Why didn't Germany or Continental Europe develop big bore cartridges like the British did?

[DieJager]

There is also one more action size variety.
Mauser medium action size, depending on factory:
Mauser 98 has longer action by 1/4 inch then Yugo M48. (clone of mauser 98K)

I think that it comes from time when Zastava factory imported tools from FN factory in Belgium.
Thus, there is a possibility that also FN Mausers have shorter version of action. (?)

On FN size I may be wrong, but for sure Yugo shorter action is not the only shorter medium length action version in the world. Some other factories were doing the same.

On the other hand, Yugo rifle M70 for hunting, has proper length (longer) Mauser medium action, for which they manage to chamber 458 WM and 375 H&H.

I've got a Zastava M70 in 375h&h . Good rifle

 

[Huvius]

As far as Mauser actions are concerned, the receiver of the Mauser Magnum action is significantly longer and more massive than that of the classic Mauser 98 action. Only the bolt has the same diameter, but is also longer. I just compared a FN Mauser action with a classic Mauser Magnum action and a Brevex Magnum Mauser action. The difference is clear.

The Oberndorf magnums are dimensionally the same as a standard large ring action in every way other than length.
Bottom metal varied according to the cartridge used but even the screw spacing is the same, the recoil lug being farther back under the receiver ring on the magnums or better stated the receiver ring is farther forward, the lug staying in the same position.
The Brevex M300 was too but I do believe that the Brevex M400 was larger in some areas - maybe the receiver ring was bigger, not 100% sure.

 

[grand veneur]

I did not take any measurements, just compared the Mauser actions of my rifles. The size differences are clear.

 

[grand veneur]

Mauser systems were produced in many places around the world, so I don't know if everything was so standardized and nowadays, where the production of standard Mauser and Magnum actions continues, there are also deviations in dimensions depending on who these actions are made.

We have strayed a little bit from the topic, but the various Mauser actions have influenced the design of the few German big bore cartridges and so you cannot completely separate them from the topic.

 

[MD Driver]

Great discussion guys, learning a lot. Keep posting the histories of the era, if you want.

(Veering). That “TGS Outdoors” guy, an English kid on YouTube who has a nice channel primarily devoted to sporting shotguns, will at times contrast the classic German firearms with those made by the English/Brits. Usually a lot to look at when the Holt auction house gets stocked up and ready for an auction event. Anyway it looks like the old, classic German guns are definitely an acquired taste, and not for everyone. The rifles shoot an old metric round of some kind, and I don’t recall him describing anything much bigger than a 9.3 or whatever.

Just an observation, FWIW.

 

[Antho9364]

We had forgotten a German caliber which I think must be excellent.
I want to talk about the 500/416 nitro express.
It's true that it's a very British caliber, but it was Kriegoff who invented it in 1996.

 

[MD Driver]

Interesting!

 

[Odinsraven]

8x64 is probably the most underrated calibre - have used it in Europe the dark continent - works ever time - shame you have to reload unless you are in Europe !