I got a line on a Columbian Mauser chambered in 30.06 at a pawn shop I frequent. I could afford to make payments on it. If the barrel is in good shape would this be a good platform to learn reloading on? I know I’d probably have to reload M1 Ball for it since that is what the Columbians were putting through it… and that’s just a different bullet and powder and a lighter charge…I know Hornady’s most recent 2 manuals have M1 ball load info. I could easily wrap my brain around that, since I’ve owned a Garand and am in understanding that military 30.06 and modern hunting 30.06 are two pretty different things. Then again maybe the Columbian action is strong enough for modern rifle food. I didn’t ever know about Columbian surplus so I have no idea. But. I assume since the Columbians were using m1 ball that there’s no funky bore sizes or anything with them.
Columbian Mauser?!?!
- Thread starter Carcanobrat
- Start date
1) Recommend you get a modern firearm, not for safety reason, but if you want to learn reloading a cheapie Savage will likely be more accurate.
2) Any Mauser rifle made post WWI will be safe (barring damage, corrosion, etc...) with any load that's safe in another .30-06. '98s are the prototypical modern, strong action.
The first thing you should do is look at the muzzle to ensure the rifling is intact. They wore the last few inches of barrel smooth with cleaning rods on many of them. Some are counterbored to alleviate this issue but only expect military accuracy.
jackieschmidt
Gold $$ Contributor
The Colombian’s are great examples of the Mauser. They were barreled in 30/06 due to a deal with other Countries with great supplies of surplus military 30/06 ammo.
you can learn reloading with it, just as you can just about any turn bolt rifle. 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards is certainly in the realm of possibility if the barrel is in good shape.
Dors it still have the straight bolt handle?
you can learn reloading with it, just as you can just about any turn bolt rifle. 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards is certainly in the realm of possibility if the barrel is in good shape.
Dors it still have the straight bolt handle?
I haven’t seen it in person yet. I spoke with my preferred contact at the store over the phone and he told me about. When items are sold to a pawn or thrift store in FL they go on a 30 day waiting period. This gun is going to hit the sales floor in the next few days. But in any military bolt gun if I can get consistent 4” groups I’m happy. I’m never going to be a precision shooter where I’m trying to put two bullets through the same hole. I want to reload so when I can’t find ammo, like I can’t find Carcano rounds right now, I know I can make it and still enjoy my investment.
I was initially really excited about this gun. But that excitement is wearing off. Just really don’t want to spend the extra $300 right now.
Flouncer
What the heck it works for me !!
My experience and I started with Mil Surp Mauser 96 then a 98. Find a round, any round that kicks less than the 30-06. 55 grains of powder, no, start with 38 or 40 in a smaller case and lighter bullet. Also, lose the two stage military trigger. Also, lose the stock mil iron sights which are probably regulated for center hit at about 800 yards with no easy cost effective way to lower the point of impact POI. Loss the dark pitted bore. Loose the non matching bolt/receiver. Lose the cluster of accurately and easily and cost effectively mounting a scope. Inexpensive Savage in .243 or 6mm Crede would be way ahead in almost any aspect. Hate to say that as I love my Mausers.
You don't mention price. Any bolt rifle that's safe to operate will work to learn reloading.
I was told “roughly $300”
I ended up passing on the Columbian. It looked nice and the rifling was great towards the chamber, but as I was warned the rifling at the muzzle was gone.
RegionRat
Gold $$ Contributor
If your decision is swayed at that budget level, then you should really be looking for the next sale on a modern bolt action 5.56/223 with an 8 twist and learn to load with something easy on that budget.
As life and budgets improve for you, there will come a day when the economics of being young will be behind you and you will both get what you like and already know how to reload safely. You will be like most of us, juggling a job, loans, wife, kids, etc., and be able to look back on this time in your life and smile.
As life and budgets improve for you, there will come a day when the economics of being young will be behind you and you will both get what you like and already know how to reload safely. You will be like most of us, juggling a job, loans, wife, kids, etc., and be able to look back on this time in your life and smile.
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