Hi Guys, I posted a similar question before but have not been satisfied completely and will try again maybe someone can assist.
I plan to build a 6.5 MS and would like to know if I can use a CZ 550 action but I am concerned the bolt face will be the wrong size? What other Mauser type action could I use?
Thanks and Merry Christmas

Any action will work, but since the rim is slightly smaller than standard, you will have to tighten up the extractor or find a larger one and have it custom fit.

Thanks KurtC. Exactly the answer I was looking for. I was under the impression that only a Mannlicher action or Savage could be used.

Merry Christmas to All
Da Man, Merry Xmas

I would strongly suggest that you try and source a Mannlicher Schoenauer rifle in this caliber.

Many reasons - the reamer for this cartridge is not commonly available. I cannot find one here in New Zealand. The bolt face is SMALLER than other common cartridges and so you would have to open up a 223 size bolt face. The cartridge was designed with the long 160 gr bullet & also the 140 gr. So OAL will not fit a short action magazine. This cartridge was a low pressure round - 36000 CUPs if I rembemr. I get 2200 fps with 160 gr bullets & 2400 fps with 140s.

The real attraction for this caliber is also the light and quick handling MS rifle. I have a Greek military carbine conversion which I restocked myself and I used to own a beautiful sporter made before 1924. A real joy to carry and shoot these rifles. I also have a 9.5X57 in the same actionwhich I am trying to restock.

The reamer is commonly found here in the states. In fact I had Lothar Walther make me up a barrel for a 110 Savage action. Put it all together and it shoots great even with the shorter lighter bullets. It's a great 6.5 caliber round. I used a standard 308 bolt face size with the intentions of later on changing it to a more correct size but haven't so far as it's working fine.

The 6.5 MS, 6.5 Jap, 6.5 Carcano, and the 7.62x39 have a similar size rim. Notice I didn't say they were all the same but they are in sort of a class.

You can't load the cartridge to higher pressure in a strong action. I don't recommend loading it to the extreme though.

SmokinJ, you are right in the reamer being easily available in the US. However Lal is in S.Africa & I am not sure if theya re as easily available there.

The rim size is odd. I cannot get it to lock up in my RCBS case trimmer's chuck. So I use the Lee tool and ground down the 6.5X55 pilot to trim my cases with a drill.

Thanks for the replies. My gunsmith who lives less than 30km away has a chamber reamer.

quote:

Nakihunter: The real attraction for this caliber is also the light and quick handling MS rifle. I have a Greek military carbine conversion which I restocked myself

The cheapest and most expedient route. I have one too, nifty rifle, easy to sporterize. Main challenge is to find one with a decent bore.