96 Swede Action Strength - Like M98?

[jjohnson]

Gents,

I was wondering if any of you had data on just how strong the action is on the Swedish Mauser.

I know that the 6.5mm ammo is in some cases sort of 'dumbed down' like .45-70 and 257 Roberts because older designs are out there.

So - just what's the safe pressure limit for the M96 action? I have an M96 is very good condition, and handload, so I'm wondering how hard to push the 6.5x55 round. If the load books are 'dumbed down,' I'd like to know - but if the data is about all the action can handle - I'd like to know that, too.

Thanks!

 

[rcmodel]

It is considered a 45,000 PSI action.

Some of the Swedish actions were too soft, and some are too hard.

But even if "just right" it is still has the limitation of the early Mausers breach design.
And it has no third safety log like a 98 action.

"Dumbed down" or not, I'd stick with reloading book loads for it.

rcmodel

 

[Jim Watson]

I had a Carl Gustav .308 target rifle on a 1912 CG '96 action. So the Swedes thought they could handle a little more than 6.5x55.
Kimber rebarrelled a bunch of them to .308, 243, and .22-250. Did they hardness test to see which ones to rebarrel and which to leave 6.5? Surely a SAAMI company would not sell us a time bomb. Would they?

I am not giving you a license to overload the original caliber, but I see no reason to soft pedal it within published loads. MY load books are not dumbed down. A 140 at 2600+ fps will do what needs to be done with a 6.5.

 

[JNewell]

I"m halfway between Jim and RC. The 1896, which is a GREAT action, may or may not be strong enough for a 60kpsi load. Even if it is, though, it has none of the gas handling and other safety improvements of the 1898. I wouldn't do it.

 

[ExpatGator]

The SAAMI 45,000 psi max limit is based on testing and experience. You might get away with pushing it, but is your face and the safety of those aroung you worth it?

I am currently building a 96 Swede. It's gonna be a .250 Savage (SAAMI specs 45k max) on a Mannlicher stock, with a butterknife bolt handle. I'll be shooting it around my loved ones and would not dream of surpassing SAAMI specs. There is also the matter of liability to consider. That liability does not end when that firearm passes from your hands.

 

[moosehunt]

I really can't argue with anything said, BUT--I took a '96 Swede (Carl Gustav) and completely sporterized it into a featherweight--it's my sheep rifle. I kept it at 6.5x55, even using the original barrel after cutting it down and turning it down. About the only original parts are the bolt (with a new handle welded on) and the reciever (plus the barrel after considerable alteration). But, it is thus still a M96 Mauser. I shoot full power loads, though not heavy bullets, i.e. 130 gr is as high as my desires run, and have carefully watched for any adverse signs. I've seen none, feel good about the gun. A lucky pick of actions? Maybeso. My point is, I think the Gustavs are capable of anything that fits, i.e. short action loads (NOT things like Win Short Mags, of course, but short action rounds that fit the unaltered bolt face). Suit yourself, but that's one guys opinion and experience.

 

[545days]

The weakness of the '96 Swede is not the strength of the receiver, but it's limited ability to direct hot gasses from a ruptured case or pierced primer away from the shooter's face.

The danger is not that the receiver will explode, or that the lugs will shear off the bolt, sending it back into your face. The danger is that escaping high pressure gas will jet back into your face and blind you. The significant difference in the '96 and '98 Mauser design is not the size of the action, or the extra bolt lug. The most significant change was the model '98's ability to protect the shooter from a ruptured case.

That being said, my deer rifle is one of the Kimber sporters in 6.5x55. I don't hesitate to fire it, but I allways wear shooting glasses, and have no desire to push it to it's limits.

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

All in common sense. Use the M96 swede as it was designed for. You can push it just a bit but most of us know it is nowhere near in the league of the M98 Mauser for handling higher pressure.
I will never push mine over any kind of limit. That said I can always choose a caliber out of the collection that can do the job quite well. I consider the 6.5 swede unique in that its moderate in the pressure department and reaches out there.

 

[NCsmitty]

All in common sense. Use the M96 swede as it was designed for. You can push it just a bit but most of us know it is nowhere near in the league of the M98 Mauser for handling higher pressure.

Well said U.S.SFC_RET! If anyone has taken notice, there are several Max loads listed on the Hodgden site for 6.5x55, that run as high as 46,000 CUP. Now there is no formula to accurately convert CUP to PSI that I know of, but some interpolation can be done as a guesstimate. 46,000 CPU has to equate to nearly 50,000 PSI as I see it. That will give a 120gr bullet almost 2900fps, what more could you ask for out of that beautifully designed case. The Swedish steel is strong no doubt, but inherent drawbacks of the older design poses the risks.
I will be posting pictures in the near future of my VZ-24 action 98 with an A&B F-54 heavy barrel in 6.5x55 in a Fajen laminated stock. Now with that unit, I can push the envelope.
As for those 96's, treat them with the respect that they deserve.

NCsmitty