7.62x25mm Tokarev vs .30 Mauser (7.62 x 25mm). Interchangeable Ammunition?

[dy031101]

The Wikipedia entry on 7.63x25mm Mauser claims that the Tokarev, while very much the Soviet version of the Mauser cartridge, should not be used with C-96 or any other firearms chambered for the Mauser cartridge.  Yet I've also heard some others claiming otherwise (that the Tokarev is either identical or not dangerously hotter than 7.63x25mm Mauser).

What's your experience on that subject?  Say, there is a C-96 or a Spanish Astra look-alike in working condition.  Can it safely fire the Tokarev cartridge on a regular basis?  Or is this a case of "you can...... doesn't mean you should"?

Thanks in advance.

[Jeffry Fontaine]

Wikipedia is unfortunately not always the precise source of information we would like it to be.  Unless you have both cartridges in your hand and can establish actual dimensional data it would be unwise to chamber the Tokarev ammunition in the C96 Mauser even if the bore is the same diameter.   Another issue is the loading of the cartridge which could exceed the safe operating chamber pressures of the firearm and cause it to self-destruct in your hand causing potential injuries to yourself or others in the vicinity. 

A decent discussion on the subject is available at this link:  The .30 Mauser and 7.62x25 are not the same cartridge, correct? from the forums of The High Road.

[elmayerle]

I'd be very much inclined to agree.  Unless you can physically verify that all the dimensions are the same and that the internal pressures are the same, I'd be very, very leery of trying to interchange the two cartridges.  Remember, similar does not equal identical and "little" details can be important (not surprisingly, this crops up all the time in engineering).

[sagallacci]

Tokarev ammo is suppose to be hotter than the older Mauser load, more over, various Tokarev milsurp sources have proved to be variable in how hot they are (intended for SMGs or modern CZ pistols)
So the prudent thing would to not use Tokarev loads in older Mausers. (Chinese milsurp was likely used in Mausers there, but why risk)
However, for reloading purposes, the brass and bullets are very much interchangable, bullet weight versus powder charge being the only issue.

[dy031101]

However, for reloading purposes, the brass and bullets are very much interchangable, bullet weight versus powder charge being the only issue.

So, say, if I want to fire a hollowpoint bullet out of a C-96 but can't find factory-made ones, I can take the brass and hollowpoint bullets of the Tokarev and load them with powder charge of a proper Mauser cartridge...... right?

(For those who are wondering, this is just a brainstorming exercise......  )