What a find. Saw one of these a couple of years ago that one of the local high-end dealers was selling. You did well. As I remember, he wanted closer to 2K for his. Spike has given you a great run down. And as he notes, this is a beautiful recreaction of the WWI infantry version of the rifle. I assume it is an S bore, but you might want to make sure.
docman have you managed to have a play with the G98 yet?
..Spike, no I have not. I'm going to leave it as is, perhaps it will be of more value to my son or grandson one day. I've got too many others that keep me busy, anyway..! I still like to fondle it once in a while, though..:eyebrow:
Cheers,
Doc.
docman try going to Mauser G98 review | Rifles Reviews | Gunmart . it has a review of the rifle. it says they only made 100 of them as a 100 anniversary tribute. the early calibre designation was 8x57j which had a diameter of 0.318 inch, then the 8x57js replaced it but the bullet diameter grew to .323 inch you can use either in a 323 barrel, but not the .323 in .318 or you will have problems!! it is also called the 8mm mauser. it seems factory loads were in the 196/198 grain weight with velocity 2391ft/sec or 2647ft/sec, with muzz energy 2488ft/lbs to 3647ft/lbs. its a nice looking rifle, where did that surface from?
firstly welcome to AH. after ww2 with the amount of surplus mausers arriving into the usa the ammunition makers loaded a soft .323 dia bullet with lower powder charge, so if it was fired in a .318 bored rifle it would squeeze down and fit with no damage, but the bullets didnt work very well on the larger north american animals so it was dropped in the 1950`s. after this the manufacturers loaded tougher bullets but kept the powder load low so if fired in a .318 barrel it wouldnt cause catastrophic damage. i believe most usa loadings are still very low, and i read the chamber pressure is lower than a 30-30, as they need to cover their liabilities. i wouldnt think it advisable to fire european 8x57js hunting loads in your rifle. i am not a gunsmith so cant advise you on how to remedy your problem, but maybe others on here can help.
Hi,
Was just wondering if 8mm or 7.92x57 is any where close to the 318westley richards . I believe both calibres have a .323 diameter. Any light on this point would be appreciated!!
the .318 wr bullet is .330 inch i believe.
Thanks for the welcome and thx for the speedy response. Yes your answer does help and i think i might get the correct answer here. The make of ammo available her is norma, hornady and S&B. The rifle is old and has been used a few times, maybe thats a good thing should i choose to use the js ammo. A gunsmith in town say i can use it but if one gets diffrent reactions to the question one began to wonder Lets see what other members say and i will take it from there. Thx again.