In 1966 I rechambered my Arisaka to a 6.5 x.284. It was a honey. In the last 10 or 12 years I've bought some really beautiful 6.5x55 Swedes. I still own one and do not want to chop the barrel. I've owned a small number of 6.5 Carcano Carbines and sporterized a couple.My oldest son has the nicest one. I've even made a 6.5x55 single shot out of a Carcano.If the 6.5x.308 or .260 had less body and a longer neck I would be interested. The .256 or 6.5-06 are more than I want. Now going to a 6.5 X 55 and loading it down probably is the most sensible way to go. Marc ( with a C)'s approach might show some promise also. NOW ! Does any one chamber the 6.5x54 and has anyone used the .220 Swift cases in that caliber. If some one has taken this route please fill me in as to what you've experienced ; for example in going from the .224 cal. to the .264 cal. Any feed problems or necks splitting? Thanks guys roger

6.5 Roberts, or the essentially similar 6.5 x 57 would do just fine. Modest length, correct head, nice and well-balanced cartridge.

If I'm not mistaken, if you chambered it for the .220 Swift case merely necked up to .264", you'd have a 6mm Lee Navy, wouldn't you?

If folks can get the 7.62X39 to work with the 98 bolt face I don't think the 6.5X50 will be a challenge. The case taper and semi-rimless design may create some feeding issues though!

6.5X257 or 6.5X51 aka 6.5-308 or even the 6.5X54 may better serve your needs.

SSK has a 6.5X50 reamer I know for sure . . . or at least they did have one.

""]If I'm not mistaken, if you chambered it for the .220 Swift case merely necked up to .264", you'd have a 6mm Lee Navy, wouldn't you? "" I don,t think so!

You may have a 6.5 X6mm LEE Navy. roger