Need help, identifying old Mauser

[natescheid]

Hello been trying to find the specific bore diameter for this 1940s Mauser. I want to start handloading, but I am uncertain what diameter bullet I need. If anybody can tell me some useful facts about this it would be much appreciated. And also, if you know any history behind this rifle, I'm all ears.

What I can read on the barrel-
Barrel top stamps: 1940 660, 40RD
Barrel side stamps: 3416 j

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[natescheid]

Here's some more photos that failed upload

 

[Andy54Hawken]

660 is the code for Steyr...a pretty uncommon Mauser 98K.
Andy

 

[natescheid]

660 is the code for Steyr...a pretty uncommon Mauser 98K.
Andy

Thanks! That gives me some good ground to start researching.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

You are very welcome.
.323 is the bullet diameter for these WWII era rifles.
Seller and Bellot along with Prvi Partizan make a good loading for ready to use ammo.
Andy

 

[MountainBear]

Agreed. Prvi Partizan has been a pretty good thing making ammo for these old warhorses. Start with that, save the brass, then reload with .323 bullets assuming no one has messed with the chambering. Having the chamber case and the bore slugged is never a bad idea!