[Rapier]

Adam,
You should go back and read the original post.

The statement is published in a handloading magazine of current publication as a quote made by none other than the Director of Norma's Technical Department. I did not make the statement. I simply commented on the statement based on the idea that the quote was accurate, as published and is the exact reason the post is worded as it is.

The statement demonstrates several things of interest;

1) The 96 is rated at 65,000 PSI by Norma
2) The 96 withstood an 81,000 psi load at Norma without ill effect
3) Norma uses the 96 actions on their pressure test barrels
4) At Norma this action was screwed onto a 300 Win Mag barrel
5) This entire episode was done under test facility conditions at Norma labs

This is, by my memory, the first time I have ever seen a modern Swedish pressure rating (by a Swedish Company) on the Swedish 96 style actions. I have long heard rumors of the actions being chambered in all manner of high-pressure rounds in Sweden, including the 22-250. To now see a write up by Dr. John Heath, the Director of the Technical Department of Norma is significant and important information for those who enjoy and use the 96-94-38 actions around the world.

The Swedes have long held that their Mauser actions were made of a special alloy. As evidence of that contention they point to the fact that when Obendorf was contracted to build their Mausers, the Swedes would not allow the Germans to build their rifles from German steel and insisted on furnishing their own "special" steel to be used in the manufacture of every rifle. Whether the idea was national pride or some obscure "magic" metallurgy is of course arguable.

Over the past 40 years I have built quite a few custom rifles based on the Swede, probably about half a hundred. I now own about a half dozen or so, with but one in original condition. I have written two published articles about the Swede and its potential as the base for sporting rifles. I am still learning about the Swede and have an open mind about its limitations and capabilities.

I can relate one story of my own experience. I bought a lot of Yugoslavian ammo with my first Swede many, many years ago. While I was testing the barrel for use in my intended conversion, one round blew a primer. The primer pocket was blown well oversized; the firing pin blew back to a full cock and smoke poured out around the bolt. The bolt opened with a slight bit of stickiness. In measuring the headspace and examining the lugs there was no permanent damage to the gun at all. I converted the gun and it still is in service today and has taken many deer.

The idea here is not to have folks run out and load up to 65K ammo or disregard the loading manuals. It is to let the reloader know that he or she has a substantial safety margin when reloading the Swede by the manual. Many people in this country have been told that the Swedes are inferior and nothing could be further from the truth.

I think PO Ackley hit the nail square on the head when he stated in his book that the Swede was the best of all the 95 style actions.
Best,
Ed