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Author Topic: Barrel Change 30.06 to 6.5 x 55  (Read 836 times)

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Offline tacomaj

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Barrel Change 30.06 to 6.5 x 55
« on: November 27, 2006, 02:52:37 PM »
I am comtemplating changing from a 30.06 barrel to a 6.5 x 55. Action is a M98, VZ24.  Will this work o.k?  Any problems likely to be encountered?  thanks Tacomaj
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Offline gunnut69

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Re: Barrel Change 30.06 to 6.5 x 55
« Reply #1 on: November 28, 2006, 03:56:39 AM »
A lot depends on the individual action and how it was modified to feed the 30-06 rounds. Usually all would be OK but the rails will release way early for the much shorter and quite tapered Swede. This can cause feeding issues. Usually though it should work OK. If you're interested just try feeding a few rounds before changing out the barrel. Be sure to remove the striker before this test to avoid cycling live rounds thru the action..
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Offline Fast Ed

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Re: Barrel Change 30.06 to 6.5 x 55
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2007, 10:22:44 AM »
The Swede needs a different bolt face.  This is one of the details most people don't know about the 6.5x55.  It has a .480 bolt face.  Your .30-06 has a .473 bolt face.  You will have to open the bolt face along with changing the barrel.

Fast Ed
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Offline Siskiyou

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Re: Barrel Change 30.06 to 6.5 x 55
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2007, 10:58:59 AM »
I am a fan of the 6.5X55 but if I were in your shoes I would avoid the need to modify the bolt.  Instead I would go for a 6.5-06 barrel.  The basic brass is plentiful.  All you need to do is resize and trim.  270 Winchester brass would be a slightly better starting point.

                                                                OR

I would go with a 6-5-284 Winchester.  This becomes a top choice if action length becomes an issue.  This is a noted long range match round.  And bulk factory cases can be found for this round.

Gun Nut brother has one of each.  He has taken two deer with the 6.5-06.  One shot each, and it almost seems like the bullet gets there before the trigger is pull.

In most cases all that is required is a new barrel, and headspacing.  Both of which you would need to do for the 6.5X55. 
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Offline kyelkhunter3006

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Re: Barrel Change 30.06 to 6.5 x 55
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2007, 11:32:45 AM »
Regarding the case head dimensions, I've read on more than one forum that the U.S. manufacturers have been making the Swede case with the standard .473 head for several years, to get rid of the bolt face issues for the American makers that use push feed bolts.  If you use foreign ammo, then it could be a problem.  I know several guys who rebarreled old mauser 98's and didn't have any issues at all with feeding and extraction.  Someone who has new brass or ammo for the Swede could measure and let us know???  Or a call to Federal or Hornady would serve too.  I don't have a Swede right now, so I don't know for sure.
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Offline 270Handiman

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Re: Barrel Change 30.06 to 6.5 x 55
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2007, 11:15:09 AM »
If it'll help, I'll measure some federal factory rounds tonight when I get home.
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Offline Lost Okie

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Re: Barrel Change 30.06 to 6.5 x 55
« Reply #6 on: February 04, 2007, 01:58:02 PM »
Maybe this will help.  Measured 4 Lapua 6.5x55 case heads, all measured .478.  Remington measure the same, S& B measures .476 on 4 and .474 on one....
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Offline wallynut

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Re: Barrel Change 30.06 to 6.5 x 55
« Reply #7 on: February 05, 2007, 11:39:18 AM »
I just checked with some Win and Rem brass, not an issue.  Older Norma is slightly larger, but still cycles thru.  I have 3 mausers in which to compare, no problems.  Unless someone messed with the rails when making into 30-06, should not be any trouble.  Most of time, when chambered to 30-06, there is no need to alter feed rails.  So change away.
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