6.5x55 Build Progress

[Helstrm]

I had to share this, I am in the process of building a target rifle in 6.5x55 and as luck would have it the Gustaf action I am using is dated 1911 (I love 1911's)

Here are a few images of our progress

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hpho...0720163796_1135133719_3064224_186955195_n.jpg

 

[Kachok]

Nice

 

[Mac's Precision]

Very nice. 6.5x55 is one of my all time favorite calibers. What twist are you using?

 

[Helstrm]

1 in 9 twist, we are pillar bedding the action today and painting the action and barrel. (Will be parking them later but I want to get a few projects ready before firing up the park tanks.

 

[Kachok]

Love the 6.5x55, my all time favorite. Never used a 1:9 twist though, I know my 1:8 stabalizes everything I have put through it.

 

[tikka-guy]

Looks great! Looking forward to seeing the final product.

Wish I had the tools and know-how to do a similar project. Very cool.

 

[Helstrm]

More updates, Lots of sanding and Oiling left which I will start Tuesday.

Rear pillar bedding

Front lug glassed in

Custom target bolt handle.. This was a combination of heating hammering and grinding

 

[NCsmitty]

It looks like you are progressing nicely, although the bolt handle is a bit funky.

I'm wondering why you are putting all your efforts for a target rifle into a small ring Mauser that limits your working pressure of the 6.5x55. A M98 would give you another 10,000 PSI to work with, and be safer to boot.
Just be careful working up your loads, and adhere to the load manual's limits.

Let us know how it shoots by posting some pics.


NCsmitty

 

[Helstrm]

Because I had a 96 that had a bad barrel and stock. The handle will be redone... Don't really like the way it turned out.

 

[NCsmitty]

Because I had a 96 that had a bad barrel and stock.

Absolutely understandable. I didn't know if you went out and bought the action for the project or not. I have a couple 6.5x55 rifle's myself, a Swede M38 and my custom M98 with a heavy barrel.
I know that you'll have fun with it, when you're done with it.


NCsmitty

 

[Kachok]

I would LOVE to build up an old mauser like that. I love mauser actions and have had a love affair with the 6.5x55 since I was 8 years old (grandpa had an M38 )

 

[Helstrm]

Here is one we built from a 98. It is also 6.5

 

[35 Whelen]

Love it. Please keep us posted...especially when you shoot and chronograph it. I bet that action will hold up just fine.

35W

 

[Otis is DaMan]

Helstrm, which stock is that ?

 

[Helstrm]

The stock in the first rifle is from Boyd's, The last one is Richard's Microfit but it was ordered about a year ago and recently used.

 

[OpelBlitz]

I'm itching for a 6.5x55 so badly right now.

 

[Helstrm]

I will get a target posted later tonight. Still adding more layers of Tru-oil and I had to cut a little more for the new bolt so I will have to refinish that but she functions great. 47 rounds through her today

 

[tahoe2]

Helstrm, that looks so sweet ! How do you like the thumbhole stock? Is it comfortable to shoot? and how does it manage recoil? cheek weld to scope? etc..
I have a Spanish M93 I was considering revamping into a .257 Roberts (target/varmint).

 

[Helstrm]

Everything fits like a glove. Very comfortable, I put 47 rounds through it Sat and fell in love with the feel.

 

[threoh8]

Good looking rifle!
Are you building the rifle for any particular competition?
I used my M96 (1908) for NRA High Power Rifle for years, and learned a lot. Sweet shooters, those Swedes. I finally had to rebarrel it, and am considering going back to stock for vintage rifle matches.
I'm slowly building a Vz 24 into a .308 across-the-course rifle with potential for Palma and, scoped, for F-class. It might just be able to take a prairie dog or coyote, as well.

 

[bentongunclub]

I put one of these together using an inexpensive A&B barrel and a vz-24 action. It was advertised as1:9 twist but actually was a 1:8.3/8.5 or so. I tried several kinds of projectiles but settled on some 120gr and 125gr with MRP and RL22that gave the best accuracy. I just could not get the accuracy with the 130's and above at the 6.5x55 speeds. But, man, that gun shoots great. I can shoot it all day long and not get sore.

 

[Helstrm]

The 140's did not like to stabilize at the 75 and 100 yard targets. 120's were perfect. As far as what I built it for. Just to have fun with. I am not a competition shooter. More of a weekend plinker. But why not have a tack driver to play with.

Not sure what the next project will be but I am considering a 300 Blackout suppressed. Legal of course.

 

[threoh8]

As far as what I built it for. Just to have fun with. I am not a competition shooter. More of a weekend plinker. But why not have a tack driver to play with.

Nothing wrong with that!

I think we all need a tack driver to play with. And a cowboy levergun. And a fighting rifle. And a Hawken. And a single-shot, iron sight .22. And a .22 plinker. And a Scout rifle. And ...

 

[Helstrm]

Should have my FFL within a month and hopefully type 2 soon after. I need a few full autos to play with

 

[Owen Sparks]

My 96 was made in 1907 and is stock except the barrel was shortened back to the first band and crowned, the bolt handle is turned down and it wears a 3X9 Leopold. It will hit a dime at 100 yards. I don't know how much better it can get. I think I will leave it as is.