cartridges for 1903 M96 6.5 x 55 Mauser

[dalegregg]

I recently acquired this rifle, and it appears to be in great condition. I'd like to use it to hunt deer in Michigan. I've read that factory ammo is very poor for this rifle, but I'm concerned that high-performance loads might be a bit much for this ex-military rifle. I'm not a re-loader, but willing to learn. Are there factory loads that will allow this rifle to perform optimally in the northern Michigan woods? If I chose to reload, what kind of chamber pressure should I be aiming for? Any advice on powder? I think it would be great fun to actually use this rifle, given to me by my uncle. Otherwise, I'm hunting with my (yawn!) Marlin lever-action 30.30.

 

[oneounceload]

I had one made n 1907 and used my handloads and Norma factory ammo with n issues

 

[Edarnold]

Any of the factory ammo in this caliber is going to be safe to use in the Swedish military rifles, if the gun is in good condition. These are the baseline guns for 6.5x55 ammunition, operating at around 45,000 psi, and have kept in use by Scandinavian hunters for over a century because they get the job done. Hornaday, Norma and Prvi Partizan all make good hunting loads in the caliber, the trick these days is finding the ammo in stock.

 

[plmitch]

Prvi Partizan 6.5x55 Swede ammo is perfect for that rifle. Save the brass and buy a manual and dies.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...PU+6.5x55+Swede+139grn+SP+20rd+box&groupid=98

 

[plmitch]

. I've read that factory ammo is very poor for this rifle.

Can't say I read that anywhere.

 

[kennedy]

I also have a swede made in 1903, it shoots mil surplus great, and I am reloading for it. I have been using PMC bullets and they are not the greatest for accuracy, a friend just gave me a bunch of 140 gr sierra matchkings to try. going to load some up and see how they do.

 

[NCsmitty]

Welcome to THR, dalegregg.

Nothing wrong with hunting with a 30-30. I have a couple 6.5 swede chamberings, and it's a great caliber, but if you're talking iron sights, the 30-30 will get it done like it has for more than a hundred years, especially in the heavy woods.

As mentioned, I know of no 6.5 Swede ammo that cannot be used in the Swede military rifle. I reload for all of my centerfire firearms, and the 6.5 Swede cartridge's ballistic advantage comes into play at longer ranges, on scoped rifles.


NCsmitty

 

[Vacek]

A few years ago I loaded up some Hornady Interlock using IMR 4350 at a level between min and max. I later gave my Mauser to my Nephew. He dropped a deer at a little over 120 yards. I don't believe it ever moved more than a step or two. Very accurate round.