All,
Found a already sporterized M96 and want to look into cartridge options. I have a reamer for a 6.5-284 and would not mind another. I am also open to anything else that would work well in this gun. The last part of the question is regarding pressures. Would the gun handle something like the 6.5-284 pressures? Please advise and Thanks as always.

Cheers,
Jason

One more thing, would the 220 Swift be a reasonable candidate for this rifle? JS

About all I can add is some of the knowledge I gained after buying a mil-spec Swedish Mauser. Everything to date has said to pay close attention to pressure and recommended loading down the 6.5x55 Swede round to about 2400fps for the ~140grain bullets.

If you're really going to push the envelope then I'm not sure if the '96 was the best choice for those calibers.

All that said, loading to those velocities with the 6.5x55 Swede yields a nice shooting combination.

Good luck,

Reed

had one just like it that somebody sporterized. I bought it at a gun show for real cheap and shot mostly mil surplus fmj 160 out of it......call it a cool plinker. Anyway I was told if i wanted to load for it basically the same thing that was said earlier. Keep the 140s down around the starting load level for most 6.5X55 modern loading info. I have seen a few of these small ring mausers converted to .308 and such. I would be of the opinion that the .308 class pressure levels probably push the 96 to its upper limits at full house loads.
It was the only CF gun I ever had that I did not load for..

I just bought a really nice 96 action yesterday for $25.00 and it is going to become a 257 Roberts for my son. I wouldn't even consider a high pressure cartridge like the 6.5-284 for the 96.

I have some parts in my shooting bag that came from a guy who built a 7mm-08 on a M96 and loaded it on the hot side. I think the extractor is still usable. the gun blew on the second shot. He used a piece of wood to open the bolt after the first one and was dumb enough to chamber a second round.! The M96 is suitable for 6.5X55 and 7X57 class cartridges period. The lugs may set back at minimally higher pressures. Don't try a 220 swift or 6.5-.284. The 6.5X55 is a terrific cartridge and phenomenally accurate stick with it or buy a stronger action.-Rob