Does anyone own one? I have a Husqvarna Model 648 on hold. Will pay for it and get it in a couple of weeks. It is in 8x57. This is a commercially made and not military based on the model 96 action. It is considered to be a "strengthened" 96 in that there is no thumb cut away on the receiver. The model 640 is based on the M98 action. From what I can find out in my research is that the Husky 96 is very strong and completely adequate for most any cartridge it is chambered for. These two models are fairly common and way under priced IMO. I really like the 8x57 cartridge and believe it to be way under estimated in the U.S. Handloaded, I believe it can equal or surpass the .30-06 and similar cartridges.
joe

The strengthend 96 was called the "Improved Mauser" action. It has heavier side walls the diameter of the front ring instead of having them lightened. And and no thumb cut like you say but it wasn't based on the 98 at all, just a 96 with less machining.

I have about half a dozen left. Sold the balance.

They are nice rifles, handy and light. I would not try to IMPROVE the round by judicious handloading. I relegate mine to factroy loads or equivilent hand loads. No, not US loads. European.

Sorry guys, I made a mistake in saying that the 648 was based on a 98 Mauser action. I mean't to say the model 640 was based on the 98 and the 648 on the 96. Anyway, I editied my original post. I am going to step up my hand loads a little above American factory loads. They are not much better than a .30-30 or a .32 Special and I know the 8x57 is capable of much more than that. I will stay below load book maximum, but I am confident that the Husky 96 can handle loads a little more stout than American factory loads. I will start low and work up carefully. BTW z1r, I think you'll agree that those European factory loads are more potent than the anemic American factory loads.
joe

Before you discount entirely the US loads, I can tell you that I have shot a ton of the Rem 170 Corelokts in my 648. They shoot extremely well and have more than enough power for the game I shoot at iron sight ranges.

Remember that prior to that rifle being imported it had never heard of US factory loads and existed on a diet rich in Norma factory loads.

That action was modified to do just what you want it to do; shoot cartriges at modern pressures. Swedes shoot Norma, RWS or any other European full house loads in those rifles year in and year out. But what Mike said is true enough. A 200 grain Speer at 45,000 psi will kill anything you want it to. My last 648 8MM regulated the irons very well with a 200 gr bullet at about 2200 fps

My Husqvarna made a pretty nice .257 Roberts, light and great handling. I added a Gentry 3 position safety on it and a Timney trigger as well as a cock on open speedlock kit. Leupold 3-9 compact scope, I reshaped the stock some too. It's now my favorite Deer and Antelope gun.


This is how it shoots