Mauser 98 conversion?

I have one that has already been sporterized as an 8 mm....what would it take to either turn into a 264 win mag or a 308?

And a good smith recommendation for the job would be appreciated

I got one very recently from my wife's cousin that was already tapped for a scope, and seems straight. But hacked barrel, incorrect stock, etc, enough I wouldn't mind doing something with it. I had been buying a few here and there to try to get one in condition I wouldn't mind taking from original configuration, but apparently I have good luck and all the"fair" condition one's I have ordered were too nice to mess with. So will be interested in the comments others have as well.

DXHI said:

I have one that has already been sporterized as an 8 mm....what would it take to either turn into a 264 win mag or a 308?

And a good smith recommendation for the job would be appreciated

Click to expand...

Ok, here goes.
Firstly, the 308 would be simpler and less costly because no bolt machining, opening of feed lips and mag box alteration is required.
You MAY need a spacer added to the mag box so the cartridge is timed better if feeding is an issue.
A 264WM WILL require boltface machining, feed lip alteration and, if a 2.250" mag length, the mag box will either need replacing, or cutting and extending. You want 3.400" for reliable feeding and loading with a 264WM. Or any 'standard' length magnums.

Cheers.

I have done several 98 rebarrels. If bore in good shape go with 8mm 06 , if you rebarrel try and ckeep in same bolt face easy and cheaper. Did one in 375 338 works good but lot of bolt work.

Granted there are lots more bullet choices in 308 but performance on game is so close to the 8x57 that I don't know why you would bother with changing. I did one a few years back and decided to go with a Roberts since I had a "caliber gap" in that region.

anything off the 06 or 7x57, 6.5x55 cases would be the easiest and cheapest way to go and there is alot of good options there

I was gifted a '37 model 98. It was chambered in 8mm-06. I posted on a forum, maybe here, about converting it to a .260 Rem. someone suggested that any caliber based on the .308 case might cause feeding issues. They suggested that a similar round that wouldnt have any feeding issues would be the 6.5x55 Swede. Brownells sells short chambered barrels for Mausers around $100 in many calibers. I found one for the Swede, and its now at my gunsmith being rebarreled at we speak.