Persian Mauser...handloading range report

[Mustang]

Last year I glommed a Persian Mauser that had been drilled and tapped for a scope. Included the mount, rings and a very nicely turned down bolt handle.

It is in pristine condition and I finally got around to handloading some 8x57 rounds for it. I used 44.5, 45.0, 45.5, 46.0 and 46.5 grains of IMR 4064 pushing a 200 grain Nosler CC bullet, 5 round groups @ 100 yards

The 44.5 and 46.0 grain loads were pretty much wash outs. The 45.0 load was the best, followed by the 46.5 gr. The 45.5 grainer was also pretty good, but had a flyer of about 4", completely off the target. In fact all three of these groups looked good...maybe 1.25MOA, except for a flyer...every time.

Here's the rifle...


I know, I know...it's a travesty, but that is how it came to me.

Here are the groups.

45.0 grains


45.5 grains


46.5 grains
]

Thinking of going with the 45 grain load at the Vintage Military match this weekend...they are going to a third relay, so I could shoot this rifle in the "open class" and a Swiss in the "as issued".

Anyone have a pet 8mm Mauser load?

[Pthfndr]

Steve

45.0gr of 4064 is my "go to" load for my 98/29 Persian, with a Sierra 200gr HPBT. Good groups like you got.




But without the fliers

Mine at 200 yards

[Mustang]

But without the fliers

That's the part you need to teach me.

Thanks, Rob...sounds like I'm on the right track.

[Pthfndr]

If you do your part that rifle will be hard to beat. I do hope you have a recoil pad for it

[CDFingers]

Both very nice groupings. I've not yet tried 200 grainers. Must try.

CDFingers

[Mustang]

Thanks, Fingers.

Hey, Rob...what overall length to you seat the bullet to?

[Pthfndr]

Thanks, Fingers.

Hey, Rob...what overall length to you seat the bullet to?

2.590 at the ogive using a comparator.

[Mustang]

I just checked mine...2.60 on the comparator. But that is with the Nosler CC 200 gr rather than the 200 gr SMK's.

[Mustang]

Went to the range today to zero the scope on my Persian with the 45.0 grain load.



First shot struck edge of the black at 3:00 o'clock. Cranked in 12 clicks to the left and fired 6 more. I'm still getting some vertical stringing. I rechecked the action screws and tightened them about an eighth of a turn...didn't seem to have much affect.

It is now sighted in at 100 yards. Guess I'll need to find some generic come ups for the scope for the match tomorrow...it will at least give me a place to start.

[paul0660]

I saw one of these at Ukiah gun club two years ago, reworked to 8mm 06. 100 yards, five shots, one ragged hole.

From a good vise, it should be noted.

[Mustang]

I saw one of these at Ukiah gun club two years ago, reworked to 8mm 06. 100 yards, five shots, one ragged hole.

From a good vise, it should be noted.

I shot this off a sand bag front rest and used my hand at the butt of the rifle for rear support. That is how we have to shoot the match.

[paul0660]

I shot this off a sand bag front rest and used my hand at the butt of the rifle for rear support. That is how we have to shoot the match.

They are excellent rifles, and purty too.

[Mustang]

Yeah...I could never do what the previous owner did to this one myself...but since the damage had been done...

Here is an auction pic...

[randyo]

Bubba'd the bolt too! I like it! I should have done that to my Persian. I hated the stock sights and sold it. Bought a SAMCO Bubba-ized Persian with synthetic stock instead. It's too jumpy- I miss the weight of the wood stock.

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[Mustang]

Bubba'd the bolt too! I like it! I should have done that to my Persian. I hated the stock sights and sold it. Bought a SAMCO Bubba-ized Persian with synthetic stock instead. It's too jumpy- I miss the weight of the wood stock.

The bolt was turned down for sure, although not a bad job, imo. Except for the Swedes and the Norwegians, I have trouble with the Mauser sights. Great guns, but questionable sights