6.5x55 Help please

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D.Pagenkopf

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I've wanted a hunting rifle in 6.5x55 for a while. I have and have owned a variety of calibres. Today I want to fix the itch and get a 6.5x55. Combing through ads I'm finding more model 96 sporters than commercial rifles. I'm a fan of Husqvarnas and know they make good quality rifles and military (sporters) rifles are built to be tough.

What's people's experience with the military sporter rifles?
Does the commercial ammo work with them?
How are you handloading?
In terms of model 96 commercial rifles are they stronger or any different.
Any other considerations I ought to have?
If I can find a Husqvarna 1600 series I wouldn't mind that and that ought to negate my uncertainty being a "modern m98 action".

I'm after 6.5x55. Yes I understand that there is a plethora of other 6.5s. No I don't want any of the others at this time.
 
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Non adjustable triggers. Bolt handles or safeties interfering with scopes. Beat up Swedish import handling marks.
Buy a M70 or M700 in 270win and enjoy modern sporting rifle design imo
 
I have ad several of the 6.5x55 swedes. They are very accurate easy shooting rifles and the 6.5x55 is one of the best cartridges out there.
You will not regret purchasing one.
 
Buckmastr said:
Non adjustable triggers. Bolt handles or safeties interfering with scopes. Beat up Swedish import handling marks.
Buy a M70 or M700 in 270win and enjoy modern sporting rifle design imo
Click to expand...

I've got a 270 Husqvarna 1900 from 1954. Heaviest trigger in the world to match the heaviness of the rifle. I've killed all my game I've hunted through the years with it. I'm fine with non adjustable trigger, I've got strong fingers from lots of shooting and snap capping. I've owned a variety of other rifles modern and "vintage", never needed to adjust the triggers that's not too much of a concern and there is always a way to work on triggers. I'm looking mostly at sporters with bent handles, safeties also can be dealt with too- the aforementioned 1900 in 270 has the safety blocked by the scope, I did want to put the winchester m70 conversion on it but never pursued it.
 
There are half dozen former military Swede 6.5x55 here - some done by me, some done by others. For starters, the military stock is pretty good for iron sight line of sight - if you want to install a scope, you will need to learn "side of chin" weld, or install a comb riser. For scoping one, have to drill and tap. Then have to get bolt handle bent. Then have to modify stock to accommodate that bent bolt handle. Was a "thing to do" back in the day - you may or may not be able to do the above yourself?

If there is a difference between a m94, m96 and m38 receiver, I do not know what that is. The "commercial" versions appear to have a solid left side of the action - no thumb cut out - that is reputed to make the action to be stiffer, but does nothing about the lock-up strength.
 
stang said:
I have ad several of the 6.5x55 swedes. They are very accurate easy shooting rifles and the 6.5x55 is one of the best cartridges out there.
You will not regret purchasing one.
Click to expand...

What have you owned in terms of a rifle like a mil sporter or a commercial modern and did you handload or use factory ammo? I know it's a bang on calibre.
 
Potashminer said:
There are half dozen former military Swede 6.5x55 here - some done by me, some done by others. For starters, the military stock is pretty good for iron sight line of sight - if you want to install a scope, you will need to learn "side of chin" weld, or install a comb riser. For scoping one, have to drill and tap. Then have to get bolt handle bent. Then have to modify stock to accommodate that bent bolt handle. Was a "thing to do" back in the day - you may or may not be able to do the above yourself?

If there is a difference between a m94, m96 and m38 receiver, I do not know what that is. The "commercial" versions appear to have a solid left side of the action - no thumb cut out - that is reputed to make the action to be stiffer, but does nothing about the lock-up strength.
Click to expand...

Had an old k11 in 30-30, and shoot mil rifles, I'm used to that. I'm more so looking to have a pre-fabbed sporter per-say- I can do the work to modify but would prefer a one that has had it done already. I like projects but I'd rather get shooting right now.
 
I have had the model 96 and the model 38s. I also have a Ruger #1.
I hand load using H4831SC and a 140 grain bullet with excellent accuracy in any of the rifles.
 
Yup, bought a 1640 myself in 6.5x55. Stock has a chip at the forend. No biggie. Has a nice monte carlo style comb someone added. Great bore. Came with weaver bases.

Intersurplus descriptions made the purchase easy.

Buy the best one you can afford.

Currently zinging 100 grain pills at 3200fps, 129s at 2850 and 140s at 2710. All with reasonable accuracy.
 
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I’ve got an m96 sporter,the bolt handle comment from buckmastr is spot on. I LOVE the rifle but I will be buying a modern version rifle sooner or later. If you’re just going to buy one I’d suggest going modern, I’m probably going to get a tikka.

I shoot mostly s&b and PPU factory and reload the brass.
I load 140gr hornady gmx with imr 4350 , it’s really not picky what I put through it it’s very accurate.
 
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Buckmastr said:
Non adjustable triggers. Bolt handles or safeties interfering with scopes. Beat up Swedish import handling marks.
Buy a M70 or M700 in 270win and enjoy modern sporting rifle design imo
Click to expand...

270 Win dates to 1925, model 70 dates to 1936, model 700 is relatively new from 1962 so other than the handling marks I don’t see a problem.
 
I’ve found that some are great and others are sloppy with f’ed up headspace issues and terrible triggers (though aftermarket triggers are easily found for them).

Can’t go wrong with a commercial Husqvarna, like a 1640. That’s the way I’d go if you’re after a vintage rifle.
 
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