Mauser 5.45 project. - updated w/ pics

[Ryan in SD]

I'm very motivated to make a custom mauser in 5.45x39mm.

I have decided I want to be able to use AK mags which means I am going to be making bottom metal that would work with ak mags and have the correct mag release built in using a CNC machine and my own design.

What I need to know is:

What variation of the mauser should I do this with...
Small ring OR Large ring

The idea being that if I make one, I might as well make many for other people who also want to make a mauser that can take double stack AK mags.
Bear in mind, I can make it adaptable for .223, 5.45, and 7.62.

[kcstott]

Small ring as they are cheeper and easier to get, but harder to get parts for.
Be careful of soft actions though.

And before anybody freaks out about a small ring being a low pressure action. Do the friggin math. 55KPSI is fine in a small ring as long as it has a smaller case head then a 8X57mm.

[Ryan in SD]

I see people asking for large rings more.

Percentage wise, what is there more of? Whats more available? And what is the price difference?

[gunboat]

Talk to 6mmInt about conversion of bolt and extractor --
I tend to agree with kc about the small ring being able to hold that pressure -
Perhaps you would also wish to consider shortening the action as well --
Cut and reweld at the thumb relief.
my tuppence

[2shotjoe]

both plz

[Ryan in SD]

I have been busy, so far this is what I have.

Turned OD to .920.


Milled magwell (bottom metal) for small ring. Operation 1 of 4.

Notice the latch mounting area, I plan on adapting ak74 mags



I have lots of things on my plate so the next time I get to it, hopefully op2 will be done in a week.

Oh, and I still desperately need a 5.45 reamer

[Capybara]

You are one of the crazy ones from those Apple ads...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rwsuXHA7RA

[6mmintl]

Built mine on 98 action as I am pushing higher pressures using 155 Sierra Palma bullets out to 600-800

Also went with single stack mags as they require no machining of action guide rails.

Welding up a ring on bolt face and machining to smaller case head and modifying existing extractor is doable. Or you can buy new lengthened extractor and fit to case.

Bolt stop insert to shorten bolt throw was easy, making a forward ejector for mauser bolt is another small project.

Used a .308 Kreiger takeoff barrel for mine for better .308 bullet selection.

Are you using a .224" barrel fast twist? or are you staying with ball ammo and std. barrel dimensions?