What's the difference between CZ-26 and ZB-26/28/30 8mm magazines?

[MrNatural]

What is the difference (if any) between the straight (i.e. non-curved) Czech 8x57mm rimless (a/k/a/ 7.92mm) magazines and the comparable caliber magazines for the ZB-26/28/30/39?

They appear to sell for markedly different prices, so I'm curious as to why the difference?

Information

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[Joe H]

Mr Natural,

As far as I can tell the ZB26-30 mags are identical. They are 20 rd mags for the 7.92 x57 (8mm mauser). In the US I've noticed price differences if they were Nazi marked. The Spanish made a ZB clone with mags that are interchangeable with the ZB 26-30.

The ZB39 is a totally different story it was chambered in 8x56R which is a rimmed case, The magazine is curved. The bullet is not the same dia as the 8mm mauser.

Joe

[Warren]

No difference in the ZB 26 to 30 and 30J mags however there appears to be a bit of difference with the Canadian 7.92 Bren mags. There is a slight difference in the milling of the follower top and later made (WW II and post WW II) ammunition is about 1+mm longer and tends to hang up. That was a revelation to say the least in trying to use post war WW II ammo. I suspect bullet design was the culprit with the later bullet being a spitzer type bullet and the early bullet design used in the ZB's to be a more rounded nose type bullet.
The ZB 39 was in 7.92 x 56R and much different mag design. There is a picture somewhere on the site with a comparison of the different mags: Bren, ZB39 and others

[Joe H]

Warren,

Which mags. are liable to have problems with the modern 8mm ammo, the ZB30 or the Canadian Inglis 8mm?

Thanks,

Joe

[Warren]

The early ZB mags were a definite problem but the Canadian Inglis mags were OK. The different bullet profile was the problem and the mags were tested at the museum with German dummy ammo which was round nose but about 1 -2 mm shorter than the later ball. I believe they said it was FNM ammo they were attempting to use. I'll see if I can find the photo's

[Joe H]

Thanks Warren,

I'm working on doing some caliber conversions for my semi-auto bren (USA). I've got the mag well modified to accept the 8mm ZB30 mags. I'm having a .303 barrel rebored and rechambered for 8mm so I'm interested in what problems I may have with the ZB30 mags & modern 8mm ammo. I certainly can reprofile the follower if that is all that is necessary.

Joe