A while back I picked a Yugo M48A Mauser on the cheap, well to put it mildly no matter what loads I try which includes commercial and milsurp ammo, my shotguns group better and that's with bird shot loads. So I have decided I am going to have it re-chambered, at the moment I am thinking 25-06 or 257 Roberts. The previous owner has already fitted a Boyds trigger and I had it drilled and tapped and the bolt turned down.
I am thinking a 30 inch Douglas barrel though I haven't made up my mind which one yet and a Boyds stock though again still have to decide which one. Any suggestions or ideas would be most welcome. I intend to use it for mostly for coyote hunting and some target shooting.
What's your thinking regarding the 30 inch barrel?
From what I understand a 257 STW would work well from that barrel length - something in the region of 3500fps with 120gn bullet! On the other hand you might need a new barrel fairly quickly.
“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”
On the other hand you might need a new barrel fairly quickly.
Nah not going near the STW, The idea with the 30 inch barrel is for hunting out West on the wide open plains and prairie, a buddy and I try to get out West at least once a year.
Seriously, with the 30 inch barrel, I'd probably go with the 257 Roberts Improved - 40 degree shoulder.
With a slow burning powder you should be able to match a 25-06 from that length of barrel for less powder.
Edit: What about a 6.5mm or 7mm for the higher BC's and longer range?
“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”
Sandgroper, you know I have been considering the 6.5 Swedish cartridge as well and I keep going back and looking at it. 8X57 Mauser rim diameter: 0.473 inches, maximum case overall length (COAL): 3.228 inches. 6.5X55 Swede rim diameter: 0.480 inches, maximum case overall length (COAL): 3.150 inches so it will feed no problem.
Decisions, decisions. As for the 7mm well I had a 7 mil about ten years back and I could never get on with it, don't know why but I just never liked it. This is a project that I will be starting after Christmas, probably the beginning of January. Wife is already doing the :roll: thing.
Burner, thanks for that reminder mate, The 257 Roberts and the 6.5 Swede are not a problem, This morning I was over at a buddy's place and he has a 6.5 Swede so I had him make me up a tester round and tried it when I got home. The 6.5 Swede had plenty of room, the 25-06 however might be another matter and may be a little too long. I'll get a hold of a 25-06 dummy and see if it fits.
On the other hand you might need a new barrel fairly quickly. 