I want to reload 6.5x54 for my carcano. I'm new to reloading, so ill need some help. I'm working on getting dies and I have 20 live rounds which will be shot off shortly to be reloaded. Where would I get the bullets for it? Would any 6.5mm bullets work? Where can I get recipes for it?
6.5x54 reloading help
- Thread starter jrcarbine
- Start date
Are you sure your Carcano is a 6.5x54?? Make sure you have the correct ammo for that rifle!!
I believe the original Carcano chambering was 6.5x52. and is a different chambering than the 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer.
You may be able to use any 6.5mm bullet, but you should be aware that most 6.5 Carcanos have a somewhat oversize 6.5mm groove diameter [.267-.268 instead of .264]
Some of these rifles shoot the .264 bullet OK, others do not. For dies, you could try CH4D, they have pretty well anything, and ship to Canada quickly.
Regards, Dave
I believe the original Carcano chambering was 6.5x52. and is a different chambering than the 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer.
You may be able to use any 6.5mm bullet, but you should be aware that most 6.5 Carcanos have a somewhat oversize 6.5mm groove diameter [.267-.268 instead of .264]
Some of these rifles shoot the .264 bullet OK, others do not. For dies, you could try CH4D, they have pretty well anything, and ship to Canada quickly.
Regards, Dave
I had to check and make sure that I didn't write this as I am in the exact same scenario. I had 20 old Dominion rounds that I just fired off ( I debated internally for a while before doing so but determined that the brass was more valuble to me then old ammo sitting and decaying on the shelf). I am still looking for a die set but from what I have found online the book "Pet Loads" has some pretty useful load data in it. Privi makes brass and loaded rounds and Graf and Sons makes loaded ammo for it. From what I've read the heavier bullets (160gr) do better then lighter ones. I chrony'd the Dominion ammo just for general knowledge if that data is useful to anyone.
Edit: my post applies to 6.5x54 M+S ammo fired from a 1903 Mannlicher
Edit: my post applies to 6.5x54 M+S ammo fired from a 1903 Mannlicher
100% sure. My gun is stamped 6.5x54 and I shot it and the brass is in 100% condition and with the old dominions the accuracy was smack on.
Tradex has 6.5x54MS brass and also a variety of 6.5mm bullets. Check their reloading components category.
As mentioned above, the Hornady 160 gr RN bullets are an excellent performer in this cartridge. I get best results with them in my 1903MS compared to anything else.
As mentioned above, the Hornady 160 gr RN bullets are an excellent performer in this cartridge. I get best results with them in my 1903MS compared to anything else.
OK, you must have one of the rifles converted to 6.5x54 M-S. This was not that common, but they were being done in Austria, so you have a bit of a "rarer" Carcano there.
Does it still have the gain twist, or has it been rebarrelled.? If it has been rebarrelled, it may well have the .264" groove diameter, rather than the larger .267"
Regards, Dave.
Perhaps a Co-oey two trigger Carcano? Which would have an 8 groove bore ,barrel stub without the gain twist. If you Google Co-oey Carcano and click on images you will be able to compare yours...The English Gov't also re-chambered some Carcanos to the 6.5x54MS ......Harold
You will be loading 6.5x52 as it's a typical FAT 42 the best way to make brass is to trim 220 swift brass, the bolt isn't picky about the semi rim design. With mine I use unique as it seems to be the best, message me for load details as I have lots of experience with this caliber. Also slug your bore most carcano's are actually .268 dia. So I use a NOE GC mold to cast 160 grain out of WW alloy that come out .270 then size to .269 and pan lube, it's not a cheap gun to reload for as you almost have to cast for it because people buy up all the hornady .268 rn when it comes in.
Rebel
Rebel
I don't think so man. The 6.5x54 that I shot out of it fired fine. 6.5x52 would probably split in the chamber.
If you put a 6.6x54 in a 6.5x52 it will chamber and fire, a 6.5x52 is almost identical exept short(and the neck designs different) the old sayin goes you can fire 6.5x52 out of a 6.5x54ms chamber safely but the other way around will spike chamber pressures as it's a hotter load and not meant for the gun. If it's a true FAT 42 (which it looks to be) then it's 6.5x52. If someone did rechamber it after the war or you even think it might be a possibility save yourself the trouble and cerrosafe the chamber to find out. Again both cases can be made from 220 swift and I reload both if you need help
6.6x54? I'm lost. Anyhow, the 6.5x52 will shoot out of my carcano, but it is hard on the gun and plus you destroy the brass. But like I mentioned before I did shoot a 6.5x54 out of it and the accuracy was dead on plus the brass is in great shape.
