6.5x55

[Minesweeper3433]

I don't know exactly where to post this question but here goes. I have 2 6.5x55 that I shoot and tones of brass that I got for it when it was on sale. I am looking at down the road a year or 2 out getting a larger capacity 6.5 for longer range stuff. Is there anything that can be based off of this case. I have heard of ackley type 6.5 sweds but havn't started looking into it yet. I would really like to utilize the brass I have for my sweds now down the road. ;D I purchased 400 peices of lapua brass 2 years ago for 20 dollars a box of 100. that is why I am trying to think of a way to use it down the road.

 

[DogBuster]

How far is longer range....the Swede is very capable to 1K yds

The AI improved case will gain some...but the Swede case is

good as is.....why do you think it is still around for 125 yrs or

so ?? I just built a heavy 6.5x55 on a Savage Target action &

Pac Nor 8 twist tube....28" long with 3 groove.....18# on the

table ready to go w/glass...have not clocked the 142 SMKs yet

but my 260 AI is close to 2995 fps...8 twist 3 groove also...

If you wanna sell some Lapua brass for $20 let me know ;D

 

[jonbearman]

What kind of rifles do you have in the swede? If they are mauser 96's pay strict attention to how you load for them as they are not as strong as a modern reciever.

 

[2506]

Long barrel length and medium to slow powders are your friends with the 6.5X55. Check out the loading data from Accurate Arms, their MAX loads with AA4350 with 120 and 140 gr bullets are awesome and they are under 46000 CUP and safe in the 96 Swede Mauser. I get 3000 fps with 120 gr and 2850 fps with 140 gr our of the 29" M-96 Mausers and ragged hole accuracy at 100 yards and well under MOA waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out there. The only thing you can do with the Swede case is to make a wild cat like the AI and it will give you an increase of between 100 and 200 fps over the standard case in a MODERN STRONGER ACTION like a Rem 700 etc. I really don't see the need to go through all the work to get the AI up and running in the 6.5X55AI other than COOL POINTS because the standard 6.5X55 will do fine out to 1000 yards. If you want to shoot the loooooooog 140 gr and heaver bullets especially the long Berger's you will need an 8" twist which does fine with lighter bullets also.

 

[jerrschmitt]

Ballisticly, there isn't much difference between the 6.5X55 and the 6.5-284. I'd stick with the Swede because It will do anything you may want.

 

[TonyR]

I don't know exactly where to post this question but here goes. I have 2 6.5x55 that I shoot and tones of brass that I got for it when it was on sale. I am looking at down the road a year or 2 out getting a larger capacity 6.5 for longer range stuff. Is there anything that can be based off of this case. I have heard of ackley type 6.5 sweds but havn't started looking into it yet. I would really like to utilize the brass I have for my sweds now down the road. ;D I purchased 400 peices of lapua brass 2 years ago for 20 dollars a box of 100. that is why I am trying to think of a way to use it down the road.

One of the top national level F-Open shooters prefers the 6.5X55AI to the 6.5X284 and various 7mm Magnums he has tried including 1000 yard matches. It would be an excellent choice in any event, but especially given that you already have all of that fine quality brass.

 

[JRS]

If you decide to go with more performance from the Swede, I have an untouched 6.5x55 BJ improved PT&G reamer and go gauge. It is throated for the 130-142 grain bullets and is a no neck turn chambering. Easily equals or surpasses the 6.5x284 while using less powder.

 

[Minesweeper3433]

would that 55BJ chamber require special dies or could the standard 6.5 redding dies work. And thanks for all the help gyes. I think I will save the untouched brass for this project and use up all the norma stuff that came with the rifle. Also my current 2 6.5s are a sporterized argentine that shoots amazing with the sierra 140GK bullet at around 2740fps. And a 96 swede target rifle with full leanght barrel that I load down really low for to shoot steal with my friends kids. 140MK at 2450fps out of the 96 with VVN160.

 

[JRS]

Redding makes the dies. Sinclair and Grafs have them in stock from time to time.

 

[David2011]

What kind of rifles do you have in the swede? If they are mauser 96's pay strict attention to how you load for them as they are not as strong as a modern reciever.

Hi guys,

I've lurked a little and this looks like a good site so I signed up. This comment got my attention. Lyman uses M96 and not M98 actions for their test barrels. A former Lyman employee who now builds long range rifles told me this. His credentials included being the guy pulling the lanyard on the tests. The earlier Mauser actions are weaker and some of those made in places other than Sweden and Germany like Mexico, Spain and Turkey should be viewed and used with caution but the M96/M38 receiver is very strong. The Swedes placed their inspectors in the plants they licensed to make Mausers to ***ure that the steel met the Swedish standards.

American 6.5x55 ammo is loaded to SAAMI specs that are safe for the Model 1895 and earlier Mausers. Somehow that has migrated to the conclusion that the M96 is in the same category. European 6.5x55 ammunition for modern actions should not be fired in M95 and earlier models. The M98 is preferable for heavier calibers and cartridges, to be sure, but the M96 is plenty strong. Hope this helps.

David

 

[flatlander]

I've shot 6.5x55 out of a 30" Krieger med. Palma bbl. on my Nesika LR prone rifle for years. It's a wonderfully accurate cartridge with relatively mild recoil. I was loading S142MKs to 2910fps using N160, which - based on casehead appearance & the number of loads per case w/o loose primer pockets - would seem to be quite reasonable & safe.

I finally got tired of trimming cases every other firing or so, and punched the chamber out with a 6.5x55 AI reamer. I'm not getting that much more velocity - 2960fps looks good to me - but doubt I'll ever have to set up the Giraud trimmer for the 6.5x55 again.

 

[acloco]

Regarding the M96/94/38 or K98 receivers, ANY of these can be deemed bad receivers. The only safe way to use them for modern SAAMI loads - have the receivers checked.

The other input on this, why use a 100 year old receiver that will cost quite a bit in terms of machining, bolt work, and trigger, when a modern action from numerous manufacturers can be utilized. Just is not worth the cash to build on the old receivers.

 

[2506]

I did not read anything in this thread about anyone building on any Mauser action. Some like me have Swede Mauser model 96 or 38 rifles that we load for and shoot. I have four M-96s and one 38. I have one M-96 that I turned in to a hunting rifle and did all the work myself so the labor did not cost anything. In this thread it has been pointed out that the small ring Mauser actions are not intended to handle the pressures of the larger ring M-98. Most any modern action will handle higher pressure than the small ring Mauser actions. Yes the Swede 96 action is probably the strongest of the small ring Mauser actions. I read an article that stated that Norma used the Swede M-96 actions to test ALL calibers of ammo they make. Yes, if I were going to build a 6.5X55 rifle from scratch it would not be on a Mauser action. On the other hand there are still a whole bunch of old Mauser action 6.5X55 Swedes being used every day and they still are getting the job done. It is still prudent to keep the pressure down to under 46,000 CUP in the M-96 actions after all many are over 100 years old.

 

[Minesweeper3433]

You are right on the build aspect of it. I have a savage that once its current chambering wears out I will get a new barrel for Either a 6.5x55 or improved version of it. My argentine shoots amazingly well with hornady spire 140grn. I can keep 5 shots in an inch at 200 yards shooting with my forearm rested on ammo can and towel. Love that rifle hope it never wears out.

 

[acloco]

Great info in reply #9. There is mention of testing by a company using the M96 actions. Hence, why I posted. People may draw the conclusion to build off of the older Mauser 96 or 98 actions. But there is so much better available that will require less money in machine work.

I did not read anything in this thread about anyone building on any Mauser action. Some like me have Swede Mauser model 96 or 38 rifles that we load for and shoot. ............