Kurt Learning
Cast Iron
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2018
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Is it possible to build a .458 Winchester Magnum on a 1898 Mauser action?
I have a NOS Columbian receiver to start with. R. Famage, 1957.
I'll have to open the bolt face and stretch the magazine.
Any insights are appreciated, thanks in advance.
View attachment 262406
Kuhnhausen recommends no longer than .30-06 OAL cartridge conversions for military M98 actions.
Anything longer requires removal of metal from the feed ramp area- which is behind the lug and would weaken this area.
Kuhnhausen recommends no longer than .30-06 OAL cartridge conversions for military M98 actions.
Anything longer requires removal of metal from the feed ramp area- which is behind the lug and would weaken this area.
I read what he said as you are fine at 30-06 length but do not go longer, since you are at the max length and not longer then you are OKMy source indicates that max OAL is the same for the two cartridges.
See diagram posted.
Let's add to that duration. Slower burning powders pushing heavier projectiles exert that force over a larger area, as you accurately mentioned, for a longer period of time.Bolt thrust is more important than pressure. The pressure that a given cartridge generates, multiplied by the surface area at the rear inside surface of the casing is the amount of force that will be acting upon the action. As you can see, a low pressure cartridge that has a large case head can actually exert more force against the bolt and receiver than a high pressure cartridge that is smaller in diameter. If the pressure of a 458 mag is 6% higher than a 30-06, and the 458 has a larger surface area, then it is delivering significantly more bolt thrust.
Another consideration that you should think about before committing to this caliber, in this action, is feeding. The 458 mag is decidedly a dangerous game caliber. It's not simply a matter of if the cartridge will fit, but will it feed smoothly and reliably? This can be done, and it has been done, but it requires a lot of patience and a steep learning curve to develop the skills that are needed to optimize a standard 98 action for a cartridge that deviates so much from the dimensions of the round that the receiver was designed for.
I don't mean to discourage you in the least. This project is very ambitious, and can turn out to be very rewarding. There's great pleasure in building your own custom rifle on your own terms. I would only advise that when using something as a learning tool, first do the learning on something that doesn't matter as much. As an option you could pick up an inexpensive 1893 complete action from Sarco and use that as a practice mule. In gunsmithing schools they always have you learn the tricks of the trade on a junker receiver before moving up to do a classic build. If you make a mistake opening up the feed rails on a well used 93 there are far fewer tears than with a 98. Even if you just build a "truck gun" on a small ring action, it will teach you all kinds of things like stock work, scope rail mounting, hand fitting parts, chambering and installing a barrel, and finishing the metal. My suggestion is: practice first, then jump in the deep end.
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