6.5x55 Swedish -- old vs. new

[BillinNH]

The recent thread about K31's versus modern hunters got me thinking. I know I will have a 6.5x55 Swede some day. I keep my eye out for a Cavalry model with the 24" bbl. and the bent bolt. But as used Swedish Mauser prices seem to be going up, would I do just as well to buy a modern chambering for that cartridge? Say a Tikka T3 Lite Swedish Mauser? I would handload for it. Looking for an accurate 200-300 yard rifle with good deer hunting capability.

Opinions most welcome.

Bill

 

[phoglund]

I should think you are right in your assertion to buy a new gun is better than a used military gun for hunting. Although the Swede Mausers are fine rifles and quite accurate they will be heavier and not set up for scope use. Many would say leave the Swedish military mauser for collectors and purchase a new hunting rifle for hunting. I agree with that sentiment and would expect a newer rifle to be easier to scope, just as accurate, and a bit less weight to carry.

 

[jefnvk]

For target shooting and deer hunting? Buy a new gun. You will save almost nothing by going surplus with a Swede over a new gun. Plus, the advantage of a new gun is that it is designed for hunting and target shooting.

As for the caliber, my favorite. Deer don't get up after being hit with this one. Great accuracy, too. Last time I shot my stock 700 for accuracy, it was 1.25" with factory ammo.

 

[countertop]

MTNBKR hunts with one. Maybe PM him.

 

[ocabj]

Yes, if you want a rifle chambered in 6.5x55 for hunting or another practical application, a modern rifle is the way to go. Not only is a modern rifle going to be better for scopes, but the receiver will be more rugged to handle higher pressure loads which could damage an original M96 or M38 receiver.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I have a sporterized M96 Swedish Mauser -- one of those imported in bulk and sporterized by Kimber. It's a great rifle, but to sporterize one from scratch, you need:

1. Put on a new stock to replace the heavy and clubby miliary stock. Stock prices vary, but figure at least $100.

2. Replace the trigger -- mine was so heavy I couldn't measure it. A Bold trigger runs around $30-35.

3. Replace the bolt handle to clear the scope -- this is about a $100 job. You must also replace the safety with a scope-compatible version.

4. Drill and tap for scope mounts -- another $30 to 50 job.

5. You'll probably also want to do some cosmetic work -- like polishing and re-blueing. The cost for that varies, but it ain't cheap.

Add that to the original cost of the rifle, and you have more in it than if you'd bought a new commerical sporter.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

An old Swede 96 should work fine for hunting, very accurate. Unless you want a scope, then it's not worth the bother, just get a new gun. Does CZ make a 6.5x55?

Regards.

 

[USSR]

Bill,

I would recommend you go with a rifle built on a modern receiver. As mentioned previously, they will handle higher pressure loads. And, since you reload, you will be able to take advantage of this fact since factory ammo is deliberately downloaded in deference to the Norweigian Krag in 6.5x55. In a modern rifle, 140gr bullets can be easily pushed to 2900+fps, which is substantially above any factory ammo you can buy.

Don

 

[mtnbkr]

Nothing to add really. I agree with the notion that you should get a modern rifle in 6.5x55 if you want to really use it and not worry about it's historical significance. I have a Winchester Featherweight in 6.5x55. CZ also makes several 6.5x55 rifles. My favorite of theirs is the mannlicher stocked version. My handloads are pretty mild (140@2500fps) and that still dropped a deer quickly last fall (she managed to bolt/jump 10yds before dropping dead).

Here's mine:

Chris

 

[CowboyEngr]

6.5x55

The 6.5x55 is an excellent cartridge that fits a big game niche very well. I agree with the others - buy a vintage 96 if you want, but leave it as is for future generations to admire. If you want it as primarily a hunter, buy one of the excellent modern rifles and enjoy it's full potential. Good shooting!

 

[BillinNH]

Wow! So many great replies and so quickly. Thanks all, very much.

People seem to be of one voice -- if I want to do serious target work or put meat on the table I'm better off starting with a modern rifle. If I want one for its historic or "fun" value, get the milsurp.

Guess I'll keep my eye out for a milsurp at a good price but I better start checking out the commercial options. I understand that CZ and Savage seem to be very decent quality at a more than reasonable price. Any specific recommendations, in addition to those already given?

Bill

 

[USSR]

Bill,

This custom built 6.5x55 rifle started life as a Winchester Featherweight like Chris' above. Now, puts them in the 'X' at 1,000 yards.

Don

 

[Stinkyshoe]

Woah, that's an awesome looking rifle. What load do you shoot for the best 1000 yd. accuracy?

 

[middy]

A Picture is Worth 1000 Words

Any specific recommendations, in addition to those already given?

The CZ 550 FS is gorgeous, and it comes with irons too.

 

[mete]

Reasonable loads in a modern 6.5x55 are about 2850 max with the 140. It's not a magnum and there's no need to push it . The 140 gr is still the best weight for the cartridge ,and it's that bullet's high sectional density and ballistic coefficient that makes it perform beyond what you might expect. I hunted deer for 25 years with mine , a custom M98 , and it did the job very well every time !! Finn Aagard called it the perfect deer cartridge , I agree. My loads are about 2750 with 140s . The new factory loads are something I wouldn't use so it's really a handloaders cartridge.

 

[sumpnz]

I have both a CZ 550 American in 6.5x55 and an M96. I do sometimes take the M96 as a backup gun while hunting in case the scope on the CZ gets buggered (no irons on the American version of the 550).

The M96 is really fun at the range, and if needbe it would also be a very capable hunting rifle within the limitations of the iron sights and shooter's eyes.

I used my CZ to kill a large cow elk last October. We didn't have a scale, so I don't know the exact weight, but I would estimate live weight of at least 500, probably more like 600 pounds. Range was about 120 yards, and the load was a 140gr Barnes XLC above 50.0gr RL 19 and a Fed 210 primer (NOTE: that is and above max load, use at your own risk). MV was chrono'd at 2850 fps. Angle was 25 deg or so from head on. Bullet did not exit and no blood trail was found. But, she piled up 38 yards from where she was hit, stone dead. (As an aside I've just pulled a small steak from the freezer for dinner, mmmm - yummy).

Based on that experience I would not hesitate to use that combo again for elk, but I'd probably wait on a more broadside presentation if the animal was any bigger. That or maybe experiment with conventional (jacketed lead core) bullets like the 160gr pills from Hornady and Sierra, or the 155-156gr bullets from Norma and Lapua.

But, that load above is one that I am absolutly not willing to shoot in my M96. That rifle is older than my grandmother, and I'd be afraid that I'd damage it with such a hot load.

 

[canon6]

6.5X55

I have used the 6.5 on deer and elk,it is a fine round and if I were going to buy a new one it would be a CZ 550 ,I think thoses are the correct numbers.I do have a lot of reloading info hope this helps Doug

 

[jem375]

I have a M96 Swede also, but I think I would buy a 260 Remington instead..I reload all my rifle calibers and have a lot of 308 cases to pick from for the 260..If one of these days the brass gets hard to find for the 6.5, the 308 will always be around...

 

[Sunray]

"...would I do just as well to buy a modern chambering for that cartridge?..." Yep, the 6.5 x 55 will take any game in North America. However, it's not always about the cartridge. There's a lot to be said for owning and shooting a vintage milsurp rifle too.
Personally, I don't care what the calibre is. The rifle is far more important. Having a milsurp in a calibre that's suitable for hunting is just a bonus.

 

[rangerruck]

that round naturally lends itself to be teamed up with a lightweight sporter, good for humping around in the woods, make it as light as possible!

 

[rangerruck]

An old Swede 96 should work fine for hunting, very accurate. Unless you want a scope, then it's not worth the bother, just get a new gun. Does CZ make a 6.5x55?

Regards.

yes they do , i have shot it and it is as great as you can think!

 

[rangerruck]

you can handload to 3000fps with 120 to 140 grnrs, also you cna get milsurp swedish fo rabout 5 to 7 bucks a box. also if you like , find yourself a rifle in 260 rem . uses the same round in a 308 case, if i remember right.

 

[GeoW]

I'm using a Ruger 77 Mkll in 6.5x55 and think they are still available. Shows promise, 1 1/4 inch groups with factory 140 out of the box. I feel just a tad of barrel rub with the stock now. A bit of sandpaper in the barrel channel should be all it takes.
GeoW

 

[Correia]

I had one brought into the store yesterday for consignment, sporterized Swede, looks really nice. Composite stock, not too fancy, and just a Tasco scope, but the custom work was done by a local smith with a really good reputation. The owner wants $450 out of it. I was tempted to get it myself just because the 6.5x55 is something that I have never messed around with before.

 

[brentwal]

A CZ in 6.5x55 is high up on my wish list.