C&R Rifles - Ammo Choice?

[Roadrunner]

I'd like to start collecting old firearms from the early 1900s to WWII. My C&R license is pending with ATF. The oldest rifle I own is a nice M1 Garand I obtained through the CMP.

My question concerns the use of "modern" ammo in old rifles, those that may be 50+ years old. I thought I read somewhere that some old rifles cannot handle the pressures of modern ammo. Is that correct? I'd like to obtain a nice Mauser 98 and Springfield M1903. Does anyone know if these rifles can handle today's ammo. Are there any type(s) of old rifles that I should NOT use modern ammo?

Any info is appreciated.

 

[Noban]

I think you'll find that modern ammo has pressures no higher than the surplus stuff, and in many cases it's lower (per the lawyers). I always use modern ammo (including reloads)in my surplus rifles and never had a problem. Much of the surplus ammo out there is corrosive and I just don't like to deal with the extra clean up. Also, some of the less than reputable dealers have been known to tumble surplus ammo to make it look nicer, and this can play hell with the powder and result in extreme pressures. I would say that you can shoot modern ammo with confidence, but you should always first have a gunsmith check out any old rifle before you shoot it.

Noban

 

[Blue Duck357]

They specifically warn against using the "Light Magnum" type loads in these guns. My smith claims a 50 year old mauser is still stronger than a new Remington, but why risk it. That type of ammunition is expensive and really serves no purpose for these guns anyway.

Blue Duck