Been kicking around ideas for a future project. Does anyone here have any experience with the 9x57 Mauser? I'm thinking if a guy did one with a .358" bore(vs. the original .356") he could basically duplicate .358 Win performance at lower pressure and still be ok with factory 9x57 ammo(assuming he lived in Wonderland and actually came across some for something that out of the mainstream)..
Tim, you are about 18 months behind me. I had the exact game plan. I bought a .358 bore barrel and a 9x57 reamer from PT&D. The barrel went on a FN military action and in a nice, slim stock. Unfortunately, it in no way resembles the beauty SSB has, but does very nicely in the field.
The brass is necked up 8X57 and I settled on the 250 gr Hornady RN bullet and a 246 gr cast bullet. They shoot close enough together that there is no need for a scope zero change. I had a very educational discussion with some knowledgeable people on the German Rifle forum...check this thread out:
http://www.germanguns.com/upload/showthread.php?947-9-X-57-anyoneI jumped into the discussion on page 5 with my questions.
I got my rifle ready after our season started, but still had an opportunity to blood it. I can only say that a 250 gr RN at 2250 fps makes a remarkable impression on a WT buck!
I highly recommend your pursuit of this project. It has been very satisfying for me. Of course, I am the type that enjoys having something unique and different. The double takes that I got when they asked what I shot that buck with were worth every penny of the project!
If you decide to build a 9X57, I may can offer some input. I also have a once used 9X57 reamer that you may be interested in.....