M48 Yugo Chamber Question

[woodster]

I have a couple of M48 Yugo's. One I converted to 35 Whelen (new barrel), and the other is still 8mm of which I have a problem with. The cartridge will not chamber all the way into the chamber as there is some gap and no, it's not the extractor.
It would appear I would have to take a good 200th off with a chamber reamer to start with and maybe more after testing. It does shoot okay but I do get a few clicks (missfires), and of course it creates a head-space problem. I reload for this caliber and try and reload soft brass such as PMC or Winchester. With soft brass I can slam the cartridge into the chamber and get a better fit. I will solve the problem by taking it to a gunsmith, but curious if anyone eles has experienced this problem.

I would consider the Yugo's are a little more beefier than their Mauser counterparts. The M48 is slightly shorter than a 98 but slightly heavier than a 98. I've taken calipers and took the outside diameters of different locations of the barrel and chamber area and compared them to the 98, and the Yugi is slightly thicker or wider in all areas. The only negative aspect of the M48 is, they usually require a trigger job.

"The more people are dependent upon the government, the more controlled they are."
-Madeline Albright

Originally Posted by woodster

I have a couple of M48 Yugo's. One I converted to 35 Whelen (new barrel), and the other is still 8mm of which I have a problem with. The cartridge will not chamber all the way into the chamber as there is some gap and no, it's not the extractor.
It would appear I would have to take a good 200th off with a chamber reamer to start with and maybe more after testing. It does shoot okay but I do get a few clicks (missfires), and of course it creates a head-space problem. I reload for this caliber and try and reload soft brass such as PMC or Winchester. With soft brass I can slam the cartridge into the chamber and get a better fit. I will solve the problem by taking it to a gunsmith, but curious if anyone eles has experienced this problem.

I would consider the Yugo's are a little more beefier than their Mauser counterparts. The M48 is slightly shorter than a 98 but slightly heavier than a 98. I've taken calipers and took the outside diameters of different locations of the barrel and chamber area and compared them to the 98, and the Yugi is slightly thicker or wider in all areas. The only negative aspect of the M48 is, they usually require a trigger job.

"The more people are dependent upon the government, the more controlled they are."
-Madeline Albright

I forgot to mention that I have attempted to bump the shoulder down more with my sizer but my Lee or RCBS dies won't go any further and the gap is still there. Besides, bumping down the shoulder on this size of brass is a pain in the fanny.

[K75RT]

All I can say is STOP shooting this until the chamber is brought into safe specs. Forcing a cartridge into a improper chamber is not only dangerous but downright life-threatening. You have no idea the pressures generated in an unfit chamber. Get this rifle to a competent Gunsmith and get it fixed

[woodster]

I haven't fired this rifle in some time. I tried to bump the shoulder down on the case but couldn't get close. As mentioned, I can slam the cartridge in and close the bolt, however, as you mention it creates an unsafe situation.