6.5x55 conversion calibres?

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6.5x55 conversion calibres?

Post by snag » 25 Feb 2019, 7:51 pm

Okay, so I've got a sporterised 1903 swede 6.5x55 sitting at the back of the safe that I'm thinking of selling to make room for something else (used to be my knock-about deer and dog rifle until I got a .25-06). Then I started wondering what it could be re-barrelled to? I'd be looking at a simple conversion using the existing bolt and action - any ideas anyone?
Thanks,
Snag.
The pen may be mightier than the sword, but personally I prefer the .30/30 Winchester.
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Re: 6.5x55 conversion calibres?

Post by bigrich » 26 Feb 2019, 4:43 am

I’ve seen old military mausers in a couple of different rechamberings. 243 is one I’ve seen a few times. Most others were European calibers in Husqvarna sporters, 9.3x57, 8x57. The bolt face on a 6.5x55 is a couple of though bigger than 30-06/308 based cartridges I believe. Maybe your local gunsmith might be able to advise
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Re: 6.5x55 conversion calibres?

Post by Kumaabear » 26 Feb 2019, 8:17 am

What is the goal of the change.

Is there a gap in your collection you want to fill for hunting?

Just wanting something different / better factory ammo availability?

6.5x55 is a great cartridge
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Re: 6.5x55 conversion calibres?

Post by bigrich » 26 Feb 2019, 8:48 am

I love my 6.5x55 too . Two cartridges that I forgot are 257 Roberts and 7x57 . Dunno how I overlooked those two. Intended use is a determining factor. 6.5x55 is a great alround cartridge in it’s own right. Getting a new lothar walther barrel fitted in the Swede wouldn’t be a bad idea. Just saying.....
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Re: 6.5x55 conversion calibres?

Post by bladeracer » 26 Feb 2019, 8:55 pm

snag wrote:Okay, so I've got a sporterised 1903 swede 6.5x55 sitting at the back of the safe that I'm thinking of selling to make room for something else (used to be my knock-about deer and dog rifle until I got a .25-06). Then I started wondering what it could be re-barrelled to? I'd be looking at a simple conversion using the existing bolt and action - any ideas anyone?
Thanks,
Snag.


Is the rifle still accurate? If it's not shot out I'd just sell it to somebody that will appreciate the 6.5x55mm.
If it needs a new barrel I'd probably be inclined to just stay in 6.5x55mm.
But the 6.5x55mm has a .480" case head, so I would think any of the .470" cartridges are a viable option, like .243 or .308. I have read that the M96 is not considered as strong as the later M38's, but I'm not convinced by the arguments. I don't think the action would be long enough for the longer cartridges, like .25-06.
I think you'd struggle to find a different cartridge as capable as the 6.5x55mm though.
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Re: 6.5x55 conversion calibres?

Post by SCJ429 » 26 Feb 2019, 9:17 pm

I agree with Bladeracer.
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Re: 6.5x55 conversion calibres?

Post by snag » 26 Feb 2019, 10:23 pm

Thanks everyone, given me enough food for thought that I've decided to keep it because it is still accurate and it is a nice thing. I did some ringing around today and it turns out that there's nothing I can convert it to for an affordable cost that I don't already have or don't want anyway. I'm thinking now I'll experiment with some different loads and maybe give the old girl a spruce up. You really don't need a reason to keep a gun, do you?
The pen may be mightier than the sword, but personally I prefer the .30/30 Winchester.
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Re: 6.5x55 conversion calibres?

Post by bigrich » 27 Feb 2019, 4:58 am

The worst thing you can do is impulsively sell one , miss it , then buy it back. Like I did.... :roll:

:drinks: :drinks: :thumbsup:
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Re: 6.5x55 conversion calibres?

Post by wrenchman » 27 Feb 2019, 9:19 am

i have a 6.5x55 sweed 96 i would like to get a 257 roberts i dont see them forsale i have kicked around a cz for a while i dont like selling any of my guns but to be fair i dont have many of the laws you guys have.
i also have 2 sons in there 20s and you know how it works they use what ever i have i a hate to see them spend money on some thing i have.
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Re: 6.5x55 conversion calibres?

Post by Gamerancher » 27 Feb 2019, 9:26 am

Wrenchman, Kimber chamber .257 Roberts in their rifles, should be able to pick one up around $750 brand new. Ruger chambered their M77 in it also.
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Re: 6.5x55 conversion calibres?

Post by wrenchman » 28 Feb 2019, 3:13 am

i did not no and i do have a few rugers
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