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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 25, 2024 15:12:29 GMT -5
Probably try Reloader 15 35.6gr with a 160 grain bullet. The heavier bullets with medium burn powder usually cut down on flash. This is an Alliant published load.
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Post by urbino on Feb 25, 2024 15:57:33 GMT -5
I usually carry an old Krag carbine in 6.5 X 55 mm. Free to me. I added improved sights. If someone steals it they will have a hard time finding ammo. On the other hand, I have thought about a new barrel since the Jicarilla Apache gent who owned this before me cut it down to 18 inches and that is too short for the slow burning powder in these cartridges. 24 or 26 inches would be an improvement I think. Originally, it was up around 29 inches in length. Any opinions appreciated. I believe the barrel on my Ruger Swede is 24". Longer seems pretty unhandy, especially for a truck gun. You might not get the most out of the cartridge at 24", since the old Krag probably can't handle modern, faster powders, but do you really need to squeeze out the last drop of performance for what you use this rifle for? Plus, the 6.5 is such an efficient bullet. I'd stay away from the original barrel lengths if it was me. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 25, 2024 16:31:53 GMT -5
I usually carry an old Krag carbine in 6.5 X 55 mm. Free to me. I added improved sights. If someone steals it they will have a hard time finding ammo. On the other hand, I have thought about a new barrel since the Jicarilla Apache gent who owned this before me cut it down to 18 inches and that is too short for the slow burning powder in these cartridges. 24 or 26 inches would be an improvement I think. Originally, it was up around 29 inches in length. Any opinions appreciated. I believe the barrel on my Ruger Swede is 24". Longer seems pretty unhandy, especially for a truck gun. You might not get the most out of the cartridge at 24", since the old Krag probably can't handle modern, faster powders, but do you really need to squeeze out the last drop of performance for what you use this rifle for? Plus, the 6.5 is such an efficient bullet. I'd stay away from the original barrel lengths if it was me. 👍👍 |
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Post by toshtego on Feb 25, 2024 17:47:02 GMT -5
It’s the powder type that makes for flash. If the guy who cut it down didn’t know what he was doing he’s probably ruined it. A good ‘smith might be able to cut it again and put a decent crown on it. I had it crowned when the new sights were added. |
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Post by toshtego on Feb 25, 2024 17:51:51 GMT -5
I usually carry an old Krag carbine in 6.5 X 55 mm. Free to me. I added improved sights. If someone steals it they will have a hard time finding ammo. On the other hand, I have thought about a new barrel since the Jicarilla Apache gent who owned this before me cut it down to 18 inches and that is too short for the slow burning powder in these cartridges. 24 or 26 inches would be an improvement I think. Originally, it was up around 29 inches in length. Any opinions appreciated. I believe the barrel on my Ruger Swede is 24". Longer seems pretty unhandy, especially for a truck gun. You might not get the most out of the cartridge at 24", since the old Krag probably can't handle modern, faster powders, but do you really need to squeeze out the last drop of performance for what you use this rifle for? Plus, the 6.5 is such an efficient bullet. I'd stay away from the original barrel lengths if it was me. I wish I had access to a chronograph to measure MV. I had no thoughts about the original barrel length. Something in the 24 or even 22 inch. I guess I could find a flash suppressor? The ballistic coefficient on this cartridge is impressive with the long narrow bullet. |
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Post by urbino on Feb 25, 2024 17:57:08 GMT -5
I believe the barrel on my Ruger Swede is 24". Longer seems pretty unhandy, especially for a truck gun. You might not get the most out of the cartridge at 24", since the old Krag probably can't handle modern, faster powders, but do you really need to squeeze out the last drop of performance for what you use this rifle for? Plus, the 6.5 is such an efficient bullet. I'd stay away from the original barrel lengths if it was me. I wish I had access to a chronograph to measure MV. I had no thoughts about the original barrel length. Something in the 24 or even 22 inch. I guess I could find a flash suppressor? The ballistic coefficient on this cartridge is impressive with the long narrow bullet. I don't know much about flash suppressors, but I imagine you could find one, yeah. If you had a new barrel made, that guy could even make you one, probably. Yeah, the 6.5 is kinda the perfect bullet. If you propel it fast enough and accurately enough, it'll kill most anything. The Swedes used to kill polar bears with it, and I think one of the old-time safari hunters took down quite a few elephants with it (not recommended) if the stories are to be believed. |
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Post by toshtego on Feb 25, 2024 18:22:34 GMT -5
Numrich has flash hider in stock for the Swedish Mauser. I need to have the barrel threaded. I need to find a chronograph. If MV is reasonably close to stock specs than why worry, eh?
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Post by Plainsman on Feb 25, 2024 18:34:58 GMT -5
The elephant hunter was probably Karamojo Bell. He used a 7x57 Mauser, not a 6.5. True to form the Brits renamed it to something more “British.”
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Post by urbino on Feb 25, 2024 18:51:14 GMT -5
The elephant hunter was probably Karamojo Bell. He used a 7x57 Mauser, not a 6.5. True to form the Brits renamed it to something more “British.” Hmm, I thought I remembered Chuck Hawks saying somebody used a 6.5. OTOH, I'm old. |
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Post by trailboss on Feb 25, 2024 18:58:27 GMT -5
I think that Mike Dillon answered that question.
Even has a brass catcher for thrifty folks as they take out the trash.
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Post by Plainsman on Feb 25, 2024 19:24:25 GMT -5
Awesome!
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Post by Plainsman on Feb 25, 2024 21:47:33 GMT -5
Numrich has flash hider in stock for the Swedish Mauser. I need to have the barrel threaded. I need to find a chronograph. If MV is reasonably close to stock specs than why worry, eh? I think a chrono would give you some surprises. Almost no powders are still “pushing” past about 18” inches. Mil 5.56 is done before it reached 16”. There are even those whgo say short-barreled rifles are more accurate than the longer ones. Lots of evidence for that. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 25, 2024 22:28:00 GMT -5
I believe the barrel on my Ruger Swede is 24". Longer seems pretty unhandy, especially for a truck gun. You might not get the most out of the cartridge at 24", since the old Krag probably can't handle modern, faster powders, but do you really need to squeeze out the last drop of performance for what you use this rifle for? Plus, the 6.5 is such an efficient bullet. I'd stay away from the original barrel lengths if it was me. I wish I had access to a chronograph to measure MV. I had no thoughts about the original barrel length. Something in the 24 or even 22 inch. I guess I could find a flash suppressor? The ballistic coefficient on this cartridge is impressive with the long narrow bullet. For a truck gun, does the velocity really matter? |
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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 25, 2024 22:38:58 GMT -5
The elephant hunter was probably Karamojo Bell. He used a 7x57 Mauser, not a 6.5. True to form the Brits renamed it to something more “British.” Hmm, I thought I remembered Chuck Hawks saying somebody used a 6.5. OTOH, I'm old. There are stories about all the hunters that aren't the whole truth. Even their autobiographies are often enhanced let's say. Taylor especially. I have 2 books by Bell that make me think he was the most honest. I have a huge collection of African adventures. But anyway, here's what Bell said. blog.bookyourhunt.com/karamojo-bell-on-rifles-in-his-own-words/You are old? How old are you anyway. You certainly don't sound old. |
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Post by Plainsman on Feb 25, 2024 23:09:22 GMT -5
Hand loaders deal in a lot of things that don’t matter. We shift bullets and powders like they are going out of style. We simply can’t bear to find one single load and stick to it for everything. Most of the time this is exactly what we SHOULD do. But we refuse.
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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 25, 2024 23:17:37 GMT -5
Hand loaders deal in a lot of things that don’t matter. We shift bullets and powders like they are going out of style. We simply can’t bear to find one single load and stick to it for everything. Most of the time this is exactly what we SHOULD do. But we refuse. Yeah, a lot are. But many are like me. I just reload to save money, (yes, I know), or to have loads that can't be bought. Such as Skeeter loads, subsonic 45-70 and 38 Special wadcutters for the Model 52. I just can't stand the idea that I can't shoot exactly what I want. |
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Post by username on Feb 25, 2024 23:21:43 GMT -5
When my grandparents and my dad and I were doing cowboy action shooting reloading was the only way to make doing it affordable. Also when I started doing plainsman class whitch was 2 cap and ball revolvers with black powder in your rifle and shotgun you were kinda forced to reload if you wanted to do that.
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Post by urbino on Feb 26, 2024 0:24:26 GMT -5
Hmm, I thought I remembered Chuck Hawks saying somebody used a 6.5. OTOH, I'm old. There are stories about all the hunters that aren't the whole truth. Even their autobiographies are often enhanced let's say. Taylor especially. I have 2 books by Bell that make me think he was the most honest. I have a huge collection of African adventures. But anyway, here's what Bell said. blog.bookyourhunt.com/karamojo-bell-on-rifles-in-his-own-words/You are old? How old are you anyway. You certainly don't sound old. I'm 55. |
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Post by toshtego on Feb 26, 2024 10:38:53 GMT -5
I wish I had access to a chronograph to measure MV. I had no thoughts about the original barrel length. Something in the 24 or even 22 inch. I guess I could find a flash suppressor? The ballistic coefficient on this cartridge is impressive with the long narrow bullet. For a truck gun, does the velocity really matter? Perhaps not. I carry it mostly for dispatching animals left wounded on the road struck by vehicles. Nothing worse than witnessing their slow agonizing death. Elk being the most common. In the past I have reported this to our local Game Warden who encouraged me to take it home and butcher which I did. The other principal use is dogs worrying livestock. That is often a longer shot. Usually just the bang is enough to send them running home. |
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Post by Plainsman on Feb 26, 2024 11:26:17 GMT -5
Ammo reloading is versatility. I have a battery of .223/5.56 long guns with a variety of twists from 1:7 to 1:15. A long-bullet load perfect for a 1:7 or 1:8 will keyhole within 25-yards out of a 1:12 or 1:15. No problem for the reloader. Likewise, 308/7.62 is commonly available, as long as you want 150-grainers. But if you want 165s or 180s meat-savers you might be out of luck. Not so for the reloader. Likewise, as Ron points, specialty handgun loads are right at hand for the reloader. For the serious handloader it’s almost a lifestyle issue. Saving money doesn’t have much to do with it for me.
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Post by toshtego on Feb 26, 2024 14:51:15 GMT -5
Ammo reloading is versatility. I have a battery of .223/5.56 long guns with a variety of twists from 1:7 to 1:15. A long-bullet load perfect for a 1:7 or 1:8 will keyhole within 25-yards out of a 1:12 or 1:15. No problem for the reloader. Likewise, 308/7.62 is commonly available, as long as you want 150-grainers. But if you want 165s or 180s meat-savers you might be out of luck. Not so for the reloader. Likewise, as Ron points, specialty handgun loads are right at hand for the reloader. For the serious handloader it’s almost a lifestyle issue. Saving money doesn’t have much to do with it for me. When I had a few .30-06s, the variety of bullets and powder loads were the most extensive of any rifle. I had 95, 120, 150, 165, 180 and 220 factory loads on the shelf. Powders included some hot loads by Hornady which equaled the H&H .300 Magnum specs. |
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Post by Plainsman on Feb 26, 2024 16:25:39 GMT -5
When I was choosing my “ideal” truck gun I selected a stainless, composition-stocked, iron-sighted, bolt-action 30-06 with a quick-detach return-to-zero ‘scope mount and a medium power Leupold ‘scope. The range of ammo readily available, and reloadable, told me the ‘06 was the answer to a do-everything rifle for all conditions. I still think the same.
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Post by lizardonarock on Feb 26, 2024 18:36:50 GMT -5
I remember a time when a rear window gun rack came standard in every real truck and you left the keys in the ignition with nary a worry. In these times a basic bolt action with open sights that can handle the rigors of bopping on the floor board under the back seat in whatever caliber is on sale at the pawn shop.
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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 26, 2024 18:56:06 GMT -5
There are stories about all the hunters that aren't the whole truth. Even their autobiographies are often enhanced let's say. Taylor especially. I have 2 books by Bell that make me think he was the most honest. I have a huge collection of African adventures. But anyway, here's what Bell said. blog.bookyourhunt.com/karamojo-bell-on-rifles-in-his-own-words/You are old? How old are you anyway. You certainly don't sound old. I'm 55. Gee, I could be your dad. 😂 Good for you, but you can't use the "old" card yet. And it's still ageism if you call us boomers. 😉 |
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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 26, 2024 18:57:52 GMT -5
When I was choosing my “ideal” truck gun I selected a stainless, composition-stocked, iron-sighted, bolt-action 30-06 with a quick-detach return-to-zero ‘scope mount and a medium power Leupold ‘scope. The range of ammo readily available, and reloadable, told me the ‘06 was the answer to a do-everything rifle for all conditions. I still think the same. Where you live that makes sense. A lever is still probably best in most of Texas. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 26, 2024 18:58:53 GMT -5
I remember a time when a rear window gun rack came standard in every real truck and you left the keys in the ignition with nary a worry. In these times a basic bolt action with open sights that can handle the rigors of bopping on the floor board under the back seat in whatever caliber is on sale at the pawn shop. And if someone took it, they were in serious danger of 10 years in the Walls. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 26, 2024 19:06:37 GMT -5
Ammo reloading is versatility. I have a battery of .223/5.56 long guns with a variety of twists from 1:7 to 1:15. A long-bullet load perfect for a 1:7 or 1:8 will keyhole within 25-yards out of a 1:12 or 1:15. No problem for the reloader. Likewise, 308/7.62 is commonly available, as long as you want 150-grainers. But if you want 165s or 180s meat-savers you might be out of luck. Not so for the reloader. Likewise, as Ron points, specialty handgun loads are right at hand for the reloader. For the serious handloader it’s almost a lifestyle issue. Saving money doesn’t have much to do with it for me. I mentioned saving money because I have a lot of expensive equipment. I actually inherited 3x as much as I have bought. But when I was shooting bullseye every week,the 38 Special wadcutters I loaded paid for what I bought twice over. 500 rounds a week is 10 boxes at $12.50 a box back then. I figured my cost was $20/500. |
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Post by Plainsman on Feb 26, 2024 19:15:22 GMT -5
You can’t get 500 SP primers today for anywhere near $20. But maybe that $20 needs to be adjusted for inflation? When I was shooting PPS (1980s) we were a sponsored team and got our match ammo for $5/50. That would be $14 today.
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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 26, 2024 21:47:30 GMT -5
You can’t get 500 SP primers today for anywhere near $20. But maybe that $20 needs to be adjusted for inflation? When I was shooting PPS (1980s) we were a sponsored team and got our match ammo for $5/50. That would be $14 today. I wasn't on a team and I haven't bought primers in years. I have a lot. I hear that they are extremely high if you can find them. Large rifle primers are non-existent, except in my shop., 😁 |
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Post by Plainsman on Feb 26, 2024 21:53:58 GMT -5
I stocked up 20 or so years ago. Doubt I will need any more for my lifetime.
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