7mm question

Sorry mods, didn't know where to put this question that I would liked answered ASAP! My brother and I were shooting a 7mm mag bolt action rifle and we didn't notice that we bought a box of 7mm Mauser. We shot 3 rounds out of it and blew out the neck and neck was split before we noticed that it was the wrong round. My question is it safe to shoot the rifle with the correct 7mm mag round or could we have ruined the barrel? I know stupid of us for not paying attention, we were more focused in on sighting in his rifle. Thanks for your replies.

If it were me, I'd have a qualified smith look it over to make sure there wasn't any damage that I didn't notice.

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Originally Posted by Gman

If it were me, I'd have a qualified smith look it over to make sure there wasn't any damage that I didn't notice.

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This ^^^ ! And thank the god of your choice that the both of you still have your faces to look at in a mirror.

FOR SURE HAVE SOMEONE CHECK IT OUT FIRST. You are dealing with controlled explosions occurring every time you shoot this rifle. When you go home, pray to the good lord that he spared the two of you from a potentially awful fate.

You got to 3 rounds before stopping? I'd doubt you actually hurt anything. Same caliber, lower pressure, problem is it wasn't well contained so powder got everywhere. Personally I'd clean it well and not do it again.

I'm surprised they fired & extracted. Isn't 7mm mauser a much smaller case than mag? 1mm smaller diameter at base, well enough centered to ignite but I'd expect an extractor to pop off. Mauser is 7mm shorter overall, must have been just enough bullet in there to keeo it centered. wow
I'd love to see a pic of the case after firing.

if it worked 3 times and all that happened was the neck and case you are probably just fine! I'd still have a smith check it out just in case but I doubt you hurt anything on the rifle.

I seem to know somebody that would be able to check headspace, bolt,lugs and the rest of the rifle prior to firing it..........

Thanks guys, I told him to get it checked out before shooting it again. I will try and get a pic of those cases.

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Originally Posted by BPTactical

I seem to know somebody that would be able to check headspace, bolt,lugs and the rest of the rifle prior to firing it..........

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Well,
come on, spill it, we are all wondering who that could be........................[Wink]

First, we are NOT dealing with controlled explosions when shooting firearms. Second, sub-caliber firings "blowing up your" gun, in modern firearms is "mostly" myth. Damage to the the receiver and barrel is highly unlikely. If I did not do forensic examinations for a living, I would probably say something like "close to impossible." The three things that can be potentially damaged are the extractor, firing pin and ejector, in that order. Usually from a gas jet forcing metal onto a small extension or edge of a cut or hole.

If you are really worried and you want me to look at it, drop me a PM. We can look at it under the microscope and shoot a few x-rays of it. Careful visual examination is sufficient though.

Thanks markco for the offer my brother ended up cleaning it and test fired 20rd without a problem. Thanks everyone for the input / advice.