Author Topic: m38's.. (Read 613 times)

Omegaman · « **on:** September 20, 2005, 02:00:04 PM »

I have a 42 husqavarna in one of these, wondering about twist rate and the cartridges I should be using to optimize acuracy. Would like to go with the smaller grain bullets such as the 120's but since Im not reloading jus yet and really dont know they fair anyway..
I another question would be if I could use the Hornandy Light Magnums (129gr) in this rifle and still be safe with the preasures.
Are 140grners really your best bet, these 140gr core-locs are about the only thing I shot in it so far. Figured these would enter at any angle on awkard shots at whitetails.
And, could you still use the one-sixties will no problems in them?
thanks
OM

Slamfire · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2005, 04:19:31 PM »

I believe the twist rate in 1 in 7.5" or thereabouts. It is still an Model 96, but Swedish steel is world famous. The light magnums don't develop any more pressure than the Norma ammo. I think the 129 is simply the best weight for all the non magnum 6.5s, but would go with 140s for anything larger than caribou. Yes, you can shoot 160s, and if you are huntin' elephants or hipponocerouses, I expect you ought to. :wink:

Mikey · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2005, 04:32:11 PM »

My M38, sporterized, loves the Sellier and Bellot 131 gn soft points and shoots three to under an inch at 150 m. The ammunition is inexpensive enough and reloadable, if I think I can either get or need better performance. It is an excellent performer on whitetail.

The Hornaday Light Magnums are in the same performance range as good reloads.

The 6.5 Swede is known for being a game getter beyond most proportions. It is an incredibly effective cartridge. 120 - 140 grn bullets are very effective on whitetail; for hog, small to medium bear, moose and elk the 140 gn bullets are very good. For anything larger, including hipperonisauri and other monsters of that order, the 160 is excellent. Mikey.

CowboyEngr · « **Reply #3 on:** September 21, 2005, 07:36:34 AM »

The military load was the looong 160 gr., I believe. I have read that the throats are consequently too long to shoot the lighter bullet weights well. But, my experience has been otherwise. Mine seems to shoot the 129 gr. and up very well. You'll just have to try and see. I pretty well settled on the 140 gr. loads for an all-purpose and that has worked well.

I have not shot the high energy factory loads, but I can't help but think they would be safe in a well preserved Swede model. If I didn't reload, I would try them without hesitation. (that's easy to say, right?

)

CowboyEngr · « **Reply #4 on:** September 21, 2005, 07:39:02 AM »

Also, I have used the Federal Premium 140 gr. Nosler Partition factory load and it has performed stellar!

service rifleman1 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 26, 2005, 01:15:34 PM »

The Husqvarna M38 and M96 are loaded to 50,000 psi in Sweden, so shooting mild American loads is no mean feat. I use handloads and factory ammo to hunt deer and have even used 140 gr factory Winchester load to shoot a Moose. Although I have found the factory remington 140 grains are alot tougher bullets. I handload for the swedes and really enjoy shooting them and hunting with them. My sporter is a Carl Gustav M96 made in 1905. Sweet shootin irons. Regards

Hollowpoint · « **Reply #6 on:** September 29, 2005, 03:20:03 AM »

I also have a sporterized husky m38. I have tried the hornady 129 gr light magnums, 140 gr federal, 139 gr PMC, and 140 gr remington corelokts. My gun prefers the remingtons. Excellent round on deer out to 250 yards. I'd rather use this gun than my 7mm rem mag. Buy a couple of boxes of rounds because you won't find these at mom and pop stores.