Besides the pure pleasure of the (semi) wildcat, What is the benifit of the 6.5x284 over the 6.5x55? So maybe an increase 100-200fps with 120gr bullets, it doesn't seem the cash output for brass, dies, and the gunsmith work is worth it. However I have an open mind and wish to be enlightened. And then, in general can I safely modify my original M96 into the 6.5x284?

The biggest advantages would be:

1)No need to fireform cases.
2)Ammo would work in the magazine (at least for length, you may need to modify the rails.)

120 - 150 fps is a sizable improvement if you really need it. OTH, the 6.5 X 55 loaded to the same pressures as a .260 Rem or 6.5-284 will be quite supersonic at 1000 yards using 139 Lapuas or Sierra 142 matchkings.

Good brass is a problem with the 6.5-284 whereas Lapua brass for the swede can be obtained for few pennies more than US brass when on sale.

As to whether or not the M96 is safe in this configuration, you will see much controversy in responses. Frank deHaas stated the M96 rifles were proof checked above 60kPsi. Later Bob Jourdan cited higher figures still. Dr. Arch (spelling?) chambered a M96 for .264 mag and reported no problems. Lastly, Kimber retrofitted quite a few M96 and M38 actions to .308 Win.

IMO, it is safe provided the bolt and receiver are checked for fatigue cracks and other defects. There are quite a few NDT labs that will do this. Many automotive machine shops have the mag-particle and / or dye penatrant capabilities also.

When we insist any 90 year old action hold up to modern pressures it would be foolish not to check it out before investing time, money and eye and fingers.

[This message has been edited by Scott H (edited 01-14-2002).]

Oddball I to have a M96 6.5x55 and am considering putting a bull barrel (22 inches) and a synthetic stock and turning it into a kind of all round "out of veichle window" rifle. What I need to consider is, that if I do this will I have a better rifle than say trading it on a cz or ruger in the same caliber, which is roughly what the re-furbishment will cost. You obviously feel that this is money well spent as you are considering working on yours. From what I can gather the m96's are regarded much more highly in your country and the states than they are in Australia. On one thread I asked if I should junk it and many of the people from America were astounded. Here in Australia no one cares about them. Does the m96 action lend it'self to a nice custom rifle???

Regards PC.

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From what I've seen the M98 is much more popular for custom rifles. It's probably the size and length of the action. I know plenty of guys who have sporterized their swedes but no one who has improved the chamber.

I own more than one rifle in each. Not sure you are gaining anything by switching the 96 to 6.5 X 284. The 6.5 X 55 will perform well against the 6.5 X 284 up to whatever chamber pressure your Swede can handle. Chances are that pressure will be reached before you fill the 284, so you won't be realizing the best of the 284. Once again, I'm not sure the 6.5 X 55 won't shoot with the 6.5 X 284 in a custom actioned bench rig. I have an old 96. If I can find a sling that fits I may take it to the range and spend a day to see what she can do. Still thinking about a 6.5 X 55 bench gun.

The Mayser 96 will handel any pressure that a 98 will. Having said that it would be when they fail that the trouble starts.The 96 has no safety lug,this is the main reason why "experts" say you can't use modern loads in them.
Last year I made a 6/284 on a 96 with no troubles after 300 or so rd. I may have some throat erosion in the stainless barrel but doesn't seem to affect velocity. (28.5"barrel).I liked this rifle so much 1 rechambered another 96 to 6.5/284 using the military barrel.I haven't shot this one much,25-30 rd.with original sights but it seems to shoot O.K.
Brass and dies are easy to find,so if you want the extra 250fps. this is the way to go.
Common sense says stay with the 6.5/55 but then we would all have 308's.Mark

358Mark,

Were you able to clock any 139-142 match bullets in the military barrel? Enquiring minds want to know...

Scott

Have you ever looked at the root of the bolt handle? It would certainly perform the function of a safety lug. Then there is the guide rib which will eventually fetch up against the receiver.

Isn't Norma loading factory 6.5x.284? What kind of velocities can one expect from the 6.5x284 in a modern (Tikka) standard length action? Surely it must outdo the Swede by quite a margin? My Tikka is in 6.5x55 and I have often considered doing the conversion.

Norma is loading a 120 gr Nosler BT at 3117 fps and a 140 gr Nosler Partition at 2953. The numbers with the same bullets for the 6,5x5 are 2822 and 2690 so there is a substantial difference.

That said, I'll keep my 6,5x55 due to the other reasons posted above (availabilty, cost, wear and tear on barrel etc).