Modern 6.5x55mm ammo in Mauser 96 action

BigGameHunter

BigGameHunter

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I was interested in purchasing one of the Swedish M96 rifles from tradex in 6.5mm. I have read a few places that the M96 action is not strong enough for modern day loads, however I have read of people using them and how great of a calibre this is. Sometimes it seems there is too much information and it can get confusing.

So to set the record straight, how strong is the action and will it be able to use modern ammo and this is a rifle that I would definately like to add to my rifles as a nice in between rifle. Thanks
 
BigGameHunter said:
So to set the record straight, how strong is the action and will it be able to use modern ammo and this is a rifle that I would definately like to add to my rifles as a nice in between rifle. Thanks
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Yes most certainly.
Just don't go too hot on reloading...that is if you do reload.
Also if you don't plan to reload save the brass for those of use that do. :)
 
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Factory 6.5x55mm ammo, as in virtually all factory ammo, is historically loaded down to the lowest common denominator. That is, the oldest model or action that the 6.5x55mm is likely to be encountered in. So, it will likely be underloaded for even the venerable M96 Swede.... ;)

You can likely improve the performance by judicious reloading of the ctg, too.

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
This web page says

http://w w w.leverguns.com/articles/saami_pressures.htm

46,000 CUP for 6.5 X 55 which is a lot less

than modern calibers like .243 which are in the 60,000 to 62,000 range.
 
SwedishMan said:
This web page says

http://w w w.leverguns.com/articles/saami_pressures.htm

46,000 CUP for 6.5 X 55 which is a lot less

than modern calibers like .243 which are in the 60,000 to 62,000 range.
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The long range precision guys load the 6.5x55 way hotter than factory and get serious performance using modern actions. Not sure how hot you want to go with an M96 action, but there is a lot more available than the factory ammo offers.

Edit - here is a thread with some good details on the 6.5x55 from the reloading forum:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=326541&highlight=6.5x55


Mark
 
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You will be fine with factory 6.5 ammo. Eurpean 6.5x55 ammo is hotter than North American stuff, and the Europeans know their 6.5's as it's their cartridge. I sighted in my M96 using factory Winchester ammo at 100 yards, right on the bullseye; then I shot some actual Swedish surplus (same bullet weight) and it had a much snappier kick and was impacting a full five inches higher at 100 yards. I didn't chrony it, but get five inches less drop at 100 yards with the same weight of bullets, you know the Swedes aren't sissying about with their 6.5's like our North American ammo makers are. Rumors of the Model 96 being weak are greatly exaggerated in my opinion. I load my 6.5x55's (model 96's) noticeably hotter than factory and I've no problems with it. I think lots if this "modern action" stuff is started by guys trying to sell you $700 guns when a $200 trade ex rifle is fine.
 
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You should be able to load the Mauser action with hotter than factory loads with no adverse affects. The reason the factory stuff is so mild is not because these actions are weak but because the old Krag-Jorgensen actions are relatively weak. That being said, you don't really need to push the 6.5's to high velocities. They do fine around the 2600 - 2700 fps mark.
 
Snow Dog said:
604 - nice looking rifle - details please!

Calum - two 6.5's does not qualify you for the robes, I think you need five. I have three and was just taught the secret handshake! ;)
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Thanks
Trued and bead blasted Remington 700
Fluted 23' Gaillard barrel
McSwirly Remington Hunter
Talley lightweights
Leupold VX-II 3-9x40
6.5x55
Gunsmithing by Guntech
 
Northman999 said:
Rumors of the Model 96 being weak are greatly exaggerated in my opinion. I load my 6.5x55's (model 96's) noticeably hotter than factory and I've no problems with it. I think lots if this "modern action" stuff is started by guys trying to sell you $700 guns when a $200 trade ex rifle is fine.
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Model 96 is fine rifle. Unfortunately, does not have third, or "safety lug". Handle also does not have notch, to go into, and act as a safety device. If front 2 lugs shear, then shooter is a toast. Gas handling ability is also subpar to mod 98, or M700, or Sav 110, in event of catastrophic case failure. Frank de Haas in his book "Bolt Action Rifles" warns of hotroding of mod 96. I would tend to agree.
 
I always preferred the Federal Classic load in 6.5 x 55. Very accurate in the Remington 700 Classic. I don't know if they still have it in the Power Shok line.

I did not like the PMC 6.5 x 55 load, and the Remington loads was OK but not as good as the Federal.
 
mmattockx said:
The long range precision guys load the 6.5x55 way hotter than factory and get serious performance using modern actions. Not sure how hot you want to go with an M96 action, but there is a lot more available than the factory ammo offers.

Edit - here is a thread with some good details on the 6.5x55 from the reloading forum:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=326541&highlight=6.5x55


Mark
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There are many 96's chambered for 30'06 thatt are used for target rifles, some are on the tradex site.
These are factory guns, not customs.
Cat
 
For what I am going to be using it for (mostly as an up north deer rifle) the standard loads will work just fine. One other question about the tradex guns. When they say "dark shootable bore" (which the majority do) are these any good for a bush gun? It doesnt need to put 5 bullets in the same hole but will they still shoot reliable enough for hunting accuracy? My only other intermediate hunting gun is a 7.62x39 (sks) and I wouldn't trust it for hunting at all so I was thinking a 6.5mm is a pretty reasonable bridge between 22-250 and 300 win mag
 
Dark shootable bore means the bore has seen enough rounds to become slightly pitted and worn. Still suitable for hunting purposes. Bear in mind that you're looking at mostly the left-overs at Tradex - most of the nicer rifles have been snapped up since the importation of the last lot.
 
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