7.63 Mauser ammo question

Vlim · 02-28-2006, 06:59 PM

Hi,

Have the opportunity to buy a small lot of 7.63 x 25 ammo.

The boxes read:
Imported and distributed by Interarms Alexandria, Virginia
Made in USSR / packaged in Singapore

Anyone know this stuff. Suitable for Mauser C/96 use?
The boxes state that the ammo is optimized for C/96 use, but as the stuff originates from the good old USSR, I'd really like to know if anyone has seen it before.

After all, Russian quality control did produce the Lada....

Ron Smith · 02-28-2006, 10:53 PM

Gerben, Most Russian rifle ammo is pretty decent stuff. "Wolf" ammo, etc.

Have never had any of this or anything to shoot it in. If it is for the Tokerov. It may be on the warmish side.

Ron

RichSr · 02-28-2006, 11:17 PM

Gerben,

Is it in a green plastic box of 50 with a black label ? I bought a few hundred rounds of that about 20 years ago and it seems to be ok for the Mauser. I put a box through a 1930 broomhandle a few weeks ago with a couple of duds and a few that took two strikes to fire. However I don't recall having that problem with any other boxes.

the gunman · 03-01-2006, 09:53 AM

Hi Gerbin had about 400 rounds of this stuff . traded off 200 of them shot about 80 rounds of the stuff. Had no problems with it. It came along with a red nine I just recently bought. I missed the 30 mauser but the guy through in the .30 ammo.

Vlim · 03-01-2006, 11:03 AM

Guys,

Thanks for the info. Will pick the stuff up next weekend, if all goes well.

Vlim · 03-07-2006, 07:29 AM

Well,

I picked up the ammo (4 boxes) and it's indeed dark green and black plastic boxes with a black label wrapped around it. Back of the label mentions that it is suitable for the C/96 and copies, amongst others.

Ammo appears to have 1948 - 1953 production dates. Will test some of it on wednesday. We'll see what fails first, the ammo, the pistol or my forehead

Vlim · 03-09-2006, 05:21 AM

Succes!

The C/96 functioned flawlessly, as did the ammo. Thanks to Tom Heller, who came up with a functional bolt and a Dutch shooter who sold me the ammo at a very friendly price.

Shooting it singlehanded, like I do with the luger, is a disaster, but the stock made all the difference. The sound is very distinctive, I really like it, and the way it gently pops out the spent cases.

Not bad for a 92-year-old pistol with 50-year old ammo.

the gunman · 03-09-2006, 09:59 AM

Hi gerbin I to find them a real joy to shoot.

Lugerdoc · 03-09-2006, 10:42 AM

GvV, The Russian ammo is undoubtedly 7.62 Tok ammo and probably 20% too hot for the C96. I use it for a proof load when rebuilding these beast. If your broom, especially the bolt stop, is in good shape, it can probalby tolerate this hot stuff, but I don't recommend it as a steady diet. TH

Vlim · 03-09-2006, 12:02 PM

Hi Tom,

Any experience with the newly made S&B 7.62 x 25 ammo?

broomhandle · 03-09-2006, 10:57 PM

Hi Sir,

PLEASE install a set of NEW springs in the C-96.
Wolf springs or Brownells has them for about $15 USD

The C-96 is rough on springs and after 50-60 years, they do loose there spring. I have four of them and ALL were better &more reliable shooters with the new spring installed. Lightly grease the locking block in the lock works, the pistol will cycle a faster with less wear.

The green box ammo is Tokorov ammo.
Most of it is loaded over the 1440 fps that is max. for the C-96. & it is CORROSIVE primed. CLEAN the pistol WELL!

Pull them down and reload with a known powder load.

I reload about 1000-1100 fps .I don't wish to snap a locking block or bolt stop. I just load light enough to cycle the action.

Note please: check the bolt stop for cracks & also check the frame in that area for cracks or mushroomed metal.

Be well & safe,
broomhandle

Vlim · 03-10-2006, 05:43 AM

Hi,

I suspected as much and I do a complete teardown and cleaning after shooting. (note that the pistol will not be used intensively).

The bolt stop is in good condition and the rear area of the frame is in pretty good condition. No thorough wear.

The spring hint is a good one. I'll get a fresh set just to be on the safe side.

broomhandle · 03-10-2006, 10:55 AM

Hi Gerbin,

I hope you enjoy your pistol.It looks very nice.

If you do a search on yahoo.You will find a C-96 messages/forum site with lots of good pictures and infomation.
I have been luck to meet 4 members of the group in person.

Be well,
broom

Lugerdoc · 03-11-2006, 08:42 AM

Gerben, Sorry no experience with the S&B. I usually shoot Fiocchi. TH

Navy · 03-11-2006, 09:55 AM

I strongly recommend that anyone who is contemplating shooting a c96 purchase a newly made bolt stop. When one of the old ones fails, it can mean a trip to the hospital or to the morgue.

Tom A.

Vlim · 03-11-2006, 09:22 PM

Yes,

The overall design of the C/96 is interesting, to say the least. Some very small bits of metal keep the whole thing from falling apart and harming the shooter. The fact that it's virtually impossible to load the pistol's magazine without chambering a round is also somewhat discomforting.

All I can say is that shooting a C/96 is not for the fainthearted (or those without a good life insurance

)

broomhandle · 03-12-2006, 12:30 AM

Hello Gerben,

Do you have stripper clips for it?

They are like the Mauser rifle strippers.
They hold ten rounds of ammo.
Fit into the guide on top of the frame just like a rifle. Much faster and safer to load.

Be well,
broomhandle

Keller · 03-12-2006, 02:50 PM

Hi Gerben,

You can also use Steyr M1911 stripper clips. They will only take eight instead of ten cartridges - but they will fit equally well and might be easier to get hold of here in Europa.

Steve Richards · 03-15-2006, 09:24 PM

A great website is: http://www.northwest-denture.com/mauser1896/index.htm

It is not a discussion forum but has a vast amount of information including reloading charts.

Steve Richards

broomhandle · 03-16-2006, 01:21 AM

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/C96_Forum/

Lots of good infomation and pictures

Be safe,
broom

02-28-2006, 06:59 PM	#1
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	7.63 Mauser ammo question Hi, Have the opportunity to buy a small lot of 7.63 x 25 ammo. The boxes read: Imported and distributed by Interarms Alexandria, Virginia Made in USSR / packaged in Singapore Anyone know this stuff. Suitable for Mauser C/96 use? The boxes state that the ammo is optimized for C/96 use, but as the stuff originates from the good old USSR, I'd really like to know if anyone has seen it before. After all, Russian quality control did produce the Lada....

02-28-2006, 10:53 PM	#2
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Gerben, Most Russian rifle ammo is pretty decent stuff. "Wolf" ammo, etc. Have never had any of this or anything to shoot it in. If it is for the Tokerov. It may be on the warmish side. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

02-28-2006, 11:17 PM	#3
RichSr User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Texas Posts: 128 Thanks: 153 Thanked 54 Times in 36 Posts	Gerben, Is it in a green plastic box of 50 with a black label ? I bought a few hundred rounds of that about 20 years ago and it seems to be ok for the Mauser. I put a box through a 1930 broomhandle a few weeks ago with a couple of duds and a few that took two strikes to fire. However I don't recall having that problem with any other boxes. __________________ Rich

03-09-2006, 10:42 AM	#9
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	GvV, The Russian ammo is undoubtedly 7.62 Tok ammo and probably 20% too hot for the C96. I use it for a proof load when rebuilding these beast. If your broom, especially the bolt stop, is in good shape, it can probalby tolerate this hot stuff, but I don't recommend it as a steady diet. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 [email protected]

03-09-2006, 10:57 PM	#11
broomhandle User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Augusta Ga. Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi Sir, PLEASE install a set of NEW springs in the C-96. Wolf springs or Brownells has them for about $15 USD The C-96 is rough on springs and after 50-60 years, they do loose there spring. I have four of them and ALL were better &more reliable shooters with the new spring installed. Lightly grease the locking block in the lock works, the pistol will cycle a faster with less wear. The green box ammo is Tokorov ammo. Most of it is loaded over the 1440 fps that is max. for the C-96. & it is CORROSIVE primed. CLEAN the pistol WELL! Pull them down and reload with a known powder load. I reload about 1000-1100 fps .I don't wish to snap a locking block or bolt stop. I just load light enough to cycle the action. Note please: check the bolt stop for cracks & also check the frame in that area for cracks or mushroomed metal. Be well & safe, broomhandle __________________ broomhandle

03-01-2006, 09:53 AM	#4
the gunman User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Leland NC 28451 Posts: 1,017 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts	Hi Gerbin had about 400 rounds of this stuff . traded off 200 of them shot about 80 rounds of the stuff. Had no problems with it. It came along with a red nine I just recently bought. I missed the 30 mauser but the guy through in the .30 ammo.

03-01-2006, 11:03 AM	#5
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Guys, Thanks for the info. Will pick the stuff up next weekend, if all goes well.

03-07-2006, 07:29 AM	#6
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Well, I picked up the ammo (4 boxes) and it's indeed dark green and black plastic boxes with a black label wrapped around it. Back of the label mentions that it is suitable for the C/96 and copies, amongst others. Ammo appears to have 1948 - 1953 production dates. Will test some of it on wednesday. We'll see what fails first, the ammo, the pistol or my forehead

03-09-2006, 05:21 AM	#7
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Succes! The C/96 functioned flawlessly, as did the ammo. Thanks to Tom Heller, who came up with a functional bolt and a Dutch shooter who sold me the ammo at a very friendly price. Shooting it singlehanded, like I do with the luger, is a disaster, but the stock made all the difference. The sound is very distinctive, I really like it, and the way it gently pops out the spent cases. Not bad for a 92-year-old pistol with 50-year old ammo.

03-09-2006, 09:59 AM	#8
the gunman User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Leland NC 28451 Posts: 1,017 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts	Hi gerbin I to find them a real joy to shoot.

03-09-2006, 12:02 PM	#10
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Hi Tom, Any experience with the newly made S&B 7.62 x 25 ammo?

03-10-2006, 05:43 AM	#12
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Hi, I suspected as much and I do a complete teardown and cleaning after shooting. (note that the pistol will not be used intensively). The bolt stop is in good condition and the rear area of the frame is in pretty good condition. No thorough wear. The spring hint is a good one. I'll get a fresh set just to be on the safe side.

03-10-2006, 10:55 AM	#13
broomhandle User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Augusta Ga. Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi Gerbin, I hope you enjoy your pistol.It looks very nice. If you do a search on yahoo.You will find a C-96 messages/forum site with lots of good pictures and infomation. I have been luck to meet 4 members of the group in person. Be well, broom __________________ broomhandle

03-11-2006, 08:42 AM	#14
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	Gerben, Sorry no experience with the S&B. I usually shoot Fiocchi. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 [email protected]

03-11-2006, 09:55 AM	#15
Navy RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dc 'burbs in Virginia Posts: 2,482 Thanks: 0 Thanked 16 Times in 10 Posts	I strongly recommend that anyone who is contemplating shooting a c96 purchase a newly made bolt stop. When one of the old ones fails, it can mean a trip to the hospital or to the morgue. Tom A.

03-11-2006, 09:22 PM	#16
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,989 Times in 1,205 Posts	Yes, The overall design of the C/96 is interesting, to say the least. Some very small bits of metal keep the whole thing from falling apart and harming the shooter. The fact that it's virtually impossible to load the pistol's magazine without chambering a round is also somewhat discomforting. All I can say is that shooting a C/96 is not for the fainthearted (or those without a good life insurance )

03-12-2006, 12:30 AM	#17
broomhandle User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Augusta Ga. Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hello Gerben, Do you have stripper clips for it? They are like the Mauser rifle strippers. They hold ten rounds of ammo. Fit into the guide on top of the frame just like a rifle. Much faster and safer to load. Be well, broomhandle __________________ broomhandle

03-12-2006, 02:50 PM	#18
Keller User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Norway Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi Gerben, You can also use Steyr M1911 stripper clips. They will only take eight instead of ten cartridges - but they will fit equally well and might be easier to get hold of here in Europa.

03-15-2006, 09:24 PM	#19
Steve Richards User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Beaverton, Oregon Posts: 487 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	A great website is: http://www.northwest-denture.com/mauser1896/index.htm It is not a discussion forum but has a vast amount of information including reloading charts. Steve Richards

03-16-2006, 01:21 AM	#20
broomhandle User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Augusta Ga. Posts: 61 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	http://groups.yahoo.com/group/C96_Forum/ Lots of good infomation and pictures Be safe, broom __________________ broomhandle