Author Topic: Belted Magnums (Read 1270 times)

nhcruffler · « **on:** April 14, 2004, 05:59:54 AM »

I Am thinking about building a 300WM on a VZ24 acton I just got. I know I'll have to lengthen the mag. and take a bit off the rails and work the ramp. Are there any other considerations regarding the 300WM since its belted ? While I'm here, any notes on working the rails would helpful.
Thanks, NH

Steelhead · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2004, 08:06:37 AM »

I wouldn't tackle it MYSELF. They can be a REAL NIGHTMARE to make feed. I know of one instance were the sacrifice of farm animals was needed to make the Mauser Gods happy. It will take some work, and time, but if you want to by all means.

I would just stick with a 30/06 myself, in fact that is what I did. You don't give up much (what is a 200fps between friends?), no problems making them feed, less powder and recoil and a couple of extra rounds in the magazine.

Your mileage may vary..........

nhcruffler · « **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2004, 08:55:21 AM »

So, is it the belted magnum or just the whole thing of working the bolt,mag, rails and ramp? I have never done this before , but that excuse hasn't stopped me yet.

Steelhead · « **Reply #3 on:** April 14, 2004, 09:09:51 AM »

....or just the whole thing of working the bolt,mag, rails and ramp?

YEP

nhcruffler · « **Reply #4 on:** April 14, 2004, 09:26:29 AM »

OK, now I'm starting to wonder about this project. You are not the first to suggest leaving the Magnums alone and go with a standard cartrige. I think I'll look into this one a little more before I buy the barrel. BTW, with a name like Steelhead I'd epect you to be livin in Michigan, not down South. There is no place like Petosky for steelheadin :grin:

Judson · « **Reply #5 on:** April 14, 2004, 09:34:45 AM »

Since I make my living building custom rifles I feel I should help you out.
You will have to open up the bolt face and cut back the extractor, while doing this take the time to squair up the reciever ring and lap the locking lugs. Short chambered Shillen barrels are available from Brownells which means you only need a chambering reaker to head space the barrel not a lathe. You can rent reamers from White Rock Tool so no need to buy one.
As for opening up the rails it is not really a big problem I build many belted mags on Mauser actions. Make up some dummy rounds and go slow. The belt will hang up as the cartridge comes up from the magazine and also sometimes the shoulder. I do not know where you are but if you can stop by my shop I will show you has to be done. If you can't, give me a call and I will try to talk you through it. Good luck and have fun.

nhcruffler · « **Reply #6 on:** April 15, 2004, 09:03:06 AM »

Thanks for your reply and generous offer Judson. I have done some research on this and kinda got geared up to build myself a decent hunting rifle for deer, bear and Moose ( if I ever win the permit lottery ). I bought the book "Mauser M98 and M96: How to Build Your Favorite Custom Rifle" Book by R.A. Walsh" from Midway . Its a good reference but I am sure that I will have plenty of questions along the way. Im on the Vermont line in the Hanover / Lebanon area. I figure I'm about four hours from you and I like taking trips up that way so I just may stop in, and I'm sure that I will give you a call soon. NH

JC · « **Reply #7 on:** October 22, 2004, 07:00:50 AM »

Hey judson,
I have 2 mausers with belted magnums cartridges. On both if I load 3 rnds after I eject the first one the second one pops out leaving me the one final shell. Any reccommendations. Both rifles are wonderfully accurate. one in 338 win and the other is 458

Judson · « **Reply #8 on:** October 22, 2004, 01:05:40 PM »

What you have there is what happens when someone rushes the job or does not know how to do it. It may by possible to correct the problem by altering the follower however it sounds like too much was taken off the rails and at the wrong spot. Give me a call some time, I will try to describe what you should to the follower. 207-938-3595

magnum308 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 26, 2005, 12:38:20 PM »

I have a fine custom belted magnum (.308 Norma Magnum) built on a FN military M98 (originally 30-06). It was built by one of the finest custom gunsmiths in Australia (unfortunately he's now retired and out of the business). Like, Judson, he started with the action modifications, trued (blueprinted) the action and lapped the lugs and rails in the process. The action works as smooth as glass and feeds flawlessly 3 rounds from the magazine as quick as you like.

Then he got on with the rest of the rifle building. In all it took about 2 years but what I got was a one of a kind rifle (with all the custom touches I wanted) that will last forever. See pics below:

More photos if anyone wants.

I have an identical FN M98 action sitting in my gun safe just waiting for another project. Pity my man is retired now.

Regards,
magnum308