As with these older calibers there are many rifles out there that are considered not safe to load to the full potential of the cartridge. That being the reason for sedate factory loadings in these calibers. My question is what is considered an older or non-modern action? Specifically the Swede 96 and 38 rifles and derivitives. Are these actions adequate. Are they proofed to full modern loads or not? What PSI or CUP. The Lee book gives maximums for this cartridge around 51,000 PSI and about 45,000 cup. Can those two actions be loaded to that potential safely? Thanks.
6.5 x 55 full loads
- Thread starter snomad
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Pathfinder
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- Northeast Ontario
Manuals post loads that are safe for the oldest rifles, in some cases they have sections for older actions and for modern ones as well.
You are correct in that most recommended loads are reduced because of '96 Mausers and this is mandated by CIP. The brass itself, especially Lapua, can withstand higher pressure and is safe in modern actions.
Regards,
Peter
Regards,
Peter
From what I've read, it's the old Norwegian Kraig that are the weaker actions that factory loads are loaded down for. 96 action can handle a lot hotter load than a Kraig
Cocked&Locked
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Swede's are stronger then Krags but not as strong as a large ring 98 or other modern action. You can load hotter for a new sako or remington then you can in a swede. match military balistics but dont go much higher. THe swede's tried going hotter and damaged rifles, so they backed off again.
Northman999
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Many, including myself, would say NO, you do not need to reduce your loads. For a Krag-Jorgensen, then yes. I think that reloading manuals for 6.5x55 basically assume you are using Swedish mausers (look at their test rifles - all the one's I have seen are either M96's or M38's to develop their load data). If, like Sierra's information, it's developed using actual Swede Mausers, then it is, of course, safe for them.
I know that the swede 96 is not a large ring mauser, but they weren't made in a high school shot class either. I certainly don't pull any punches when reloading with mine, and I've never encountered any problems.
The Norwegians, reduced their loads for their Krags to around 40,000psi. They tried loads as high as 50,000psi and at 45,000 psi. They had problems with the two higher loads and settled at 40,000 psi.
Norma, loads the 6,5x55 in different bullet weights and to different pressures. They go so far as to mark the boxes as "suitable for Krag."
This was just discussed recently and I went into a bit more detail. I don't know if the North American loads are loaded down to levels safe in the Krag. I suspect they are safe in any of the Swede bolt action rifles.
In Europe, the onus is on the owner of the rifle to know its limitations and buy the proper ammunition.
PO Ackley did some experiments with Springfield built US 30-40 Krags, weaker than the Norwegian Krag. He ground off the single locking lug and fired 100 rounds through the rifle, using the bolt handle as a reserve locking lug. Not one Ka Boom occurred. I'm not suggesting in any way that the rifles would be safe with hot loads.
Norma, loads the 6,5x55 in different bullet weights and to different pressures. They go so far as to mark the boxes as "suitable for Krag."
This was just discussed recently and I went into a bit more detail. I don't know if the North American loads are loaded down to levels safe in the Krag. I suspect they are safe in any of the Swede bolt action rifles.
In Europe, the onus is on the owner of the rifle to know its limitations and buy the proper ammunition.
PO Ackley did some experiments with Springfield built US 30-40 Krags, weaker than the Norwegian Krag. He ground off the single locking lug and fired 100 rounds through the rifle, using the bolt handle as a reserve locking lug. Not one Ka Boom occurred. I'm not suggesting in any way that the rifles would be safe with hot loads.
In Europe, except Sweden, the onus is not on the user, it is law if the country is a member of CIP; manufacturers must confirm to the the lower pressure standards. Sweden is not a CIP, but almost all others are.
Let me pose another question. If I had a Krag and started with minimum loads and kept increasing loads, would I see pressure signs before the gun blew up. With a modern action this is what you would expect to see although at a much higher pressure. My take on it is that you would not see pressure signs before the Krag blew up, right?
The Commission Internationale Permanente pour l'Epreuve des Armes à Feu Portatives (Permanent International Commission for Firearms Testing - commonly abbreviated as C.I.P. or CIP) is an international organisation whose members are 14 states, mainly European.
The C.I.P. safeguards that every civil firearm and all ammunition sold in C.I.P. member states are safe for the users.
To achieve this, the firearms are all professionally proofed at C.I.P. accredited Proof Houses before they can be sold to consumers. The same applies for cartridges, at regular interval, cartridges are tested at the C.I.P. accredited Proof Houses
The C.I.P. safeguards that every civil firearm and all ammunition sold in C.I.P. member states are safe for the users.
To achieve this, the firearms are all professionally proofed at C.I.P. accredited Proof Houses before they can be sold to consumers. The same applies for cartridges, at regular interval, cartridges are tested at the C.I.P. accredited Proof Houses
Sierra 5th Edition lists
Max load for a 100 grain HP bullet -- 43.3 grains of Varget, no PSI but 3100 ft/s.
Max load for a 120 grain SP bullet -- 40.1 grains of Varget, at 2800 ft/s.
So pretty close to yours, just a little over.
Remeber TYPO's can happen so don't quote me on these numbers, just sharing info!
