M96 Mauser actions

[jon lynn]

I found a sported Mauser 96 for a good price, in 6.5x55 This isn't one of those things I would have to be careful with is it?

I only use factory loads, do I still have to worry about chamber pressures and STUFF?

[BILLY D.]

Jon

"Shouldn't " be any problems with factory loads to my knowledge. They are still loaded to equal the old Swede criteria because there are so many of them still out there.

Like most mil surps all the cartridges are loaded rather anemicaly so they don't hurt the rifles or shooters.

I have a '96 and shoot rather robust loads and have experienced no problems. My rifle is sporeterized but it has a mil surp barrel that was a replacement barrel but had never been fired and it is a carbine barrel. I wanted a short light rifle. And had it. Then I put a Boyds laminate thumbhole stock on it, there went that idea down the crapper. So then I bought a replacement tupperware stock and got back to short, light and handy again.

My rifle likes 47.5 grs of RL-19 powder, Fed 210 primer and 120 gr Barnes XFB's. I don't know if you remember Cal Sibley, but he had a lot of loads that used V/V powders and he published them here on the forum. You might do a search and find them. Cal passed away about a year ago.

The Hornady 129's also shoot very good in the Swede. Thats the highest weight I've ever used. And as far as I'm concerned it mirrors the 270 Win for performance.

As you know work up the loads and look for pressure signs. No two rifles are the same, what works in one may be a dud in another.

My Swede is one of the last rifles of mine I would consider selling. It's a keeper.

Best wishes, Bill

[jplonghunter]

jon

1896 Swedish Mausers are quality built rifles and all that I have had were great shooters. Many were re-barreled in Gustaf Arsenal ( info is usually on original stock on medallion). Only drawback is they cock on close,but can be converted to cock on open.
Good luck.

jplonghunter