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TRX · October 8, 2009, 06:14 AM

The Argentine 1909 Mausers were originally chambered in "7.65x53 Argentine", also known as "7.65x53 Belgian."

A 7.62 NATO / .308 Winchester cartridge will fit in the Argentine magazine, chamber, and fire. However, it will have excessive headspace and is rated to a considerably higher pressure than the Argentine cartridge.

Some rifles were converted to the NATO cartridge later in their lives. This was done by setting the barrel back and rechambering. Sometimes the barrels were not marked to indicate the new chambering. You can check by removing the bolt and dropping a cartridge into the chamber. Doesn't matter if you have a 7.65 or 7.62 - the difference from the shoulder to the base is almost an eighth of an inch and it will be easy to tell if it's the proper cartridge.

October 8, 2009, 06:14 AM	#4
TRX Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2008 Location: central Arkansas Posts: 400	The Argentine 1909 Mausers were originally chambered in "7.65x53 Argentine", also known as "7.65x53 Belgian." A 7.62 NATO / .308 Winchester cartridge will fit in the Argentine magazine, chamber, and fire. However, it will have excessive headspace and is rated to a considerably higher pressure than the Argentine cartridge. Some rifles were converted to the NATO cartridge later in their lives. This was done by setting the barrel back and rechambering. Sometimes the barrels were not marked to indicate the new chambering. You can check by removing the bolt and dropping a cartridge into the chamber. Doesn't matter if you have a 7.65 or 7.62 - the difference from the shoulder to the base is almost an eighth of an inch and it will be easy to tell if it's the proper cartridge. Last edited by TRX; October 8, 2009 at 06:15 AM. Reason: spelling