cloverleaf
Handloader
- Sep 10, 2006
- 4,367
- 982
Ok - if you've been keeping up,(but why would you...) you know that I've been battling with the old 250 savage. About a year ago, I made a mistake and over charged a some loads and locked up the bolt. (See above..) I assumed that once we got the bolt open I was good. However, I'm guessing that the cumulative affect of that and the years of shooting have finally had their affect. Recently trying out the some what reduced load for my model 99 the following happened to my Mauser:
Shot it a couple times, split a case, removed that, shot a couple more times and then the bolt wouldnt open again. (Split cases didnt surprise me too much, this is really old brass.) Got it back from the smith on Monday and this is what we found:
Second photo shows bolt w/ the safety lug broken off. Third photo shows the crack through the front lug. I am looking to find a comercial Mauser bolt, but even if I do the head space will likely be off with a "replacement bolt". These changes DID NOT happen simply as a result of firing the group pictured. Charges were verified w/ two separate scales and the same load shot successfully in my model 99.
The ultimate disposition of my Mauser is unknown. For now it sets in the safe. Further reloading is on hold too. Hopefully some one can learn from my mistake and misfortune.
On a personal note- its just a rifle- steel and wood- but breaking it feels like the equivalent of "running over the dog" with the car. Kinda heart sick. Many good memories tied up in that rifle.
So - talked with my Smith this afternoon- he hasnt been able to find a bolt for my FN Mauser commercial bolt or action (no surprise) I havent either. He does have an Interarms "Mark X" 30-06 rifle for sale. In many ways this might be the way to go. I would get a theoretically good action and matching bolt. safety that works right etc..
If the actions are close enough it might fit the bedding in my current stock and I really like my current stock. (I could find that out before I spent the money) Then its a matter of threading my current barrel on the donor action. if that fits and the threads match, thats not too spendy. If the threads need to be re-cut.... well. The finishes wouldn't match because the barrel is bead blasted, but I could live with that. Smith says hes got Guages and reamers for 25-06 so thats gonna happen before he puts the barrel back on.
Im guessing the FM Mounts arent going to fit the Interarms action, so that means new bases.
So. just rough numbers- that swap is gonna cost me over $500- $600. If it all screws together and the bedding is close. Then I'd have another barrel and stock I dont have an action for. Not sure I could sell that either, but maybe, eventually. Best not to plan on it or more than a $150.
Trust me- its more than I want to spend, and I would loose my 250 Savage. But, I keep a rifle that I like and fits me better than anything I've found so far. I'm sure I wont own another rifle with a stock like this.... The 250 should be in a short action any way....not the current long action.
Dads not around to talk me out of it, somebody else please try. Sorry - hope this post isnt too rambling...CL
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