The Swede

[2644ever]

The Swede is an outstanding cartridge that makes most other mid sized 6.5's quite redundant, except for the .256 Newton (that I reverse developed years ago, using 8x60 cases from Partizan and RWS)
I recently purchased -dirt cheap- a quite rare rifle chambered for the Swede, a Lakelander. Some research reveal that less than 3,000 were made and even less in 6,5x55, after 5 bankrupcies in 3 different countries, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
The rifle is unbelievably accurate with the cheap ammo that was available, despite his 28" sporter sized barrel.
Here it is next to a custom #1 gunsmithed by my late Dad in 6mm-300 Weatherby.
A 300 mètres 3-shot group with the Swede with Partizan factory ammo.

 

[perazziguy]

I don't have a Swede, but find myself maybe wanting one...

 

[David Milisock]

I don't have a Swede, but find myself maybe wanting one...

If you decide to work with an older Mauser 1896 remember that the pressure is tested to 65,300 PSI

 

[jmm03]

If you decide to work with an older Mauser 1896 remember that the pressure is tested to 65,300 PSI

I am not positive but I actually think the actions are rated a bit lower than 65K. Not really much point pushing the velocity anyway, I have been using a mid range load from the original low pressure recommendations in my model 700 and get very good results. One hole results.

 

[2644ever]

I am not positive but I actually think the actions are rated a bit lower than 65K. Not really much point pushing the velocity anyway, I have been using a mid range load from the original low pressure recommendations in my model 700 and get very good results. One hole results.

According to Weakipedia:

I am not positive but I actually think the actions are rated a bit lower than 65K. Not really much point pushing the velocity anyway, I have been using a mid range load from the original low pressure recommendations in my model 700 and get very good results. One hole results.

According to Weakipedia:

"All Swedish Mausers other than trials rifles were chambered for the 6.5×55mm Swedish cartridge, and all Swedish-made actions were proof-tested with a single 6.5×55mm proof round developing approximately 455 MPa (65,992 psi) piezo pressure (55,000 CUP).<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_Mauser#cite_note-4"><span>[</span>4<span>]</span></a><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_Mauser#cite_note-5"><span>[</span>5<span>]</span></a> "

Whatever... Anyway, I wouldn't really feel comfortable shooting high pressure loads in a 130+ year old rifle, even unused.

 

[David Milisock]

I am not positive but I actually think the actions are rated a bit lower than 65K. Not really much point pushing the velocity anyway, I have been using a mid range load from the original low pressure recommendations in my model 700 and get very good results. One hole results.

The SAAMI load list about 55,000 the proof of the actions from the internet. All Swedish Mauser bolt actions were proof tested with a single 6.5×55mm proof round developing approximately 455 MPa (65,992 psi) piezo pressure (55,000 CUP psi)

In any case the action requires that you NOT THINK like a standard Mauser in terms of safe pressure. I find them extremely soft shooting and effective. If I were looking to push the cartridge hard, I'd use a different action, I can see the reasoning for that as in a strong action long barreled rifle velocity increase would be substantial.

 

[jmm03]

I was referencing from my older Sierra loading manual that the original spec was 45K.