I have been jonesing, very badly for a 6.5X55 for about 6 months now. After researching this wonderful cartridge I decided I had to add one to my extremely small collection. I came into a K.Kale Turk Mauser for a song and I know this conversion has been done successfully. I've been researching for three straight days including all the work that would be necessary and have come up with a couple nagging questions. (Nah, I do not want to convert using a M-96 barrel making it a Twede per se', but to use an aftermarket barrel, restock, etc. Yes, I know it will be less expensive to buy an action and barrel OR buy a rifle in this caliber already made)

Looking at cartridge dimensions of both AND PICTURES of both cartridge dimensions it seems the 6.5X55 would fit in the Turk as is without any changes to the magazine box, follower, and bottom metal...but I dunno. I've read Mr. Wiebe's wonderful thread on Making It Feed. Based upon case dimensions I am wondering if there are issues with the feed rails needing work, feed ramp, etc. or can it be left as is and the 6.5X55 will feed fine...generally? LOL! And does the bolt face and extractor need to be reworked to accomodate the 6.5X55 rim diameter and rim thickness? I've read that some US brass makers rim diameter on the 6.5X55 is that of the 30-06 of 0.473in which is different than European standard of 0.480in. What is the concensus of keeping it the European standard?

Thank you for all your help and support.

98% of the time, there's no issue.

I had a Yugo 24/47 rebarreled to 6.5x55. No other alterations were necessary.