FN 98 7x 57 or Mauser 96 6.5x55

G

gwes2003

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
50   0   0
Location
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
I have the opportunity to buy one of the follow rifles in the title above.
Both are in similar cosmetic shape in side and out. And offered at the same price.
From what I've researched the 7x57 and 6.5x55 will be more than adequate for hunting blacktails and black bear on Vancouver Island at distances of 200 yards or less.
So, it comes down to which is the better built rifle. I can't find much information comparing the two. Cartridge aside which one would you pick up and why?
Any pros and cons on the FN 98 and Mauser 96 from the cgn community would be appreciated.
 
They are both fantastic calibers and either would more than suit your needs. The 98 is a newer, stronger action and would be my first choice.
 
I believe the 96 cocks on closing so has a different feel when working the bolt compared to the 98 which cocks on opening, if that is something that makes any difference to you
 
It depends mostly if you prefer #### on open or #### on close. If you shoot left handed, the #### on close on the 96 action takes considerably more force, which makes it difficult to cycle from the shoulder.

Personally, m98 all the way.
 
I would go with 98, better action from what I learned, 7x57 is also more versatile bullet weight wise, you can go up to 175gr!
 
I have both, and they both are great, and both are up to the task. I shoot the 6.5 the most because now I only shoot in Southern Ontario, so the 7 x 55 is larger than the allowable .270 max cal. The 6.5 recoils a bit less, and many will say that the ####-on-close is a faster action to opperate. 6.5 will retain more energy out past 200 yards, but not enough to make any difference. Swedish 96 action is plenty strong for both loads; heck the chamber them in 30-06, 9.3 x 57 and 9.3 x 62 (not a mild round).

This may or may not be important but brass and factory ammo is more available for the 6.5 x 55 than the 7 x 57. Good selection of bullets available for both.

If I had to chose one or the other for your purposes, it would be a hard choice, but I would likely end up with the 6.5.

Get the one you like the best.
 
DGY said:
I would go with 98, better action from what I learned, 7x57 is also more versatile bullet weight wise, you can go up to 175gr!
Click to expand...

True, but a 160 gr 6.5 works just as well at the same ranges due to the high sectional densisty. Bear, deer or mose won't know the difference.
 
Out of the two there is little to debate in my eyes, FN98 7x57. Better, stronger action and #### on opening. Look at the priciest bolt guns on the planet, and you’ll see what’s essentially a dressed up FN98.

I’ve personally always preferred the 7x57 to 6.5x55, but that’s purely personal preference both are stellar.
 
You're going to have a hard time convincing me that the post WWII Husqvarna FN98 Sporter is nicer than the pre WWII Husqvarna 96 Sporter.
 
MiG25 said:
You're going to have a hard time convincing me that the post WWII Husqvarna FN98 Sporter is nicer than the pre WWII Husqvarna 96 Sporter.
Click to expand...

I love the late 1930's M96 sporters for their look and workmanship, and i love the 6.5x55 cartridge. I am putting one together as we speak. I have several HVA commercial action rifles in various calibres, 8x57, 9.3x57 and 9.3x62 and very much like them too.
 
The improvements in the 98 action will 99.9999% never mean anything to you as long as you can live with #### on closing. Bet you get used to it if you use it a lot.

No animal will ever know the difference between being shot with a 6.5x55 vs 7x57.

Buy the rifle you like more and don't sweat the minutiae which will largely never matter. They're both fantastic.
 
Gwes you asked about differences, in technical terms,

-The Mauser 96 is a small ring action, generally chambered in (relatively) lower pressure rounds (6.5x55 etc)

-The Mauser 98 is an improvement on the 96, as one would expect being introduced 2 years after the 96 and building in improvements learned in that two years.

-Those improvements are principally related to gas handling, the 98 is one of the best to have your face behind in the event of a ruptured case, #### on opening (as all popular modern actions operate), a larger receiver ring and better suited to modern pressures, and a third safety bolt lug.

Both are sweethearts, and the best would be an Oberndorf 98 Sporting Rifle, I’ve bought several on the EE just over $1000. They’re worth waiting for.
 
A 98 in 7x57 is in for the win. A great cal. The 6.5x55 is also very good but the gun is less desirable. In the past I’ve had both and I believe the 98 is a better action and the 7 is a little better caliber.
 
There was actually a different effect on animals using a similar bullet?

Can understand if someone is buying US made ammo or really downloading in deference to a 96 (which is made from great steel and not prone to fail anyway. Look at all the 96 sporters in 30-06 etc)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom