6.5 Carcano--->6.5 swede

[Slimbo]

I have this old carcano carbine and would like to shoot it more often. I already load TONS of 6.5x55 for several rifles, and would like to simplify things a bit by reaming the carcano to 6.5x55. From what I can see in my hornady manual the carcano is slightly thinner and slightly shorter than the swede, and retains the same bore diameter (.264). Anyone ever tried this? Seems like it would work fairly well if i loaded down to carcano specs for it.
any input appreciated
thanks
simon

 

[Andy]

6.5x55 vs. 6.5x52

Different bore diameters - 0.264" vs. 0.268". Problems with neck tension, would have to neck ream

Much Larger Casehead - 0.480" vs. 0.450" Would have to open boltface and do extractor work

Longer and Fatter Cartridge - mag/feed issues, and what do you do for clips?

IMHO - leave it alone, or sell the Carcano and buy a bubba'd Swede.

 

[Slimbo]

Well for that much trouble ill just get a set of dies.
thanks
simon