The preferable question of the day

rodmkr

Temecula California
I am working on a M95 Mauser.
The bolt does not have a gas vent hole in it.
Was able to center punch where the hole should be but am wondering if the hard surfacing of the bolt is stopping me from drilling the hole.
Has anyone here ever drilled i gas relief hole in a bolt?
What did you use?
 

Jeff H

NW Ohio
Use a carbide drill to at least spot the hole. I have some that look like a spade bit - not a twist drill, and they do the job. Switch to a HSS twist drill beyond the first few thousandths and it will drill easily.

This is a personal preference, but given the fact that we have extremely good brass these days, and that many "modern" rifles rated for much higher pressures, which have no more apparent gas venting ability than the pre-98s, I'd forego the hole.

If I knew where my Kuhnhasen book was, I'd dig it out and see what he had to say about that. My comments are my opinion, but I'd take anything he's written to the bank.
 

Jeff H

NW Ohio
From what history I've read on the topic in several Mauser books, I believe that the issue was poor quality cartridge brass when the gas escape system was built in.
 

Bret4207

At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
IIRC it was poor quality PRIMERS being pierced. I wouldn't even begin to bother worrying about a 95 Mauser used with modern factory or lower loads. Leave it alone, it's a non-issue.
 

Jeff H

NW Ohio
IIRC it was poor quality PRIMERS being pierced...................

I've had a few of those in my own day and I'm not even the vintage of the rifle and ammo in question.

This is not from overloading either - mild cartridges appropriate to pre-98s.
 

Bret4207

At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
I have a Win 43 in 218 Bee that will piece a certain brand of primers with standard jacketed loads, probably 75% of them. I just stopped using those primers. The 43 has nothing like the gas handling qualities of a 93/95 Mauser. I don't think it's an issue that requires modding the bolt.
 

rodmkr

Temecula California
Thanks for the replies.
Did not want to evan try drilling it but thought it might be best.
It is not the bolt that came with the 5ifle.
The receiver is drilled so was curious.