I have a 19th century (1897 manufacture) Mauser rifle. It was rebarreled to 308 Win about 33 years ago. I have owned and used it for many thousands of rounds since 1984. It is - I believe - a 95 pattern action.
For the last few years in deference to the age and metallurgy concerned I have loaded it very light. Something in the order of 150g bullets around 2600fps from a 24 inch barrel.
I think the time is coming to rebarrel this in something more befitting its heritage. The receiver is one of those intermediate lengths ie built around the x57 action.
I figure there are 3 obvious choices: 7x57; 8x57 and 6.5x55. I guess 257 Roberts and 6mm Rem also spring to mind.
The rifle sees use on pigs and goats. The chance of deer could present itself. I intend to load the rifle closer to 40K PSI than 50K.
So folks, what say you? I am an avid handloader, so factory ammo is not a concern. What chambering should I go for that will give me good power and and decent trajectory in a low pressure loading?
I am very open to suggestion on this.
For the last few years in deference to the age and metallurgy concerned I have loaded it very light. Something in the order of 150g bullets around 2600fps from a 24 inch barrel.
I think the time is coming to rebarrel this in something more befitting its heritage. The receiver is one of those intermediate lengths ie built around the x57 action.
I figure there are 3 obvious choices: 7x57; 8x57 and 6.5x55. I guess 257 Roberts and 6mm Rem also spring to mind.
The rifle sees use on pigs and goats. The chance of deer could present itself. I intend to load the rifle closer to 40K PSI than 50K.
So folks, what say you? I am an avid handloader, so factory ammo is not a concern. What chambering should I go for that will give me good power and and decent trajectory in a low pressure loading?
I am very open to suggestion on this.