Good morning, I have two sporterized military Mauser rifles that need new barrels. One is a '96, the other is a '98. Both are the original calibers, 6.5x55 & 8x57. I am inclined to keep the calibers the same as they both work very well for whitetail deer which is their intended use. Both are already drilled & tapped for a scope, have very good triggers, and safeties. Their exterior condition is very good. One would not suspect the bores are poor to horrible. One stock is a plain walnut sporter, the other is modified military.
I have a new, appropriate 6.5x55 reamer. The front sight on the 6.5x55 is soldered on very nicely.
I am looking for a source of chrome moly barrels, and to have the installation work done. My goal is to have them be accurate for hunting. These will not be target rifles, but at the same time, 3" groups are not what I am looking for. Most deer hunting shots in my area are short, like 75 yards or less. However, accuracy must be appropriate up to 250 yards or so.
As an option, I could make both 6.5x55 and streamline reloading materials. 1:8 twist seems right for this. I love Hart barrels, Krieger, Bartlein, etc but I'm looking for something less expensive for these, and to get the work done, perhaps one stop shopping.
Can you guys provide recommendations? Most shops are swamped.
Thank you, Peter.
I have a new, appropriate 6.5x55 reamer. The front sight on the 6.5x55 is soldered on very nicely.
I am looking for a source of chrome moly barrels, and to have the installation work done. My goal is to have them be accurate for hunting. These will not be target rifles, but at the same time, 3" groups are not what I am looking for. Most deer hunting shots in my area are short, like 75 yards or less. However, accuracy must be appropriate up to 250 yards or so.
As an option, I could make both 6.5x55 and streamline reloading materials. 1:8 twist seems right for this. I love Hart barrels, Krieger, Bartlein, etc but I'm looking for something less expensive for these, and to get the work done, perhaps one stop shopping.
Can you guys provide recommendations? Most shops are swamped.
Thank you, Peter.
Last edited: