Krag Rifle

[Chuck White]

Is there such a thing as a 6.5mm Krag?

I saw one in a gunshop a while ago and couldn't figure out if that's what it was or if it was a rebarrel to 6.5.

I've seen 30-40's and initially thought that that's what this was, but the hang tag said "6.5mm Krag"

I think the price was $350.00.

[Mikey]

Chuck - I believe there is, or was.  Details are lost now, in the fog of ages (boy, is that convenient or what.....) but I believe there was.  In addition, they could easily be re-barreled and most of the 6.5mm rounds of the day were just a hair shorter than the 30-40 and could probably have fit the magazine.  Mikey.

[Castaway]

Yes, produced from 18991 to 1894 for the Swedes and Norwegians.  It shot a 156 grain bullet around 2,300 f/s.  Also known as the 6.5 x 55 Mauser.  The Swedes didn't adopt it but the Norwegians did.

[Chuck White]

This rifle has the pull out (to the side) loading port where you can just drop in a hand full of ammo then slide the door shut.

[Spanky]

Is there such a thing as a 6.5mm Krag?

I saw one in a gunshop a while ago and couldn't figure out if that's what it was or if it was a rebarrel to 6.5.

I've seen 30-40's and initially thought that that's what this was, but the hang tag said "6.5mm Krag"

I think the price was $350.00.

There is a Krag at my local dealer that is chambered in 6.5x55.
It's the first time I have ever seen one and I'm not sure if it's original or a re-barrel.
This one is in a Fajen sporter stock and is priced at $395.
A Krag in 6.5 would probably be a darn good deer rifle


Spanky

[Castaway]

It would be right up there with a 30-30, just don't know about the availability of ammunition for it though or what the brass could be formed from if you reload.

[Mikey]

spanky - it might make a good deer rifle but.......I would think of a lot of caution to use with a rifle like that.  It sounds like the round used may have been an earlier loading of the 6.5x55 which may not be at the same pressure levels as current 6.5 swede ammo.  If I owned such a rifle and wanted to shoot it I would definately 'load down' the ammo to be safe. 

I know the 96 Mauser action Swede 6.5s are strong actions that can easily handle the pressures of current loadings.  I'm not so sure about the same for the Krag actions.  Mikey.

[Castaway]

If you decide to reload, the Speer manual specifies that all loads listed are safe for the Krag.  To the best of my knowledge, the Krag was the only rifle manufactured in this caliber as it had a short active service date.  There may be some conversions out there, but since it's almost a proprietary round, I think you're on safe ground shooting any factory ammunition found.

[Chuck White]

Thanks for the replies fellas!

I'll have to go over and look this one over again.
It's been there for quite a while.

Just apt to get an even better deal on it.

[WILDCATT]

if the gate opens from the side swinging to the front then its a  Norwegan army and should be a rimmed 6.5 not swedish.its amazing how many military cartridges can be formed from others.krags were rebarreled to 25 Niedner in the 30/40s.

[GatCat]

Sweden and Norway both adopted the 6.5X55mm as a military round. The Swedes, of course went with the Mauser design, the Norwegians went with the Krag design. They shoot the SAME round. If you check out the DeHass book on Bolt action rifles, there are pictures of the Norwegian and US Krags, that show how they differ. Some handloading manuals also mention the Norwegian Krags in 6.5X55.
They are also mentioned in "The book of the Rifle", about how after they were no longer used by the Norwegian miliitary, target shooters still desired them.
Also, in the old book about the Springfield 1903's, in the sniper section, mention was made that the Nazi's reported the Norwegians used the Krags out to 1000 yards ( I think it was ).
The Norwegian Krags were made at the "Kronsberg" arsenal, and are so marked on the receivers.