Mannlicher Schoenauer 6.5

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Turkeyslayer 1300

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I’m a sucker for classic caliber and rifles, in particular anything with a Colonial or Sporting heritage.

I’ve briefly handled a few MS rifles and am debating tracking one down in 2023.

Can anyone comment on their effectiveness on game and their ability to function correctly with ammunition loaded with bullets other than the historical 160gr Roundnose.
 
The 6.5 M-S can be loaded with other 6.5 bullets. Keep in mind the barrel is throated for the long 160gr.
In my experience, headspacing and other tolerances on vintage M-S rifles can be rather approximate. You may want to fireform brass and then size it no more than necessary, to maximize case life.
I've rebarreled a few 6.5s. In one, it was observed that fired cases could only be replaced in the chamber if rotated to the correct orientation. When installing the new barrel I observed that the bolt face was angled with respect to the bore/chamber axis. I set the bolthead up in the lathe and faced it until there was a flat to abut the case head that was perpendicular to the axis. It was necessary to remove .007" off the bolt face. As I mentioned, tolerances can be approximate.
Later M-S rifles may be different. I have only 'smithed elderly 6.5s.
I just acquired an Echo sidemount, which will be installed on the 6.5 carbine I made up on a Greek military action. This one is equipped with a Lyman 33 wig-wag bolt stop peep sight.
Installing scopes on M-S actions can be an adventure. Mount sets are not readily available, and the split bride is a complication.
M-S rifles and carbines have slick actions and handle well. They were popular for a long time. My comments are based on what I have observed working on them.
 
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I have owned two Mannlichers in 6.5X54 MS, and one Krag in the same.
All three were super killers, with either 140 or 160 grain bullets.
My hunting partner has one and still uses it. It is a very old carbine and has over 40 tally marks on the bottom of the butt stock, maybe it was used for boar or roe deer in Europe.
Cat
 
Tiriaq I have read about issues with the profile of bullets other than the 160s causing feeding issues, have you observed that?

.268 bore diameters seem to be the rule as well so the majority of 6.5 bullets are a hair small for accuracy I have been told. I’m going to dig out Pet Loads by Ken Waters and refresh my knowledge a bit.

I should probably find a full stock 1950 model in something more common.
 
I had a 6.5x54 MS rifle early in my hunting days. Did not keep it long, but I did shoot it a bit,
and took one Muley Buck with it.
The only ammo available at the time was C.I.L "Dominion" brand. It was loaded with a 160
grain RN bullet at an advertised velocity of 2160 FPS
The deer I shot had both entry and exit, so no recovered bullet, but it killed that deer just
fine. I only shot it with open sights, but IIRC, it was decently accurate [1.5 - 2 moa] Dave.
 
dan belisle said:
I have one, good hunting accuracy with the 160's. It feeds 140's, 145's and 154's (only ones I've tried) well enough, but they arent as accurate as the 160's. Woodleigh used to sell them, I hope they tool up for them again. - dan
Click to expand...

I have a couple boxes of Hornady Interlock 160gr RN - they work pretty well in mine.
 
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My 1903 shoots old CIL 160 gr RN lights out at 100. Does well with 140 gr as well. 125 Noslers do not shoot well. This isn’t a Creedmor, so don’t load it like one. Slow (2200fps), heavy bullets for up to 150 yards and go to town. Kills really well.
 
I shot a deer at 200m this fall with mine, was using 160gr RN Dominion factory ammo.
Dropped the deer right in its tracks, like it was struck by lightning. Those old heavy bullets work well even at long-ish ranges.
 
Ive got one a 1903 Mannlicher, think it was Iron cats rifle, had the wrist repaired,
I like it shoots well, no problem to smack the gong at 200 with irons, I’ve mucked about with 130 & 140 gr bullets, they do not feed as smooth, as round nose 160 gr, and shoot high,
Just load 160 gr with about 36- 38 gr 4350 for about 2200- 2300 and enjoy it for what it is.
Lovely we rifle to carry, very nicely balanced, slim, light, and the push button unload is an brilliant feature,
 
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