What should I build off this action?

M

Mr. Mister

New member
I have a Fabrique Nationale (FN) Mauser action currently set up as a 270.

The gun is a 1951 Sear’s and Roebuck J. C. Higgins, the barrel is pitted so there is no value to the rifle as a collectors piece other than the action.

The action is in fantastic shape so I want to rebarrel it into something fun. I already have a 30-06 and a 300 Win Mag. I was leaning toward a 6.5 x 284 but I’m not crazy about the barrel life.

I don’t know what I’d use this gun for seeing how I already have big game rifles. I want to shoot long range at varmints and may go that direction-that’s why I was thinking of going with a 6.5 x 284.

What calibers would you consider for shooting long and why?

Thanks,

Steve
 
Well, the 6mm-06 is a good one in that long list of other good ones, so I'll offer this as just one more option to consider. It's simple to load for, accurate and plenty for varmints, deer and antelope. If deer and antelope hunting only, I prefer the 25-06. I neck down a 25-06 case to 6mm. Barrel life is probably 1,000 rounds (for varmint accuracy) from what the gunsmith told me when he built mine. But, 1,000 rounds is quite a lot of shooting for most applications. It depends on just how much shooting you will be doing. Prairie dog shooting would burn one up in short order. Most high capacity cartridges are going to be tough on barrels, regardless of caliber. I had mine built to shoot groundhogs, and I think this one is going to last me for a long time. I think it will make a great long-range coyote thumper.

Currently I am loading a 75 gr. V-Max to a muzzle velocity of 3621 fps. The cartridge can shoot faster, but I found a sweet spot and stopped there. Mine has a 26" stainless fluted Krieger barrel.

The 22-250 is easier on barrels.

There are a lot of good cartriges available and I know it's sometimes difficult to make a decision. Good luck and keep us informed about your decision.

Good Shooting.

6mm-06Target2.jpg


Rifle.jpg

 
Last edited:
I agree with TT that this action would make a fine 25-06, which is a fine long distance varmint round and a very good round for deer and antelope.

It would also function in the action, the same as the 270, where as some shorter or fatter cases might give you feeding problems. And cases are readily available for the reloader, as is factory rounds if your not.
 
If not a .25-06 would a .243 work for the "long range" shots?Ammo from the factory is easy to find and if to reload there are some great small shops creating fabulous bullets in every weight and style.

Best regards,
chalmitch
 
Never thought a 243 would work but after talking to my buddy who just made one out of a Mauser I may look into it.

Any other ideas?

Thanks for all the great input!
 
You might want to check out a 260 Rem AI. Similar ballistics to a 6.5x284 but easier on barrels from the reports I've read and the brass is much cheaper. It is becoming more popular in some long range circles. I have one in the works and cannot wait to get it going.
 
But your still putting a short cartridge into a long Mauser action----I think Mr.Mister's new rifle might be prone to feed problems with a 243.

The 257 Roberts and 25-308 (25 SOUPER) would also be good rounds, but like the 243 but their shorter cartridges,although not as short, and probably would work. Mauser actions have always come in different lengths to accommodate different length cartridges. The 6mm-06 wouldn't have a feed problem but the Quarter Round (257), I believe, has more bullet selections from the manufacturers, naturally punches a slightly larger hole, and bullets are available in heavier weights.

The 25-06 has almost the same flat trajectory pattern as the 22-250 but with about twice the "normal" bullet weight and energy.
 
I own a 6.5x55 in a long masuer 98 action and it feeds flawlessly. You mentioned having big game rifles already so I didn't recommend the 6.5-06, but that would be a great long range "bigger" game cartridge.
 
I've owned a 25-06 in the past, I love the round but the rifle (M-77) sucked.

Here is where I'm at now:

243, 25-06, 257 Roberts, 308, and I'm still on the fence for the 6.5 x 284.

I think the most practical for performance and economy is the 308.

Thanks again,

Steve
 
Since it is a long action I personally would stick with a long action round, any of the .30/06 based rounds would work fine. I have seen some feeding problems with .284 based rounds in some Mauser actions and then some fed without a hitch, BTW my 6mm/06 on an early Mark X action logged over 1200 rounds from a 26 inch Hart heavy barrel before accuracy loss became a problem then I cut off the threads, rechambered it and got quite a bit more shooting out of it. I was also beating the .240 Weatherby by about 100 fps. I have never fired a 6.5/06 but it should duplicate 6.5/284 velocity and I have read some very good things about it. The .25/06 and .270 are both great rounds as well, pick the one that sounds the best to you and have fun with it!
 
i would go 243.The bolt head is the same and it is a relly good all around gun.Many of the mausers were rechambered in 308 and the 243 is the case just necked down.If you have any feeding problems they shouldnt be hard to resolve.
 
I'd choose a 6mm Remington over the 243 if you are an avid reloader and don't depend on factory loadings. A slight ballistic advantage and still a mild cartridge - long bbl. life.
 
6.5x55AI or 280AI. The 6.5-06AI and 6.5x55AI are almost identical balisitcaly, but the shorter swede case will give more latitude for seating depth with respect to feeding.

I have found both to be easy to load for and very accurate. I like wildcats,..but if you are looking for factory type stuff,..then use the parents of the two I mentioned. Or,..throw in the standard 284win with a good 8.5 twist and some 180gr pills. Now that would be a wind bucker with low recoil.
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top