Perplexed with a Spanish Mauser Model 1916

[Flipper 56]

I recently acquired a Spanish Mauser which was labeled a Model 93. After a little research I have found it is actually a Model 1916. Party I bought it from said it is a 308. Underneath the front sight just sort of the barrel is stamped 308W as well as M1916. I have read a vast plethora of Forum stories discussing 308 Winchester as being too hot for these rifles (Stretched Receivers?). Others claim they have been shooting 308W in theirs for years. Good looking gun and I want to keep it that way. Anybody here have any experience or insights?

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[Claven2]

Is is a large ring or small ring Mauser? If a large ring, good to go. If a small ring, you need to consider reduced loads like they used in the CETME.

[Flipper 56]

Yes Claven2 I have read some references to a CETME 308 cartridge but what is it I know what 7.62 x 51 147grain M80 Nato ammo is, I even have a number of rounds. Is this "reduced" enough in comparison to say 308Winchester or are we talking about an entirely different cartridge? That's the part that has me "Perplexed".

[BCLOGGER]

Is is a large ring or small ring Mauser? If a large ring, good to go. If a small ring, you need to consider reduced loads like they used in the CETME.

The 1916 is a small ring, made on the old '93 type action. Many were built during the Spanish Civil War, and the ones I had didn't seem to be very well made. The CETME cartridge is a less powerful version of the 7.62 NATO round.

[Claven2]

Yep, it's just a down-loaded 7.62 NATO round. Basically stick to the low end of the spectrum and load your own.

[Flipper 56]

Anybody know the "recipe" for a 308 CETME or something comparable?

[Jim K]

Get a loading manual and stick to the low end .308 loads, around 2000 fps, or use .30-40 Krag loads.

The gun will not "blow up" with hot loads, but it won't take many to batter the locking lugs and lug recesses and create uncorrectable excess headspace.

Jim

[RED]

Jim K. is always right on in his posts but this time I will disagree based on an anecdotal incident. Back in the '80's I was a "basement/gunshow" dealer. I bought 3 of the FR-8 (or was it FR 7's??) Spanish '93 mausers from Century Arms that had the fake gas tube and flash suppressor. One I intended to keep, one I sold to the local Chief of Police and the other one to a friend. I also sold my friend some surplus CAVIM 7.62. The first round he fired, the cartridge ruptured, the stock split, and we had to use a 2 lb hammer to get the bolt open!

That scared me so I offered my friend and the LEO his money back and sold the other one for parts. The Chief kept his but I don't think he ever shot it.

Do they all blow up? No but that one sure did!

[sniper58]

I have an FR7 based on an "Oviedo, 1923" action.
I'm using .300 Savage data for my reloads (as reccommended at "surplusrifle.com".
I'm sticking with 125 - 150 grain bullets and staying with low to mid-range loads.
Shoots good, no problems yet

[Optimist]

These work nicely with cast boolit paper patched loads. Lyman book can help here.