ligonierbill
New member
First, I have exactly one data point on this round. A couple years ago, I bought a "sporterized" Mauser that had the chamber reamed to take the '06 case. Since I was already loading 8x57 and 30-06, I had bullets and brass. There's data in the load manuals. Just needed dies, which were readily available. For 175-180 grain bullets, I was getting just a little more velocity than I could get with the other rounds. However, this barrel was pretty worn, wouldn't group well. I had been wanting to try one of Brownell's short-chambered Mauser barrels, so it's now a 6.5x55.
Now, I have read that this was a common conversion for surplus Mausers after the war, but I wonder how common it really was. Supposedly, US hunters could get Mausers, but neither ammo nor brass was available. But...bullets, '06 reamers with 8mm leads, and dies were?? It's also been called the "poor man's magnum", and it does have some case capacity over the 8x57. But if you search Gunbroker, it's unusual to find a rifle in 8mm-06 offered, whereas Mauser conversions in almost any other caliber are ubiquitous.
So, any thoughts or true facts or experience with 8mm-06? I have a couple rebarrel "opportunities", and I wonder if I shouldn't dust off the dies and try again.
Now, I have read that this was a common conversion for surplus Mausers after the war, but I wonder how common it really was. Supposedly, US hunters could get Mausers, but neither ammo nor brass was available. But...bullets, '06 reamers with 8mm leads, and dies were?? It's also been called the "poor man's magnum", and it does have some case capacity over the 8x57. But if you search Gunbroker, it's unusual to find a rifle in 8mm-06 offered, whereas Mauser conversions in almost any other caliber are ubiquitous.
So, any thoughts or true facts or experience with 8mm-06? I have a couple rebarrel "opportunities", and I wonder if I shouldn't dust off the dies and try again.