Converting Yugo M-48 Mauser to 6.5x55

[jackieschmidt]

There is a really nice M-48 in the classifieds that nobody is showing any interest in.

All I know about these Rifles is what I have read. Since the M-48 is shorter than the k-98, it is said that converting it to 30/06 requires a lot of work to make feeding efficient.

But what about going to 7mm Mauser Ackley or a case of similiar length, such as the 6.5x55 Swede. I kinda like the idea of a 30 caliber using the Swede as the parent case.

Any problems?

Also, is there any need for that little step that the M-48 used on the face of the tenon, which makes it necessary to cut a relief for the extractor. From pictures, it looks like you could just make it flat like other Mausers.

 

[butchlambert]

Does this help? A 6.5x55 is about 3.150 OAL.

Type VII, FN24 and Yugo actions
Action OAL: 8.500
Recvr screws, center to center: 7.620
Bolt body length: 6.115
Magazine length: 3.232
Recvr ring dia: 1.410, large ring
Barrel shank dia: 1.100, large shank

Standard 98 dimensions

Type I:
Action OAL: 8.750
Recvr screws, center to center: 7.835
Bolt body length: 6.370
Magazine length: 3.315
Recvr ring dia: 1.410 large ring
Barrel shank dia: 1.100 large shank

Some of the models that fall into Type I are:
Chilean M1912, Steyr
GEW 98, various mfr's
Brazilian M1908/34, Brno
VZ24, 98/22, 98/29, Brno
M1908 Brazilian, DWM
M1909 Argentine, DWM
M24/30 Venezuelan, FN
M1935 Peruvian, FN
Standard Modell, Mauser Oberndorf
K98k, various mfr'

 

[jackieschmidt]

Thanks, Butch. The 6.5x55 case is actually a little shorter than the original 8mm Mauser, so it should work.

 

[AlNyhus]

Jackie, I remember Stan doing several of these. Three were 308's and at least one was a 30-284 done with my 30-284 reamer. I don't recall any of them having an extractor cut done. The 30-284 was a really good shooter and the 308's were pretty good 1/2"-5/8" guns (3 shots). All four were Lilja 1:12's in the Remington Magnum Sporter profile.

Here's a video of a guy doing one...don't see a cut done or any mention made of of one. I like his brass lapping tool. -Al

 

[shortgrass]

It will work fine for the 55 and 57mm cases. '96 Swedish Mauser bottom metal fits fine, for milled , as many '48s have stamped bottom metal. The M24 24/47 series is much better IMO, for fit and finish, and it comes with milled bottom metal. I have a "hunter" in 7 x 57mm AI that fits the bill. The 55mm case in AI has always attracted me, but I own enough chambering reamers as it is (78 at last count).

 

[Ggmac]

There is a really nice M-48 in the classifieds that nobody is showing any interest in.

All I know about these Rifles is what I have read. Since the M-48 is shorter than the k-98, it is said that converting it to 30/06 requires a lot of work to make feeding efficient.

But what about going to 7mm Mauser Ackley or a case of similiar length, such as the 6.5x55 Swede. I kinda like the idea of a 30 caliber using the Swede as the parent case.

Any problems?

Also, is there any need for that little step that the M-48 used on the face of the tenon, which makes it necessary to cut a relief for the extractor. From pictures, it looks like you could just make it flat like other Mausers.

No need for the safety breeching . How about the 7.65 x 54 (?)argentine . I’m not sure about the 6.5 length , it should work , afterall the swede rifle ( 96) is a similar size action .

 

[Will Henry]

I have made a decent 55mm 30 cal by simply running the 308 reamer in deep and using 6.5x55 as parent brass. Of course, the reality is, it didn't do much the 308 didn't; except let me dick around forming brass. WH

 

[jackieschmidt]

Thanks guys. Just the info I needed.

 

[joshb]

Thanks guys. Just the info I needed.

I’d bet @Ggmac has an action for you that’s just “lying around”.

 

[shortgrass]

If I was gonna' use a 48 or 24/47 to build a 6.5x55 Swede, I'd use bottom metal for the '96 Swede as it has the proper shape for that cartridge.