Question on ammo for a Venezuelan FN49. Recently purchased the rifle. Venezuelan crest on receiver, all sn# match. The bore is like new with no rust or pits.Rifle has been fired,but not much. My question is is this rifle safe to shoot with commerical ammo.[Hornaday] I only want to shoot 20rds. Is the 7mm mouser ammo the same as 7X57 ammo? All answers will be appreciated. Leed

Ammo caliber is the same. Only shoot spitzer bullets in the '49.

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Gulf of Tonkin Yacht Club '70-72
GMCM(SW) USN 68-89
1776-2012 USA RIP
President NM MILSURPS

I currently have 3 FN49's. One in 7MM, 8MM, and a 30/06. When changing ammo lots or country of mfg I always start with the handguard removed, the gas vent wide open, and the magazine removed. This last item gives gas from a case head failure or slam-fire a place to go without destroying the mag or stock. I only load single round and fire it to see what it does and how far it ejects. I close the vent a click or two at a time until ejection of about 6 to 10 feet is achieved. Does yours have a 1 piece or 2 piece firing pin?
Be sure to keep the firing pin channel and the pin clean and dry. No grease or oil as it can gum up and that is a suspected cause in slam fire incidents.

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Our Government "If we didn't have mis-management, We wouldn't have any management at all"

Why only spitzers in the FN49?

They won't feed into the chamber 100% of the time and MAY be driven into the rifling that is right at the end of the chambers throat. They MAY develop very unpleasant pressure spikes that the rifle and your face will not like.

_________________
Gulf of Tonkin Yacht Club '70-72
GMCM(SW) USN 68-89
1776-2012 USA RIP
President NM MILSURPS

Thanks Rapidrob