Since you are using a M94 action, which I suspect is even older than M96 actions, you need to keep your pressures within Swedish service rifle loads.
While the action design is fine, I don't trust pre 1900 steels, process controls, or inspection techniques.
I have Swedish ball, chronographed it in at least three rifles. This will give you an idea of the velocity range to stay within.
Also, I developed what I consider to be a service rifle equivalent load in my M700. The load shoots well.
As for bullets, I have not taken any deer with my 6.5 Swedes. A hunting bud who has a M700 Classic in 6.5 Swede, he really cannot tell any knock down difference between brands or 120's versus 140's. If the shot is good, the deer are going down.
Deer in Alabama are small, 100 pounds is close to average, a 180 lb Buck was the record size for one hunting club.
Code:
M1896 Infantry Rifle 29' barrel Carl Gustafs mfgr 1903
17-Aug-06 T = 85 °F
143 gr FMJ 1986 Swedish Ball
Ave Vel = 2610
Std Dev = 14.38
ES = 45.59
High = 2633
Low = 2587
N = 8
M38 Infantry Carbine 24" barrel
28-Oct-94 T ≈ 60 °F
143 gr 1986 Swedish Ball OAL 3.065" 47.4 grs powder average
Ave Vel = 2427
Std Dev = 22
ES = 62
Low = 2395
High = 2457
N = 10
M700 22" Barrel
143 gr Swedish Ball 1986 headstamp
2 Feb 2008 T = 54 °F
Ave Vel = 2470
Std Dev = 18
ES = 48
High = 2491
Low = 2443
N = 5
140 gr Hornday Spire Point 43.0 grs AA4350
R-P new brass CCI-200 OAL 2.990"
2 Feb 2008 T = 52 °F
Ave Vel = 2512
Std Dev = 27
ES = 72
High = 2547
Low = 2475
I also have some M96 and M38. The 96 and 38 are all original.
