The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Rifles Small Calibers 6.5 x 55 Swedish MauserGo | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
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I just bought a beautiful '96 Mauser sporter in this caliber. What can you tell me about this rifle/cartridge combination? | ||
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It's a superb combination of rifle and caliber. Feed it Re-22 and a 140 grain bullet, and you'll be rewarded with excellent accuracy, mild recoil and terrific game-getting potential. I could go on and on regarding performance and loads. But it would probably be easier if you would note any specific questions you might have. Bobby Μολὼν λαβέ The most important thing in life is not what we do but how and why we do it. - Nana Mouskouri | |||
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Bobby has it right. The Swede is one of those "Sleepers" that will make you smile every time you pull trigger. I have a M96 and a Encore HB and they love to shot. RL22 and just about any 140 grain bullet makes little clusters in the target. For our Southern White Tail deer, it's like the Hammer of Thor. | |||
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I think the 6.5x55 is one of the best, well balanced cartridges designed. The model '96 mauser is a well built rifle for the era n which it was manufactured. I believe that there isn't much in North America that can't be brought down with proper bullet selection and placement by the 6.5 x55. And to boot the cartridge is very capable of some very fine accuracy. muck | |||
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I have to agree with what has already bin said, I have a 96 CG, and a Ruger 77 MK II. And RL# 22 is also the powder that works in them. Don't forget to try the Hornady 129gr. SP, or SST I think you will like that to. 6.5 SWEDE | |||
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I had a 96 sporter as well and still have a M70 Featherweight in 6.5x55mm, it's my "carry" gun when I go deer hunting. It comes afield with my 7mag "stand" gun and has been a valued member of the arsenal! I agree with the RL22 and 140gr comments, and mine LOVES the Hornady 129gr. Interlock. It performs very well in the x55's velocity range and never seems to explode, even with close range impacts. ________  "...And on the 8th day, God created beer so those crazy Canadians wouldn't take over the world..." | |||
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It's definitely one of those magical cartridges. It gives a whole lot of performance without the recoil. I have two Sako AVs in 6.5x55 and won't sell them for anything. Lou **************** NRA Life Benefactor Member | |||
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I love the cartridge and also the Mauser Sniper Rifle I have chambered in it, ( plus have a Mdoel 70 and a Ruger, chambered in it.. only the Ruger is a factory barrel..).. The rifle can be pushed to some impressive velocities, but I have to admit to having other calibers to do that sort of stuff with.. Actually on the opposite end of the spectrum, I like to load my Swedish Mauser, with 30 grains of RL 7, or 30 grains of IMR 4198 with a 140 grain bullet for an MV of 2250 fps.. It is more than effective and accurate to take any game animal out to 250 yds.. I also get nostalgic and do the same load with 160 grain RN bullets also... wish Sierra hadn't quit making their version of the 160 SMP.. now we only have Hornady.. My Mauser had a preference for the Sierra 160 grain SMP... Life Member: The American Vast Right Wing Conspiracy Jan 20, 2009.. Prisoner in Dumocrat 'Occupied America', Partisan in the 'Save America' Underground Beavis..... James Beavis..... Of Her Majesty's Secret Service..... Spell Check Division "Posterity — you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." John Quincy Adams A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him "Why do you carry a 45?" The Ranger responded, "Because they don't make a 46." Duhboy....Nuttier than Squirrel Poop... | |||
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I could love your M70 FWT, I could love it long time.  **************** NRA Life Benefactor Member | |||
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Wel Lou, Get yourself a model 70 fw and rebarrel it to 6.5 x 55, like I did... then you could have your own!!! Life Member: The American Vast Right Wing Conspiracy Jan 20, 2009.. Prisoner in Dumocrat 'Occupied America', Partisan in the 'Save America' Underground Beavis..... James Beavis..... Of Her Majesty's Secret Service..... Spell Check Division "Posterity — you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." John Quincy Adams A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him "Why do you carry a 45?" The Ranger responded, "Because they don't make a 46." Duhboy....Nuttier than Squirrel Poop... | |||
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The more I shoot mine, the better I like it. That thing will shoot .25 groups, and that was before I bedded the action and had the trigger worked on. I haven't gotten back from the "Smith" yet but I can't wait! I used to shoot a 300 Mag a lot, but I developed a real flinching problem. I cured it by going back to the Swede with it's mild recoil. I absolutely love that rifle. It likes 46.4 grs. of IMR 4350/130 grain Berger bullets (I tried 140's but I have a 1:9 barrel and I found out that the twist is just not fast enough. The 130's are great). The velocity out of a 24" bbl. is 2862 avg. with a low ES. It's got a modern 700 BDL action so it can handle the pressures. | |||
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The 6.5 X 55 in a M-70 or M-98 or other modern strong bolt rifle is unbelievable in it's performance. With 120 grain bullets it will stand toe to toe with the much larger .25-06. With 140 (and even 160 grain) bullets it's worthy of an elk hunt. Great performance, excellent bullet weights, very little recoil, superb accuracy.....it just might be the best thing to ever come out of Sweden......well almost! /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." Winston Churchill | |||
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I have a 96 in 6.5x55 and a Husky 96 in 257 Roberts. My 6.5 shoots 120 grain Triple shocks and Ballistic tips really well and does great with 140 Rem core lokts. Here is a picture of mine. I changed the bolt handle, did a cock on open kit as well as a Timney trigger and full length bedded it, since the picture I added a 2 position wing safety done by Jim Kobe. The load for the target picture was actually 39 grains of IMR-4064 not 4350 as shown on the target, however 39 grains of IMR-4350 was a good load and safe so not to worry. Mike McCabe is tuning up 3 more 96's for me right now all in 6.5x55. These ones will be a cock on open and have a Bold side safety and trigger he is checking them for headspace and I'm off to the range with them. I've been installing Sightron scopes on them as part of the "cheap truck gun" theme but I am very fond of them and find them to be great shooters. If you need any specific info please let me know I have messed with them for a few years now and really like the 96's. Good luck with yours.   | |||
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Wel Lou, Get yourself a model 70 fw and rebarrel it to 6.5 x 55, like I did... then you could have your own!!! You're correct, but what's the chance of finding a FWT with the laminated stock? That's what I want. I had PacNor rebarrel a Classic FWT from 7-08 to 358 Winne and love it. I would love it better in a factory laminated stock. Did they make one for the SA? Lou **************** NRA Life Benefactor Member | |||
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Snellstrom, how much of a workout have you given those Sightron scopes? I've been thinking of trying one and was wondering how they held up. Rojelio | |||
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Rojelio I have several hundred rounds through the one on the 6.5x55 for target shooting and load development, it has also ridden around in the truck on thousands of miles of rough driving and still holds a zero with no trouble at all. I have one on a .243 as well and it does fine. Surprisingly clear optics for the money. I'm still a Leupold guy but these give me an opportunity to scope three rifles for the price of one Leupold. I will have a Leupold on all my rough country hunting rifles just because I have the utmost confidence with them. I broke the first Sightron I had by over tightening the rear ocular and I stripped the threads. I contacted Sightron, told them that I screwewd it up by cranking on it like a Gorilla and they gave me a new one anyways with no questions asked, not bad for a $100 scope. The best cheap scope out there in my opinion. | |||
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Thanks, I think I'll try one. I like the profile of that scope better than the ones with the European style ocular bell. Rojelio | |||
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There isn't much more to add that hasn't been said. If you have a chance to get one, take it. | |||
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This one???  and yeah it does shoot as good as it looks... Life Member: The American Vast Right Wing Conspiracy Jan 20, 2009.. Prisoner in Dumocrat 'Occupied America', Partisan in the 'Save America' Underground Beavis..... James Beavis..... Of Her Majesty's Secret Service..... Spell Check Division "Posterity — you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." John Quincy Adams A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him "Why do you carry a 45?" The Ranger responded, "Because they don't make a 46." Duhboy....Nuttier than Squirrel Poop... | |||
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In your opinion what would be the ideal scope for this cartridge/rifle combo? | |||
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I'd opt for a 3-9 X 40 in something with good glass.....Leupold perhaps.....but less costly models will do fine too. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." Winston Churchill | |||
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I run a fixed 6x kahles on mine. Think it is about perfect. Try 140 A-Max Hornady bullets. | |||
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I originally bought a M96 Gustav made in 1906, but found the gun in far to good of a condition to tear appart and customize. So I gifted it to a friend and bought a MRC 1999 for the 6.5X55 and love it. I can only get the groups to 5/8" at 100 yards and the problem appears to be me shaking. I can get that group with Lapua 155 grain loads and domestic 140s.     ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++     | |||
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Hi Chaps, I am also a lucky boy with a 6.5x55 (Sako 75 IV LH) and even luckier that it shoots like this  out of the box (with a bit of load development: 120gn Sierra Spitzer, 50.5gn N160, CCI BR2, Lapua cases). I have taken deer with it on a regular basis and look forward to shooting it in Africa too. You can see the velocity and consitency of this load on the upper right hand corner printout of the chronograph. Saying that, I might be taking my 7x57 there, once it is completed (it is being built on a Sako L691 LH action, from a shot-out .270). best wishes, Finman better have a gun and not need it than need a gun and not have it.... | |||
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besides, it has its 115th anniversary this year. | |||
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I have 5 in 6.5x55. My 1962 Husqvarna 1900 is great w/ a 4x32mm scope. Fast, light, and dead on. I use IMR4831, 4320 and 4064 powders. | |||
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Has anyone tried Varget? Here is a photo of my 96 made in 41 in Huskavana. I stained the blond stalk. I got the stalk as you see it. It now is at the shop getting a complete make over. Also included is a photo of some bullets I shot and recovered from a embanking at 100yds.   Disabled Vet(non-combat) - US Army NRA LIFE MEMBER Hunter, trapper, machinest, gamer, angler, and all around do it your selfer. Build my own CNC router from scratch. I installed the hight wrong. My hight moves but the rails blocks 3/4 of the hight..... | |||
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My Military rifles like 140 grain, but my M1600 Husqvarna likes 129gr. 140grain, and hopefully 160 grain. Factory ammo is not so good. 139/140 grain Prvi or Igman hits the rifling on my 1600. so handloads are it. BTW, Military ball shoots the bomb! | |||
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I was still in testing phases of my loading when I picked up a box of winchester's and found my loads in development was shooting 1/2" less then factory! Disabled Vet(non-combat) - US Army NRA LIFE MEMBER Hunter, trapper, machinest, gamer, angler, and all around do it your selfer. Build my own CNC router from scratch. I installed the hight wrong. My hight moves but the rails blocks 3/4 of the hight..... | |||
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I have had my Swedish Mauser for a year and it seems to shoot any bullet and powder combination i try if i keep velocity around 2500 Ya can't kill'em too dead. -Elmer Keith | |||
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I should be pushing my a bit faster mine are moving around 2000 to 2100fps. So in doing so I think my group sizes will drop Disabled Vet(non-combat) - US Army NRA LIFE MEMBER Hunter, trapper, machinest, gamer, angler, and all around do it your selfer. Build my own CNC router from scratch. I installed the hight wrong. My hight moves but the rails blocks 3/4 of the hight..... | |||
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I think the little Swede should be shot with the bullet weights and velocities it was designed for. I finally got to the 300 yard range recently and shot this group. Turns out it is a 305 yard range.  The cat is for scale. DD is 16 pounds. LOL | |||
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Damn nice shots for 300yds! sense I left the military I have yet to see a range over 300. There are not a lot of chances to make a range of that size with out removing a lot of land in my state. Looks like you live in a great part of the country. Disabled Vet(non-combat) - US Army NRA LIFE MEMBER Hunter, trapper, machinest, gamer, angler, and all around do it your selfer. Build my own CNC router from scratch. I installed the hight wrong. My hight moves but the rails blocks 3/4 of the hight..... | |||
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Now I am jealous! Hoo boy! There's some real rifles there and some real nice groups. Wow! Mind you, even the cartridge looks good.  seafire2, that's a real fancy stock you have there! Don't you feel a bit guilty taking it out in the rough where it could get dinged? (My current bush gun has a piece of scrap for a stock so I have no qualms. It's not a 6.5 Swede 'though so I won't show it). James, you been promising to post a pic of your rifle for a while now - it's beauty! Love your 'gun room'.  (That's a real nice photo - you into photography?)Say, how do you find the high scope mount? I do all my scopes high - gives me a more natural stand and I rest my chin on the comb and not my cheek. Snellstrom, have you done a ten shot group with that rifle in one string over enough time to cool the barrel? It would be real interesting to see the 'absolute' accuracy with it. Regards 303Guy | |||
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Sorry Here you go! These I pulled from the dirt behind my target at 110yards(10 yards past the target stand.) My set up at the range.  http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/p..._1633354_4028047.jpg  As you can see the stalk I stained. Felt the blond stalk was too bright when I was out coyote hunting. So now the rifle is at the smithy and hoping to get it back in a month or 2! Disabled Vet(non-combat) - US Army NRA LIFE MEMBER Hunter, trapper, machinest, gamer, angler, and all around do it your selfer. Build my own CNC router from scratch. I installed the hight wrong. My hight moves but the rails blocks 3/4 of the hight..... | |||
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No I wish I did, but thank you for the complement! Maybe I will take a trip out to your neck of the woods to do some hunting....now where to find the cash for that.Disabled Vet(non-combat) - US Army NRA LIFE MEMBER Hunter, trapper, machinest, gamer, angler, and all around do it your selfer. Build my own CNC router from scratch. I installed the hight wrong. My hight moves but the rails blocks 3/4 of the hight..... | |||
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I no longer use the tackle box! But a bipod now for this rifle. for the others I m still coming up with something what works well for me. It just struck me I sent more photos higher in the thread....ooops Disabled Vet(non-combat) - US Army NRA LIFE MEMBER Hunter, trapper, machinest, gamer, angler, and all around do it your selfer. Build my own CNC router from scratch. I installed the hight wrong. My hight moves but the rails blocks 3/4 of the hight..... | |||
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Aah yes. That eternal problem! I have it too. I am getting to know our local hunting spots but have a long way to go yet! I am going to introduce a work fellow to some hunting when he gets his gun licence in a month or two. With a bit of luck and perserverence, I will be able to take you around a bit when you do make it over here! I want to do bush camping - haven't got there yet other than a night out trial run. That was fun! But it was a night possum hunt so I didn't get much sleep. Not much time to sit down and relax with a beer before crawling into 'bed'. Good workout - didn't even get lost!That is a nice range you have! Wow! Regards 303Guy | |||
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Thanks about the range. I have been a member now for coming up on a year. I love it! I recommend anyone who is in the Anson area here in Maine who likes to shoot year round to join up. Contact me for info. I love our table/bench. It is about 4" of cement. But you cannot move the seats.  Its also about a 10 minut drive from my place. The do not plow it out in the winter so I bust out the snow shoes!I will let you know the status of my swede tomorrow after I talk to the smithy. Dose anyone have any recommendations to try for loads on a 140gr bullet. My rifle will have a new barrel and I m starting fresh. I think I have 100rds loaded up for it at min loads to start working up. I need to do my working loads in smaller lots then 50......I like to play with the load to get a feel for it. But I just like trigger time so I m guilty for wasting good bullets. Thats why I will start casting more  Disabled Vet(non-combat) - US Army NRA LIFE MEMBER Hunter, trapper, machinest, gamer, angler, and all around do it your selfer. Build my own CNC router from scratch. I installed the hight wrong. My hight moves but the rails blocks 3/4 of the hight..... | |||
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Naw, its called taking care of it... if I am really going to be bashing around in some nasty stuff, that rifle stays at home and I am out with something in a Hogue Rubber Stock, or just one of those factory synthetic stocks... The laminate isn't effected by the rain tho... Life Member: The American Vast Right Wing Conspiracy Jan 20, 2009.. Prisoner in Dumocrat 'Occupied America', Partisan in the 'Save America' Underground Beavis..... James Beavis..... Of Her Majesty's Secret Service..... Spell Check Division "Posterity — you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." John Quincy Adams A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him "Why do you carry a 45?" The Ranger responded, "Because they don't make a 46." Duhboy....Nuttier than Squirrel Poop... | |||
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