Customized Swedish M96 as a long range target rifle?

[Domino]

I have been interested in getting a long range rifle primarily for target shooting out to at least 500 yards. I have been considering a Savage 10 FCP rifle in .308 since they are known for their out of the box accuracy and the immense amount of quality ammunition and components for the .308 cartridge.

Here's the thing, my father has offered to give me his partially sporterized M96 Mauser for this purpose. It currently has been drilled and tapped for a scope, has a modified safety, and a turned bolt handle. If I take this rifle I am considering a few additional modifications. A synthetic stock that could be glass bedded (can the Ram Line?), Timmney 2-4 lbs trigger, a Nikon 6-18X40 BCS scope, and maybe cut and crown the barrel to 24" or buy a new production 26" barrel, maybe a Shilen?

I know the high BC and flat trajectory of the 6.5X55 Swiss would/could make it a better choice than the .308 (since I would primarily be reloading ammo instead of buying all production ammunition) but would/could it be more accurate than the .308 at extended ranges? Anyone have a similar setup and got it tested at longer ranges? Is this a good "starter" choice for the new long range shooter?

All of these modifications would cost about what a new Savage 10FP would cost minus scope and accessories so it is tempting

Thanks in advance for any opinions or advice!

 

[NCsmitty]

If you keep the loads within the design limits of the '96 action, and the barrel is still good, I see no reason not to pursue the project. With the action already D&T it's a prime candidate for shooting long range with that beautifully designed cartridge. I would leave the barrel long to take advantage of the slow powders that there are available. Alliant's Rel-22 makes them come alive. Just keep within the 46,000 cup pressure limits. And you're right, you could probably buy a new Savage for what you'll put into the Swede, but I don't think you can get a 6.5x55 from Savage.

NCsmitty

 

[Domino]

Hey thanks NC, I appreciate your input. Do you suggest 120g or 140g bullets for ranges past 500 yards?

 

[NCsmitty]

The twist rate of the military barrels are 1in7.5, and are designed to stabilize the longer heavier bullets. I would try the 140-142gr to start as they have great BC's. You should be able to start @ 2600+fps, and they hold their velocity and trajectory. The energy and trajectory are close to the 308 Win 168gr at 300yds or so, and the 6.5's superior BC gives it an advantage at 500yds. I'm sure 308 lovers would like to dispute that but it's true.
I have a custom 6.5x55 on a VZ-24 98 action that I'm working up loads for right now. I can load a bit higher than the old 96 actions. It has a 1in9 twist which will allow me to shoot the lighter bullets better for varmints, something that I have found that the military twist doesn't do as well.

NCsmitty

 

[cracked butt]

140 or 142 gr Sierra Match kings or 139 gr Lapua Scenars for the 96. RL-22 for a powder is and excellent starting point. Use Lapua brass as well- domestic brass is not of the right spec and is of much lower quality.

 

[USSR]

I know the high BC and flat trajectory of the 6.5X55 Swiss would/could make it a better choice than the .308 (since I would primarily be reloading ammo instead of buying all production ammunition) but would/could it be more accurate than the .308 at extended ranges? Anyone have a similar setup and got it tested at longer ranges? Is this a good "starter" choice for the new long range shooter?

Yes, the high BC 6.5mm bullets will make for a flatter shooting rifle than a .308, however accuracy is more a function of the rifle and load and not a particular cartridge. Personally, if I wanted a 6.5x55 for long range use (I did, and I built one), I would use a newer and stronger action than the Mauser 96 to enable you to load the 6.5x55 to modern pressures and velocities. I built my rifle using a Winchester M70 action, and with 139-142gr bullets driven at 2900+fps, I use only about 25MOA from a 100 yard zero to reach 1k.

Don

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

I just stumbled into a m96, I might be building one also! I think some of the hard work was done on mine already; But at this point I might as well fix it up and see what she will do.

 

[Swampy]

Domino,

The M96 Swede is a great rifle and more accurate than many military rifles out there, but I think it's limited in how far you can go with it. Even maxed out on the accurizing path, it's still got some disadvantages when comparing it and competing with it against modern target guns.

As a comparison.... My old M1 Garand Match Grade that I love so much is a fine weapon.... and plenty accurate to hold it's own in Service Rifle competition against other Service Rifles (See my tagline. ). The unfortunate thing about your M96 is that it is ineligible to compete in Service Rifle Highpower. It only fits in the Match Rifle Highpower category. This means that it's major competition is going to be full up matched and tricked out M70's, M700's, space guns, Tubb 2000's, and other custom modern action rifles. You almost NEVER see a Mauser action rifle in these games. The reason is that the Mauser does not have the top end accuracy potential that newer, stiffer, faster actions do.

If all you want to do is shoot the long distance (Actually, 500-600 yards is called Mid-Range in NRA parlance.) with the old Swede just to prove a point then I say, "Go for it". If you are truly serious about competing at 500-600 yards and beyond in Highpower comps, then the old M96 Swede (Fine as it is.) is going to be way out of it's league when the scores start coming in.


Just my 2 bits,

Best regards,
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[Slamfire]

You almost NEVER see a Mauser action rifle in these games. The reason is that the Mauser does not have the top end accuracy potential that newer, stiffer, faster actions do.

Even though I have a very accurate 30-06 built around a M98, and Ken Reeve won a Long Range Campionship at Camp Perry with a M98 action, Mauser actions are not the best choice for target rifles.

Check out how much it will cost to up grade your M96. Consider after all the work, you will not be able to sell it for as much as a used Savage.

 

[skinewmexico]

I'm with USSR, the 6.5x55 shines best with a modern action, at modern pressures. It took me 15 minutes to make my Savage 30-06 into a 6.5x55. Buy a used, LA Savage, and put a Shilen Supermatch barrel on it. Run you less than $300.

 

[jkingrph]

I see several references to the 6.5x55 Swiss, It should be 6.5x55 Swede. The Swiss is a 7.5x55