Chilean Mauser Re-Barrel

[Bully]

I just stumbled into a nice little 1895 Chilean Mauser. It's an 8mm and not something I'm interested in in its current configuration. I'm thinking to re-barrel and build a nice little plinker out of it. Maybe a 243 or 7x57.
Are there any tricks or tips I need to be aware of on these? i've built a couple of Remington 700's and am familiar with them, but not one of these. I'm up for a challenge, but not a blind challenge.
Thanks in advance.

 

[swd]

95’s are a small ring and can only use lower pressure cartridges. Old style 7x57, 6.5x55 type loads. Stay away from modern cartridges and pressures.

 

[Bully]

@swd
Hmmmmmm...

What do you mean "old style 7x57?"
If you have another suggestion on caliber that would be easy to do and safe, I'm all ears.

ETA: 130's with Varget run from 40-45,700 CUP. Should be safe?

 

[SBS]

If the barrel is original to the action, it should be a 7mm Mauser (7x57). These pre-98 type Mausers should only be used with loads not exceeding about 40K PSI because of their weaker design and age. Steel, unlike wine, does not get better with age. Older factory loadings of 7mm and 8mm Mauser were in that pressure range. Actually you could barrel it for about anything the magazine would hold and it would feed, IF you handloaded and kept the pressures down. I don't doubt someone will comment that they are using a modern high pressure cartridge in one of these, but most of us think more of our hands, face and eyes to take the chance.

 

[Riesel]

As I recall those Chilean Mausers were of better steel, still not one to be hot dogged but safe enough.
The 7 X 57 is a dandy cartridge for this but I would not shy away from the 8 x 57. I have built several and they are real game thumpers especially with the heavier, read 190 grains are better, 8mm bullets. It's not a speed demon but it will get the job done in very good fashion. Make Elmer Keith proud.

 

[Bully]

I just looked at the rifle (it was purchased from a friend, for a song) and not knowing much about them, just took him at his word.
It has a crest, and below that it is stamped "M24/52-C". It is a CAI marked import and is an 8mm.
Looks like I should do some more research before I get too crazy.

 

[Riesel]

Built a very nice .257 Roberts on that action.

 

[SBS]

I just looked at the rifle (it was purchased from a friend, for a song) and not knowing much about them, just took him at his word.
It has a crest, and below that it is stamped "M24/52-C". It is a CAI marked import and is an 8mm.
Looks like I should do some more research before I get too crazy.

Sounds like you have a Yugoslav 98, which can handle modern (non-magnum) cartridges if in good condition.

 

[JohnKielly]

Sounds like you have a Yugoslav 98, which can handle modern (non-magnum) cartridges if in good condition.

https://www.guns.com/news/review/old-school-budget-bolt-gun-m2452c-review

 

[Bully]

Sounds like you have a Yugoslav 98, which can handle modern (non-magnum) cartridges if in good condition.

Anything special to watch out for when putting a new barrel on it?

 

[Ggmac]

Anything special to watch out for when putting a new barrel on it?

If a Chilean 95 do not use a high pressure cartridge. If the Yugoslavia 98 large ring , it's much safer and can use about any ( no ultra mags or larger ) you'll need to stick to a 473 bolt face or it can be opened or made smaller with some work . Excellent actions , check it out for problems , twisted , lug set back bolt lug cracks , cocking cam ruined by improper bolt handle mods , etc . Send or post pics . If a 24c Yugoslavia it's not your std length action it's a little shorter so watch when ordering stocks .
You know my email if you need anything , parts etc .
Coffee time , and I need it !

 

[Riesel]

There is going to be a lot of opinions on the fitting of the barrel to the action. I attempt to fit so that most of the torque (like 90% ??) is on the inner ring and the shoulder is snug up to the action face. It is a good idea to check the inner ring for squareness to be sure it's not so far out that one of the abutments is taking all the torque.

 

[tobnpr]

Anything special to watch out for when putting a new barrel on it?

Intermediate length action, if you're planning on scoping the rifle you may have problems locating a mount, and bolt handle and safety mod or replacement required.

Be sure to check out abutment for setback, doubtful it could be an issue since these were never used in combat (and many M24s were never fired)

With a replacement barrel of suitable shank diameter, why bother with the inner torque shoulder? We don't do it with any other rifles, and it was mostly a function of the military barrels having too small a shoulder bearing surface so they relied on the inner shoulder to take most of the torque.

 

[Ggmac]

Intermediate length action, if you're planning on scoping the rifle you may have problems locating a mount, and bolt handle and safety mod or replacement required.

Be sure to check out abutment for setback, doubtful it could be an issue since these were never used in combat (and many M24s were never fired)

With a replacement barrel of suitable shank diameter, why bother with the inner torque shoulder? We don't do it with any other rifles, and it was mostly a function of the military barrels having too small a shoulder bearing surface so they relied on the inner shoulder to take most of the torque.

Never heard of the small conflict in the Balkans ? Lots of use , lots of abuse

 

[butchlambert]

I try to have mine bottom on the ring and try to touch the OD of the front ring.
Check post #12.

 

[Larryh128]

I just looked at the rifle (it was purchased from a friend, for a song) and not knowing much about them, just took him at his word.
It has a crest, and below that it is stamped "M24/52-C". It is a CAI marked import and is an 8mm.
Looks like I should do some more research before I get too crazy.

Take a pic of it and post it. If the bolt has the 3rd lug toward the rear of the bolt it is a 98 design and will handle pressure if in good shape. Ive done a bunch of these, feel free to pm.

 

[tobnpr]

Never heard of the small conflict in the Balkans ? Lots of use , lots of abuse

True, some did- but many M24/47's and 52's never saw their cosmoline removed after they were refurbished at the arsenals.

 

[Ggmac]

True, some did- but many M24/47's and 52's never saw their cosmoline removed after they were refurbished at the arsenals.

You're correct . Some were sold during the M-48 mass import that also were in any condition. The new ones were /are absolutely beautiful.
I missed acquiring a like new Syria marked receiver . It was an unexpected crest that would of fit nicely in my collection.

 

[Flouncer]

Keep the original 8x57. Load Hornady 170g SST bullets and 56g of CFE223 and hammer stuff.

 

[MFrost]

I am looking at using a Chilean 1895 action (made in 1897 so if qualifies as an antique) to re-barrel into a .577 Snider, but before I do I need to know what the thread pattern is on the barrel or at least the O.D. to determine wall thickness on the barrel for the cartridge or if it will be too thin. Having both would be a huge help. Anyone know?

In advance... 100% legal and not a DD as antiques are exempt from nearly all modern firearms regulations in terms of barrel length and caliber size as long as the new caliber is not readily commercially available, which the .577 Snider is not. Would be a black powered round as well loaded down somewhat so case and barrel pressure are not an issue either.

Thanks... Michael