I took a M1896 Swedish Mauser, Carl Gustaf 1915, and a M1903-A3 Remington Springfield, both in original configuration, out today for a range test. The M96 is in overall ex condition and is fitted with an early "wedge" front sight and a late m/55 rear sight which is dial adjustable for elevation. I thought this was an odd combination of sights. The 03-A3 is one that I rebuilt to as new condition earlier this year with an as new barrel and other parts which I salvaged from one of the infamous Santa-Fe 03-A3 Springfield clones. All shooting was from the bench @ 100 yds.
Neither rifle disappointed. I fired a number of groups from the M96, all featuring the "long lance" 142gr Sierra match bullet, COL 3.100, in new Prvi brass. I thought I'd try both IMR4064, never a bad choice in any MILSURP ctg, and the slower burning IMR4831 as the 6.5x55 seems a little overbore and these ctgs always do well with a slower burning propellant. After a couple of 2.3 in groups with 46 gr IMR4064 the rifle really settled in and rewarded me with 5 consecutive 1 inch groups using 47gr IMR 4064 and 41 and 42gr IMR 4831. This is the first time shooting this rifle since I got it a couple of years ago. I don't think I need to do any more load development for it. Quite an impressive performance by a 97 yr old rifle and an equally impressive bullet. I'm going to add a few more boxes of these Sierras to my stash ASAP.
All groups, but 2, from the 03-A3 were with the Hornady 150 gr FMJBT in Federal brass, COL 3.280 with 48gr of IMR 4895, IMR 4064 and Varget. I also shot 2 groups with the 168gr Sierra match over 46.5gr Varget, COL 3.330. Accuracy results with the 150gr Hornady were the same with all 3 propellants with an overall group average of 1.9 inches. Next excursion will be with 155 and 168gr match bullets with the aim of bettering the Hornady FMJ which is a very good non-match bullet.
This all goes to show that talking about MILSURPs is good, but shooting them is even better.
Neither rifle disappointed. I fired a number of groups from the M96, all featuring the "long lance" 142gr Sierra match bullet, COL 3.100, in new Prvi brass. I thought I'd try both IMR4064, never a bad choice in any MILSURP ctg, and the slower burning IMR4831 as the 6.5x55 seems a little overbore and these ctgs always do well with a slower burning propellant. After a couple of 2.3 in groups with 46 gr IMR4064 the rifle really settled in and rewarded me with 5 consecutive 1 inch groups using 47gr IMR 4064 and 41 and 42gr IMR 4831. This is the first time shooting this rifle since I got it a couple of years ago. I don't think I need to do any more load development for it. Quite an impressive performance by a 97 yr old rifle and an equally impressive bullet. I'm going to add a few more boxes of these Sierras to my stash ASAP.
All groups, but 2, from the 03-A3 were with the Hornady 150 gr FMJBT in Federal brass, COL 3.280 with 48gr of IMR 4895, IMR 4064 and Varget. I also shot 2 groups with the 168gr Sierra match over 46.5gr Varget, COL 3.330. Accuracy results with the 150gr Hornady were the same with all 3 propellants with an overall group average of 1.9 inches. Next excursion will be with 155 and 168gr match bullets with the aim of bettering the Hornady FMJ which is a very good non-match bullet.
This all goes to show that talking about MILSURPs is good, but shooting them is even better.
