Old Swede M38 update- load work up shoot

[joshb]

Finally got around to doing some load work up for an old Swedish Mauser
I got from jpretle, here.
Hodgdon Hybrid 100, federal large rifle primers, Hornady 120 grain Amax, PPU brass resized with RCBS standard 6.5X55 dies. Book COL. I was looking for a good mild load and I think I found it. Shot at 100 yards off a rest and rear bag with an old 12 power scope. Thanks again, jpretle, for selling me a great gun!

.635 center to center

If you over look that darn flier, she's shooting pretty good for a 75 year old gun.

 

[jpretle]

Josh, I sold you the wrong one. Please send it back.

 

[joshb]

There you are! Sorry to post this! I walked up to the targets and scratched my head. I wondered: Did he ever shoot this gun? I'll make you a promise. If I ever think about selling her, you're the first call. Do you have any more? I'd be interested.

I have to admit this, too. I was mainly going to the range to shoot my new Bat custom and grabbed the Swede as an after thought. I think I'm more excited about what the Swede did than the Bat. right now! It was such a nice surprise.

I should also mention that the guy next to me, shooting an M1a Supermatch, was also scratching his head as the Swede was out shooting his gun.

 

[Thauglor]

Nice, those old swedes will shoot. They regularly win the cmp games matches.

 

[BoydAllen]

I have an as issued 1938 model Swede that is in very good shape. With open sights ballistic coefficients are much less of an issue because the issue sights limit fine accuracy at long distances. Two bullets that have given excellent accuracy in this rifle and a '96 that I owned are the Sierra 100 gr. HP and the Hornady 160 gr. RNSP. The former with IMR 4350 and the latter with IMR 4831. The 100 jumps a long ways, and although the 160 can be seated into the rifling, I found that I was able to load to excellent accuracy and better velocity seating so that the end of the neck is in the cannelure. I have shot five shot groups under 3/4" with open sights with both of these combinations. The powders used were a reflection of the time period in which the loads were worked up. I am sure that any powder that fills the case reasonably well would probably work as well. It is my impression that for my rifles that once a good load was found, that the sights were the limiting factor. One of these days I need to take the '38 out and see what my seasoned eyes can do.

 

[joshb]

I can't locate any 4350 around here. I saw a magazine article that mentioned the Hybrid as a great powder and the LGS had a shelf full. I went back today for some more. Good luck With the open sights. It doesn't work for me anymore. I had to commit sacrilege and put a scope on mine. I have a 96 that's in great shape and original and it'll stay that way.