6.5x54

C

CanadaBoy

CGN Regular
Uber Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
44   0   0
I'm curious about how many people here hunt with a 6.5x54.

In the past I've hunted with the 6.5x55 in a Husqvarna 1640 and a Heym SR-30, but I have been without a 6.5mm rifle for about a year now. So when I stumbled across a different 6.5mm in the form of a Mannlicher Schoenauer model 1903 in 6.5x54 I couldn't help myself. Now I'm just waiting for Canada Post to drop it off.

I have wanted one of these little carbines for years, but it is kind of fitting that I finally found one just one week after I finished reading The Wonderings of an Elephant Hunter by W.D.M Bell.

As RWS ammo runs $99-$119 per box, any suggestions on good sources of brass and dies, or even factory ammo at a more reasonable price, would be appreciated. If anyone has any load suggestions I would appreciate that too. I plan on sticking to 150-160 grain round nose bullets as I understand that feeding can be problematic in these rifles with shorter projectiles. I will probably use Woodleighs or Lapua Megas.
 
I have owned several Mannlicher-Schoenauer model 1903 carbines in 6.5x54 and have successfully hunted deer with it just using open sights. Only Blacktails though, so nothing very big. Brass and bullets seem to be widely available and a couple of years ago factory loaded ammo from Privi Partisan was available at a reasonable price (around $25. a box) , although I don't see it advertised anymore. I always loaded the big bullets, more or less 160 grains, but nothing too fancy, just Hornady, and always on top of 4064. At gunshows you used to be able to find some old Canadian-made Imperial 6.5x 54 ammunition. Fine for collecting and Imperial brass was great for reloading but don't ever buy this stuff for actual shooting...no matter how good a condition it might be in....its wildly inaccurate.
 
Last edited:
The bores of many of the older 1903 carbines are very slightly over sized. I find very good accuracy with 160 gr RN Hornady, or 130 gr TSX. The long bullets seem to just work well.
The difference in the bullets and the groups between these two brands and everything else (in a few of my 1903s) is just stunning. RL 19 is a nice powder as well.
 
I've killed some deer over the years with a Krag in 6.5x54MS and a Mannlicher Schoenaur
One Mannlicher I had for a bit is now owned by sdvc and IIRC it has about 40 talley marks carved into the stock!!
Really rough but super accurate!l hunting carbine
Cat
 
Last edited:
Some 1903 MS carbines and rifles also have dark bores due to corrosive primers back in the day. I find the accuracy of the carbine is not so great but it is more a function of the very short sighting radius and open express sights with the sub 18 inch barrel on mine. Amazingly smooth action and a joy to carry. They are just fine for any deer you would want to hunt within ranges out to 150 yards or so. Reloading components are readily available from Tradex and you are right to stick with 160 grain bullets. I have been using both Hornady and Norma 160 grain projectiles. They work equally well.

These are great hunting rifles.
 
I have found reloading supplies online at Tradex and X reload. I haven't done much with my rifle yet but I'm excited to get started loading for it.
 
most of the 6.5 calibre ammo is great. Something great about its ballistics with long bullets. 6.5x55 being most popular. Flat. Fast and low recoil. Can be used on anything from coyote to a moose. Never had a manlicher rifle but i would not hesitate to buy one if i was in the market for another 6.5
 
I love the 6.5s haven't shot one I dint like 6.5x55,260rem,6.5CM
Your going to love that rifle especially hunting on the coast hope your thinking off taking over to Haida Gwaii for a test run
I don't hunt deer till November but if I remember right don't deer season opens pretty soon for buck the velvet is still on them right now but the end of next month they should be pretty good
Oops I just realize you're not in BC sorry about teasing you
 
Last edited:
I have a 1903 in 6.5x54. Great little rifle. Have also hunted with the 6.5 Swede, 6.5x 57, 260 (in its wildcat form, the 6.5-08), a 6.5-06, and a 6.5x68. Hmm, a couple 6.5x284's that are bench guns. A 264 WM project and a 6.5 STW. Years ago I had a 6.5-300 Wby. I guess I'm a fan. Like the 7mm it just is a truly useful bore diameter. - dan
 
Yeah, I must admit that the Haida Gwaii deer season makes me a little jealous. Isn't it about 8 months long, with massive bag limits? Our whitetail season in Nova Scotia is 3 months long if you take advantage of the bow and muzzleloader seasons like I do, which still seems good to me compared to the short seasons we used to have.

The rifle arrived in the mail yesterday, I'll try to post a photo later on today.
 
CanadaBoy said:
Yeah, I must admit that the Haida Gwaii deer season makes me a little jealous. Isn't it about 8 months long, with massive bag limits? Our whitetail season in Nova Scotia is 3 months long if you take advantage of the bow and muzzleloader seasons like I do, which still seems good to me compared to the short seasons we used to have.

The rifle arrived in the mail yesterday, I'll try to post a photo later on today.
Click to expand...

It's a total of 15 deer 5 in your pasashion at a time
I don't really hunt them till November I will take one or two but nothing to crazy
Looking forward to seeing your 6.5
 
Chris Griesbach is finishing my custom small-ring 98 in 6.5x55... can hardly wait! He has proudly proclaimed that I now have the nicest Boyd's stock in the world! Only thing that remains is the recoil pad, and I think that is even going. :) 6.5 in anything is simply efficient and effective.
 
Kurgan, could you send me contact info for Chris Griesbach? I have a rifle or two that need to be recheckered, refinished, and reblued. I like what I have seen of his work. One of the projects is a ZG-47 that is hopefully going to be converted to 9.3x62 and have a Rigby style cocking piece peep sight installed as well. I'm going to have to quit buying guns for a while so I can afford to finish the ones I have.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom