Advice for a 6.5 build

[Sleeping Dog]

6.5x55 barrels generally seem to be pretty long

The model 96 barrel is pretty long. The later carbine barrels are not. I think most rifles pre-1900 had long barrels.

I like the 96 with the long barrel. It has a better sight radius, and I can focus on the post better when it's way out there (old eyes)

 

[Gewehr98]

Say what?

Scratch the 6.5-06.
The cartridge is about 4mm too long to be effectively utilized in the Military Mauser actions.
There are loading issues with cartridges this long and forget using the stripper clips and guide.
Probably won't be a major issue with bullet deformation in the magazine due to recoil forces causing the bullet noses to impact against the front of the magazine box but it would concern me to know for sure BEFORE I begin the rebarrel.

I'd better rechamber my own 1916 C.G. Haenel Gewehr98 6.5-06 conversion to something shorter then. For some silly reason, I've had no problems feeding it my 120-144gr 6.5-06 loads, with COL to 3.240", and they feed just fine from the unmodified box mag into the chamber. I've run Nosler Ballistic Tips, and they don't suffer from bullet nose damage after recoil, either.




Now, if somebody builds a 6.5-06 on a Yugo M44 Intermediate Length Mauser action, then by all means, they may run into trouble. But a standard-length M98 Mauser works just as well in a 6.5-06 as it would in a .30-06.

 

[atblis]

Yep

Second from right are my handloads for my M96 that fit just find in the mag box. Far right is a 270 Win. Don't know about a M98