6.5 x 55 Mauser Conversion to another Caliber
Hello:
I am the proud owner of a 6.5 x 55 mauser and I am happy to say it is one of the finest shooters I have ever encountered. I have taken game ranging from ground squirrels to bear with it and with the 140 gr Nosler partition it is a "one shot one kill" firearm. (no BS!)
I bought it for $35.00 many years ago from a guy who owed me money and it was "sporterized" when I got it. I have put thousands of rounds through it over the years and I am at the point where I need to decide between re-barreling it or converting it to a different caliber.
I am toying with either re-barrling this with another 6.5 x 55 or maybe changing it to a .308. Anyone have any ideas or experience with this fine rifle?
Also, anyone have experience with a 6.6 x 30-06? I have heard this is another sure-fire game-getter.
I am the proud owner of a 6.5 x 55 mauser and I am happy to say it is one of the finest shooters I have ever encountered. I have taken game ranging from ground squirrels to bear with it and with the 140 gr Nosler partition it is a "one shot one kill" firearm. (no BS!)
I bought it for $35.00 many years ago from a guy who owed me money and it was "sporterized" when I got it. I have put thousands of rounds through it over the years and I am at the point where I need to decide between re-barreling it or converting it to a different caliber.
I am toying with either re-barrling this with another 6.5 x 55 or maybe changing it to a .308. Anyone have any ideas or experience with this fine rifle?
Also, anyone have experience with a 6.6 x 30-06? I have heard this is another sure-fire game-getter.
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Due to the short action, it will be difficult to convert the rifle to any cartridge having a length greater than the existing 6.5x55mm. Also, the action is not up to present day high chamber pressures required for many of today's cartridges. There are surplus M96 and M38 barrels available that could be used to replace the one you have.
I have a specially selected Swede M38 Husquavarna 1941 mf'gd action that I have rebarreled in a 6.5x.257 Robt's Ack Imp chambering. The 7x57 base case is close to the 6.5x55 in size and allows proper functioning.
Keep off the Ridgeline0 -
I would keep the 6.5mm chambering or maybe step up to a 7x57 Mauser but as Kdub pointed out, the small-ring isn't strong enough to handle the high pressure cartridges like the .308.
Love them Beavers
SUPPORT THE I.N.S. , THE COUNTRY THEY SAVE COULD BE YOUR OWN0 -
I personally think that the 6.5 X 55 is a great round, and unless you want to hunt moose with it, [ which I hear the Swedes do ], I wouldn't change a thing! If you want bigger, buy bigger, but keep your swede for an allround, general purpose, workhorse. Just my humble opinion, but I do have four of them. 0 -
I have a left handed Savage Mod 110L 30/06 with a detachable mag that I just rebarreled to 6.5X55.Great caliber.
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ATF0 -
6.5x55mm is one of the best hunting cartridges ever invented.
6.5 bullets are one of the "killingest" you can use.
Vastly underated in the USA due to lack of understanding.
Personally would use for all North American big game except Brown/Grizzly bears.
Take a hard look at Hornady Light Magnum ammo. It works.
Happy Bullet Holes!0 -
Keep it in 6.5x55 swed, its a great cartridge. 0 -
I agree, get a new 6.5X55 bbl, or one of the wildcats similar to it. Another good choice would be 7mm.
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0
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