go up to 300 yards at any time, could probably make 400 acceptable with practice).

 

[6mm Remington]

6mm Remington - 7x57 Mauser - 338-06

 

[OntarioHunter]

For a North American heavy hitter Mauser build, I think 35W is hard to beat. However, someone earlier described it as a "dangerous game" caliber. When speaking of dangerous game rifles (DGR), the term is usually applied to Africa, and over there that caliber would not be considered legal for dangerous game in most jurisdictions. 375, or in some places 9x62, is the minimum.

I am quite pleased with my 404J build on vz.24 but it's not a project for the faint of heart or wallet. I have $2300 into the project and did most of the work except barrel installation and opening the bolt face. Modifying the feeding rails, loading ramp, extractor, and follower is tricky. Building a 35W would be much easier and more economical. Bolt face, extractor, follower, and loading ramp should work as is. Rails and mag box MIGHT require slight modification but I suspect not. Possibly you might consider new bottom metal but not necessary. Nothing wrong with the Brno machined bottom metal. You may want to change the safety if you plan to scope the gun. I went with 3-position Model 70 style that included new bolt shroud ($200). Timney trigger with trigger block safety is somewhat more economical ($150). Or Buhler style scope relief wing safety ($75). I used a one-piece rail/base to accommodate existing 3-hole setup in the receiver. You might consider having a gunsmith get rid of the stripper clip port/hump for more conventional 2-piece bases. New barrel and installation cost me $1K. You could order a heavier barrel profile to fill the barrel channel in the stock you have. Barrel maker will sort that out for you. Good luck. Looking forward to hearing what you decide to do with grandpa's gun.