Swedish M96

do_guns

do_guns

New member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Fort McMurray
Thought I would show off my numbers matching Swedish M96. This particular example was manufactured in 1908 by Carl Gustaf. The stock and action have a few dings and scratches (read character), but the action is buttery smooth. I initially shot at 100m, and couldn't find a consistent point of aim to shoot accurately. However, upon moving to 300m, where the factory zero is set, I was able to ring a 12"x12" steel plate all day long with some cheap PPU 140gr soft points. I cannot believe how mild the recoil is and how pleasant it is to shoot.

I've already managed to find a bayonet for it, and I have several other parts coming in the mail; including a sling, oiler, and some armorers gauges. As well, I will be using this rifle to get into the world of reloading. (Because I don't already have enough expensive hobbies.) Talking to several people who have been building Mausers since before I was alive, the 6.5x55 is a phenomenal round, and hand loading really unlocks its full potential.

Just thought I'd show this cool gun off, love to hear if anybody has some tips on hand loading for it, or any interesting facts/info about these guns. Thanks! :cheers:
 
Nice Rifle.
We should have the "Purchase of the Month Tread" back. It was always nice to see what other members purchased during the month.
 
They are beautifully finished are they not? I've one very similar to your's, except mines an '03.
I couldn't tell from the pictures, do you have the threaded protector for the muzzle?
Got a WT buck with mine a few years ago, and an Elk cow with Dad's Bubba'd special last year. They don't just look nice...they perform as well.
Nice rifle do_guns
 
Ganderite said:
When you buy powder for your rifle, buy a slow one. In the range of 4350 to 4831.
Click to expand...

This.

It's best to take advantage of the 29inch barrel with a slow powder like 4831. You'll notice by the reloading manuals that it burns at a noticeably lower pressure as well.

I'm making due with IMR 4895, and there are no pressure signs on the brass.

They are a sleek and well built rifle. One of my favourite to shoot.
 
I purchased my m96 35 years ago in Zürich Switzerland, don't remember how much I paid for it, but it is the only Mauser I kept that long.
 
I'll second 4064 in mid bore milsurps. I've put hundreds of rounds through several 6.5x55's. All loaded with mid range load of 4064 and Hornady 140 gr SP's. With younger eyes some of my groups were not much over an inch at 100yds with issue sights. These loads were not fast but definitely accurate. Won me a lot of turkey's at shoots in the"'good old days"
 
what are your thoughts about using Varget powder?
In the 49th Lyman Reloading handbook they mention that Varget has similar applications as IMR4064.
 
The rear sights were on out to 600 meters on head sized dirt clods last time I shot one off a picnic table naturally.
 
polaris said:
what are your thoughts about using Varget powder?
In the 49th Lyman Reloading handbook they mention that Varget has similar applications as IMR4064.
Click to expand...

I've tried varget in 6.5x55 and the results were ok in my m38 but not up to what I know the my m96 rfiles are capable of. In my m38 Ive used varget, 4064 and even 4895. They all work pretty good. I've been using 3031 and 120 grain bullets in my m38 lately and the results have been moa or better on several tests. It's seems in my testing short barreled swedes seem to like faster powder.

For m96 rifles I'm stuck on H4831, been trying to find a better power for the swedes but I've yet to best that powder. The load I use holds moa or better with irons out to 500m. Can't complain with that in rifles reaching the 100 year old mark.
 
polaris said:
what are your thoughts about using Varget powder?
In the 49th Lyman Reloading handbook they mention that Varget has similar applications as IMR4064.
Click to expand...

ADI Equivalents Chart gives this info:

ADI=AR2208 HODGDON=Varget IMR=IMR4064 AA=AA2520. Not an endorsement, just passing the info on their Equivalents Chart.
 
kjohn said:
ADI Equivalents Chart gives this info:

ADI=AR2208 HODGDON=Varget IMR=IMR4064 AA=AA2520. Not an endorsement, just passing the info on their Equivalents Chart.
Click to expand...

It's funny but I bought 6 pounds of varget just before the powder shortage. I used it in 10 different cartridges including 223, 308, 30-06, 7.5x55, 6.5x55 etc etc. I've never found it gives me the best groups where as 4064 drives nails.

Maybe it's just me????:(
 
They are beautifully finished are they not? I've one very similar to your's, except mines an '03.
I couldn't tell from the pictures, do you have the threaded protector for the muzzle?
Click to expand...

The fit and finish on this gun far exceeds any of my modern more expensive guns. You can really tell the difference between the mass produced rifles we see today and the rifles made by craftsmen way back in the day.
 
do_guns said:
Thought I would show off my numbers matching Swedish M96. This particular example was manufactured in 1908 by Carl Gustaf. The stock and action have a few dings and scratches (read character), but the action is buttery smooth. I initially shot at 100m, and couldn't find a consistent point of aim to shoot accurately. However, upon moving to 300m, where the factory zero is set, I was able to ring a 12"x12" steel plate all day long with some cheap PPU 140gr soft points. I cannot believe how mild the recoil is and how pleasant it is to shoot.

I've already managed to find a bayonet for it, and I have several other parts coming in the mail; including a sling, oiler, and some armorers gauges. As well, I will be using this rifle to get into the world of reloading. (Because I don't already have enough expensive hobbies.) Talking to several people who have been building Mausers since before I was alive, the 6.5x55 is a phenomenal round, and hand loading really unlocks its full potential.

Just thought I'd show this cool gun off, love to hear if anybody has some tips on hand loading for it, or any interesting facts/info about these guns. Thanks! :cheers:
Click to expand...

what's your serial number? I'm wondering what the birthday of my sporter is but don't want to remove the scope as it's hunting season. mine is 244### im thinking it's 08 or 09
 
4064 seems to be the general powder of choice for this round from what I have seen online and talking to people at the range. A guy I used to work with claimed to out-shoot people with tricked out .300WM rifles in matches by using a sporterized Swedish Mauser and hand loaded ammo. He said the guns seemed to love 140gr Sierra Match Kings. Anyone have experience using those pills for this gun?

sask31 said:
what's your serial number? I'm wondering what the birthday of my sporter is but don't want to remove the scope as it's hunting season. mine is 244### im thinking it's 08 or 09
Click to expand...

My serial number is 224### with a 1908 marked on it.
 
The best shooting I have ever witnessed was at Virden, out at Hipwell's, The deal was two man team, ten minute time limit, any rifle, various targets at various distances. Targets were also of varying sizes and types. An older guy was shooting an iron sighted M96, supposedly not even his own rifle.

The man was whacking targets at all ranges, left right, and center. It was absolutely amazing to watch that man shoot. He sure put a lot of big wig outfits in the back row.

As an aside, I think it was that year, my partner and I got the prize for having the worst score. We blazed away for 10 minutes and hit the least amount of targets. Some of the targets were bowling pins, and the far ones my partner couldn't even see them. The trophies were a bowler with an engraved plaque that said, "Better Bowler than Shooter". Man, we all had a good laugh over that. I still have the trophy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom