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I recently posted about building a 7x57AI on a mexican mauser, I just had a lightbuldb turn on in my head. I could build a 280 AI and convert the mex to a single shot due to lack of length in the magazine. What would you think of that? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Okay, first gut reaction.

Mausers' claim to fame is their reliability under all conditions. That is, feeding the next round no matter what.

While they can certainly be made accurate (and as soon as I'd say different we'd be inundated with pictures and tales of 1/4 MOA groups shot with Mauser actions <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ), they are not the first choice for a "pure accuracy rifle".

Turning it into a single shot - any action can be used for that. Save the Mauser action for some purpose where reliability and smooth operation are part of the criteria.

Montana,

I have to agree with everything that Jim said. Also, the biggest advantage of having a Mexican mauser is fact that you can make Lwt .257 Robts. or 7x57 or .250/3000. I sure wouldn't waste it on a sgl. shot .280.
I have seen more than a couple of them and they make nice rifles in the medium or short length calibers. Just my two peso's worth... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ...the9.3Guy

Not much

Seems to me that at the end of that thread, you had pretty much concluded that a 7x57 AI was not worth the bother. Now you want to do a 280 AI on an action that it won't even fit into? What kinda sense does that make?

Here are four cartridges that WILL fit into the action you have.

7-08, 7x57, 284 W (= 7x57 AI +), 7mm SAUM (= 280 AI)

One of these will fit every ballistic niche that you have discussed. Or do you just want an AI something or other?

JimF

I agree with all. Make the M-98 into a handy, reliable, hunting rifle. Make your single shot on either a full-custom action or a trued 700 with an oversize bolt.

7X57!!!!!!

MB,
As much as I love the .280AI, I think that building one in a single shot Mexican Mauser wouldn't do justice either to the.280 AI or the grand old action.

I would recommend that you use the Mexican action to construct a classic lightweight mountain type rifle with a walnut stock and 4x scope in .250 Savage, .257 Roberts, 7x57, or 6.5x55.

If you want a .280AI scare up a long Remington 700, Winchester 70 or some other suitable action, for example the Howa 1500, and pair it with a #3 or #4 contour barrel from a top maker.

If you want a .280AI on a Mauser action I would think about using one of the new Charles Daly 98 clones.

Good Shooting,
HBB

Justa passing thought, I am over it now.

LOL!

I suspect most of us have had more than a few of those passing thoughts... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Why not just build a very nice, lightweight, plain vanilla 7X57? Everything is right, right now, to make that work. No feeding issues, no surprises.

Put it in the stock of your choice and never look back. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Ted

PS: You will be amazed at how well the little seven does on big game.

I've had just about every fancy big, loud magnum and wildcat. Funny thing is, I keep rediscovering the boring old cartridges will often do more, better than the wham=bams!

I like 6.5s in general, but my hunting go-to still tends to be the (ho-hum) .308 winchester.

YEP. We have made a lot of advancements in powder and bullets in the last 110+ years, but no real improvements in case design. They new something when they designed the 7x57.

How about something like this?--.275 Rigby:

1936 Mexican Mauser <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />