Changeing calibers on Mauser actions?

I have found a nice Husqvarna 640 in 8x57, but I want to change the caliber. Since this comes with the 1 piece bottom metall, including mag box, what work does it require to make it feed say a 308? Or maybe, 30-06?

Any type of aftermarket follower? Or will a smith have to go over it to make sure it feeds and extracts like a Mauser is supposed to?

To make it feed as Paul Mauser designed, you'll need to replace the mag box and follower with one designed around whatever caliber you choose to use, as well as some work to the feed rails and ramp. Having personally tried to do a few cheapy conversions without properly designed bottom metal, I highly recomend avoiding that tact.

The best option is to stick with the factory bottom metal, and use a round based off the X57 case, so a 7X57, 30X57 wildcat or stick with the 8X57. The rounds have excellent performance and just as importantly they'll feed nice and slick just the way master Mauser designed them to.

I have 4 that went from 8x57 to 7mm-08, 308, 338-06, and 22-250 with no mods to feed rails or the follower and they all work fine.

Originally Posted by 458 Lott

To make it feed as Paul Mauser designed, you'll need to replace the mag box and follower with one designed around whatever caliber you choose to use, as well as some work to the feed rails and ramp. Having personally tried to do a few cheapy conversions without properly designed bottom metal, I highly recomend avoiding that tact.

The best option is to stick with the factory bottom metal, and use a round based off the X57 case, so a 7X57, 30X57 wildcat or stick with the 8X57. The rounds have excellent performance and just as importantly they'll feed nice and slick just the way master Mauser designed them to.

What????

only mod. 98 i had feeding problems with was one that a gunsmith had messed with the rails!

Ed

I work on more Mauser actions than any other. Conversions are common and generally not troublesome. For an action that begins life as an 8x57........

Easiest conversion: 6mm Remington, 257 Roberts, 6.5x55, 7x57

Slightly more involved, but generally feed very well. May require lengthening the box (cut and weld) and slight modification of the feed ramp: 25-06, 6.5-06, 270, 280, 30-06, 338-06, 35 Whelen, 9.3x62

A little trickier to make feed, but not difficult and requiring no magazine box mods: 243, 260, 7mm08, 308, 338 Fed, 358 Win

Darned difficult to make feed correctly: 22-250, 250 Sav

Much more work involved. Feed rails, feed throat, bolt face mods: 264 Win Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag, 458 Win Mag

Conversions that have been done on Model 98 Mausers but which are not generally recommended for either reasons of practicality of safety: 375 H&H Mag and family, 300 WSM and family

Bill Jacobs
Bolt&Barrel Gunsmithing, LLC

Just don't do a .284....don't ask

Originally Posted by rifle

Just don't do a .284....don't ask

I've got a 1909 in 284 that feeds like a snake through a sewer pipe!

Yay for you on finding a Husky. Try shooting the donor first. You are OBLIGATED to shoot the donor.
8x57s are WAY underrated, but are actually a real performer with good bullets and handloading. In fact, the whole x57 family gets short shrift for some reason, except the Roberts.
Give that 8x57 a whirl first.

We have a .300 win mag and a .458 win mag at the shop that both feed and shoot well

I like the 9.3x57 or 62 as well but I'm thinking my next will be a .257 bob.

Originally Posted by rifle

Just don't do a .284....don't ask

That is strange. I also have a 1909 in 284 and it is probably the best feeding of a fair collection of mauser customs that I own.

I just finished a Model 70 Winchester rebarrel from 30-06 to .284. I had to replace the follower to get feeding to 100%. Sometimes it takes no work at all, and sometimes it takes a bunch.

Clemson