What is the largest reasonable 6.5mm cartridge that a M96 Swede could be chambered in? No change will be made to the barrel other than rechambering, the barrel is 29" long. I was thinking at least a 6.5x57, but could a 6.5x65 be done in a M96? Has anyone done anything similar to this before? Any information will be much appreciated.

Rock

I would leave a M96 M38 m94 a 6.5x55 and get a M98 action for a bigger cartridge. Thats what gunsmiths have told me.

I tried to convert a 96 Swede to 50BMG, but the case base diameter was bigger than the bolt diameter, so I gave up [It is still a 6.5x55].