Spiris

Proper M98 firing pin protrusion should be .055"-.060". I'm guessing that you have checked for proper headspace to eliminate that possibility? Are you using factory ammo or reloads? Spiris

If the rifle feeds the four rounds properly with the original setup, i would go with that. If you can't get it done with four rounds, it's unlikely that a fifth round would make any difference. Your probably getting spring bind in the magazine, but you also need to make sure that the follower slides down into the magazine well without binding too. Is this a replacement or commercial stock?

I won't deal with AARP, I'm a member of AMAC for their American values that I share. https://amac.us/ Spiris

Thanks for the link, it's amazing how clever some folks can be.

I haven't looked the numbers over on your proposed project, but a quick check on Gunbroker brought this up, and thought that it might bring you inspiration. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=444686385 Spiris

I'm glad that you reload, as that's the sensible way to feed a stable of hungry rifles. Graf & Sons are showing a good variety of 30 cal. bullets from Barnes in inventory. http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/category/categoryId/920? Spiris

I'm guessing that you or your family do not reload, and I'm sure that you realize that you could eliminate the ammo shortages if you did, but that is a choice only you can make. As you know by experience, most factory ammo can shoot well if you can find it in stock. Your right, some synthetic stocks do not have good stability in the forearm, and that can be detrimental from the bench to the field. I really like the Hogue overmolded stocks because they feel so great and exude confidence under all conditions. Spiris

Thanks for posting the link, great pictures of a time when Americans cared about their work and their country. Spiris

I'd like to add that a fatigued magazine spring can cause feed issues, and the shell may be coming out high and is not being directed by the feed ramp. The original military round for that caliber was a heavy round nose of 175gr that was guided by the feed ramp. You can try tweaking the original mag spring to put more upward pressure at the back of the shell as it feeds. Investing in another mag spring shouldn't be too costly, if you want to go that route. I wouldn't think that the feed rails need adjustment with the original cartridge, unless someone has been messing with it. Spiris

It's been a while since I posted at this site, and I have several excuses, changed computers, I cursed windows 8.1 a while but It works, and the cat ate the hard drive, but really just got caught up in life. I read this post with interest and it mirrored some of my exploits when I was starting out. I'm aware that Dr. Hess is a talented individual who adhere's to the "home made and handy" mantra that I try to maintain if possible, unless there is no option. My hat's off to Dr. Hess for turning a plowshare into a working firearm of which he can be proud. After all, isn't this what this site is all about? I've always used the pan of water method for annealing brass, and it's quite effective when you get into the swing of things, and quite safe. I'll be back soon, because I bookmarked the site. Spiris

I'm sure many of you already know that standard small rifle primers can be substituted for small pistol primers in a pinch, just back off a few tenths of a grain in an established load to start. Rem 6 1/2 and CCI 400 have the same cup thickness. You can't do that with LR & LP primers due to the different heights of the two. Here's a link to some info on rifle primers. http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php Spiris

Another addition. Spiris

Spiris

If you're not aware, www.hodgdon.com has plenty of data to peruse for the 7x57, just remember not to push the small ring Mausers beyond their design limits. Turn of the century metallurgy can be an issue, and think how close your face is to the action. I like using Hodgdon extreme powders like H4895 & H4350, because of their lack of sensitivity to ambient air temperature from summer to winter. Keep your loads to under 45,000 CPU rating and you'll be fine. Spiris

Thanks for the first link FC, I started viewing the initial film but was interrupted, so I'll finish it tomorrow when I have more time. Thanks for posting that. Spiris

The problem is that this country is suffering from the dumbing down of the voting age youth, and those looking for the free ride, and the result is the re-election of clearly the most economically ignorant, and narcissistic president in my memory. The guy can talk the bloomers off a Nun, but he doesn't know how to be an American president, and he will use these gun deaths to further his liberal agenda. I have no legitimate answer to the problem, as he covers his tracks well and plays the executive privilege card when the Republicans get too close to the truth. So we wait and watch.

You did a wonderful job on a wonderful old rifle and I'm sure you can feel the historic significance every time that you shoulder it. Perhaps you'll try some cast bullets down the road and see how they shoot. Looks like a lot of enjoyment is headed your way. Spiris

I know for a fact that at least some schools in Virginia have a Sheriff Deputy on duty every day, at least around the area of SouthWest VA. It's been that way for a few years, with no issues that I have heard about. It could be a positive quick solution at this juncture of fanatical anti-gun insanity. America is going to hell because of the mindless liberals, and the Marxist pseudo-president. Spiris

I use nothing but Bold triggers on my Mauser conversions with no issues with fit or operation. I've heard of Timney trigger problems on several sites that I visit, but no first hand experience.

Remember, you need to help the country by paying your fair share with all that windfall coming your way. Your fearless leader expects no less.

Back a decade ago when I still lived in upstate rural NY, there were small packs of what we called Coydogs in the area, but they were quite vocal at night. More definitive pics would be nice, and hopefully you'll catch it live and take closeup pics to share.

I have used many of the synthetic, laminated and standard wood stocks on my Mauser builds, and I really like my Hogue overmolded on my 22-250 because of the feel. The laminated often are a bit heavy, and the lightest stock that I have is my old Corelite synthetic that is the forerunner of the Fajen synthetic, and it's a bit clunky in the wrist, but is comfortable to shoot. Just keep your eyes open for a deal, watch ebay, gunbroker and others. Spiris

Wonderful looking rifle, drgoose, and should give you much pride and joy. I can only suggest following the recommended break in for the barrel, and it will give its best. Like others, I look forward to your completion and subsequent test and know that you'll smile at your accomplishments. Spiris

People of like mind are always welcome here, and it's good to see you back. Spiris

Absolutely great pics, AzRednek, thanks for posting. Spiris