6.5 x55 Mauser Identification

[sunsetrider2013]

Hey folks new to the forum,, and really enjoy it thus far, I had a chance to pick up a couple husqvarna vabenfabriks 6.5x55's both have been sporterizd with new stocks. Anyways im trying to identify the mauser actions on them,, maybe possibly you folks coul dhelp me out here.

 

[WYOMan]

Sporterized Swedish M-38's. Basically an M-96 short rifle. It looks like they still have the original barrels minus sights. Keep your loads down to safe levels for the M-96 and you'll have tack-drivers that will outlast you.

 

[sunsetrider2013]

Thanks a lot i was thinkn m38's but wasnt sure. and they are accurate with mild loads, the thumbhole ill be possibly putting anew barrel on for long range target,, but the sporter i will leave the way it is. they both shoot very well. 1 ragged hole at 100 yrds and under and inch at 200. thanks for the info I appreciate it.

 

[WYOMan]

If it has a good barrel on it already, I would try it as is, even for long range. Mine still wears the original barrel, and it will hit where you aim, even at long range.

 

[sunsetrider2013]

Sounds good, ill be putting it through the paces for sure, the scope can handle that cartridge out to 1200 yrds,,but i think the 6.5 x 55 is about maxed at a 1000 but doesnt hurt to try atleast will have fun taking it there , as long as i do my part.

 

[Jim Watson]

Shooting "under an inch at 200" I see no need for a new barrel. Kiss it and put it to bed.

 

[sunsetrider2013]

yeah I was really suprised at the accuracy,,i had one other 6.5 custom that did that as well but it had a whole lot more done to it than these. Im really looking forward to spending some time sending some lead down range with them.

 

[WYOMan]

My bench rifle was built on a 98 action with a 3 groove 27 inch Lilja barrel. I run 140 SMK's out at 2850. If I switch powders, I can do better, but why lose barrel life. I am not maxed out at 1000. I can safely reach 2700 with SMK's from my M-38 sporter with a 24 inch tube, but my RE-22 load is more accurate, so I don't worry about it.

 

[sunsetrider2013]

That is great to know, I really appreciate the input. im looking forward to spending time on the bench, with them

 

[303tom]

They are Husqvarna m/38 actions...............

 

[JohnKSa]

I agree. If they're Husqvarna, they're more likely to be Model 38s, not Model 96s. The other hint is the bent bolts, although whoever sporterized the actions could have easily bent the bolts too.

Of course, there's really no practical difference between a M38 and an M96 action other than the bent bolt.

 

[sunsetrider2013]

I really appreciate all the help, its good knowing there is good help to be found here.

 

[jbrown_14105]

6.5 by 55 load for deer

Hi Folks, new here on this list (just found it) but have been loading for 25+ years....

I have a Mauser 96 6.5 by 55 and hand tweaked it for deer, 40.4 grains of 4350 powder, Speer 140 grain boat-tail, large rifle primer. 1/4 MOA
I have a "older" Ram-Line stock, Simmons 3.5-10 scope Harris Bi-Pod, and take bucks at 350 yards average.
Real flat shooting cartridge.