My Two New Toys, 1908 and 1909 Mausers From South America

[Ovidio]

Well, the last days have been frenzy and difficult, with my parents in very bad shape, a lot of traveling and going to and fro hospitals etc.
The only good news (until today, when both Mum and Dad recovered enough to let me relax) have been my two new friends.
I bought a 1909 Peruvian and a 1908 Brazilian Mauser, both completely matching and in excellent shape.
They were not cheap, but even not as expensive as they usually are here in Italy, especially in such shape.
The barrels are very good.
Just let me know what you thing about them.
I also got the dies and a lot of brass for both of them.
What surprised me a bit is that part of the brass for the 7,65x53 is formed from 30-06.
I didn't know they were so compatible, but it's nice to know now.
If anyone has some really outstanding reloading info, that would also be very appreciated.
I normally use Vihtavuori N140, N150 or Lovex S060-2. I also have a bit of W760 left, but that one I keep for the Carcano.
Now a few pictures. I'll make some better ones sooner or later, but yesterday I just could not wait.....
Attachment 80207Attachment 80206Attachment 80205Attachment 80204Attachment 80203Attachment 80202Attachment 80201Attachment 80200Attachment 80199Attachment 80198Attachment 80208Attachment 80209Attachment 80210Attachment 80211Attachment 80212

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Eaglelord17]

.30-06 works for 7x57, 8x57, 7.65x53, and 7.62 NATO. The reason being the .30-06 round was based off of the 8x57 round. Because of this these cartridges have pretty much the same case head dimensions.

[Ovidio]

Thank you very much! I knew about the other ones, but really not about the 7,65. That is really welcome news to me.

[Aragorn243]

Very nice rifles. Look unissued.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Hard to improve on those. I can't even see any handling marks.

[Daan Kemp]

Ovidio, you will be astounded how many cartridges share the same head dimensions, Example: most Mauser from 6 - 9.3 mm, 30-06/308/45ACP/257Roberts/270Win, etc. Case length, taper, shoulder usually differs. Many other, usually obsolete or difficult to obtain, cartridges may be formed from others for the same reason, but don't just assume they are the same without checking. Read up about wildcatting and you will be pleasantly surprised.

[Ovidio]

Good morning Daan,
as soon as I'll get to some more obsolete calibers I guess I'll definitely have to start working on brass. Until now the most exotic thing I have is still available, so really no big issues yet.
But reloading is a pleasure and, if done with the proper cautions, I'm sure it can be extremely safe, even if I were to start wildcatting a bit.
Thanks for the answer.
By the way, I might be coming to good old SA in the next weeks.
In that case I would like to ask you where there could be something gun-related that a foreigner could do. Or even some places where I could find something for my Enfields (like sights).
They are very difficult to finde here in Italy, and expensive.
I'll most probably land up in Natal, but if my contact there finds more customers, I might as well get anywhere else too.
I really like your country. I've been there plenty of times from '97 until now, and it is really at the top of my favorite countries to visit.
Never could make it for holidays, but sooner or later.....