Planning a 6.5 swede build, had some great conversations at SCI but am still struggling with which action to use. Top two contenders are g33/40 and a 1909 Argentine.

Question:
What action would you use in a 6.5x55 custom rifle build.

Choices:
1909 Argentine
g33/40
Model 70
BRNO 21
VZ24
Other

 

Seems a Swede would be a fine choice. My 7x57 Swede.

I voted other.
All of the above would do very nicely.
Add to that list the Swede 96 or a Mexican.

Seems to me it depends upon whether you want a lightweight or a std. weight rifle.

For a std. wgt., the 1909, M70, VZ24 should all be fine.

For a trim, lightweight rifle, I would lean toward a small ring M98, and maybe an intermediate length action, as well.

Interesting results so far - not even close to a clear winner. Thanks for the feedback.

I'd either go with a M96 - if you're not worried about hot-rodding the 6.5x55. It's a small ring mauser and the bolt head is made for the correct cartridge head diameter. With a some file work, the military trigger guard and floor plate can be trimmed up very nicely.

Otherwise, find a good condition M24/47 Yugo mauser action - it is an intermediate length size action and will keep the size down. With that you can load it to commercial pressures.

If you don't want to mess with custom bottom metal, then the 1909 Argentine with its beautiful trigger guard set up.

Go with whichever one you like; won't make any diff. Remember that the 6.5 has a larger case head diameter than these bolts are made for so will need opened up slightly. I would not go with a 96 (although I used to build them up when they were plentiful) as I do want to load up to 50k psi.

Wondering what action people that said "other" are thinking?

quote:

Originally posted by 10generation:
Wondering what action people that said "other" are thinking?

Remington, probably.

I have one that Hill Country Rifles put togather with a Lilja barrel and a piece of Turkish that shoots awfully good. It is a standard length action and the oal can be longer if necessary.
Matt does a great job down there.

Just my $.02...

Have you completely ruled out a new CZ?

Then shift your focus to some beautiful wood and accoutrements?

Can't vouch, but everyone here raves about Wayne.

OTHER-----CZ-550. They are CRF, have a double square bridge, take a M70 style safety and aftermarket 98Mauser trigger and can be bought action only.

If your query is really which action is "best", then the correct answer is BRNO 21 followed by the G.33/40. If your intended question was which is "easiest", "cheapest", or "dumbest" then some of the other options presented are more appropriate.

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:
If your query is really which action is "best", then the correct answer is BRNO 21 followed by the G.33/40. If your intended question was which is "easiest", "cheapest", or "dumbest" then some of the other options presented are more appropriate.

. . . you crack me up.

mexican 1936 with the knurled cocking piece.or pre-64 70.

What kind of rifle are you building? Are you looking for a thin-stocked lightweight rifle or something along the lines of a classic American sporter with a more robust look, feel, and weight? With this cartridge in mind, I would want a relatively thin-stocked rifle with a small ring action and a barrel heavy enough to maintain accuracy for a few shots at longer range. That is the beauty of the small rings. The Mexican is actually just about as heavy as a standard large ring, but you save a little weight in the stock and get your rifle a little thiner. I would not try to get your barrel too thin. As Forrest said, the BRNO 21 is the best of the small rings followed closely by the G33/40. If you tend to take longer shots and don't move around a lot, a heavier rifle might serve you well. What style/size of rifle are you wanting to build, and what kind of hunting are wanting to do with it?

Mexican Mauser

Used a left hand Model 70 for my 6.5x55. Wouldn't change it.

I won't even try to answer any of these "best" questions folks ask, without them first telling me which is the best dessert & why:
- strawberries
-peaches
-ice cream
-pineapple upside-down cake
-Irish Coffee?

I will tell you that of all the 6.5x55s I have owned, the one I liked the best was a little Swedish M'94 carbine with a Lyman receiver sight. A joy to carry, sturdy enough, and plenty accurate for anything I've ever hunted. Sure wish I had it back......

I have a M70 Win Featherweight in 6.5X55. When I got it it came from the factory with about a 1/2 lb trigger pull. I don't know how that happened but it sure shot well like that. Later before I took it hunting I had to adjust the pull weight to something a safer.
All it needs is to replace the trigger guard with one from a Super grade.

If I were to build one I would probably use a FN Mauser from a Sears or Monkey Wards rifle.
I would like to try a Brno safety and bolt sleeve on one.

A ZG 47 would also be nice if I wanted to sink a few more $$$ into it.