96 Mauser 6.5 Swede Fail to Feed?? Help.

[Baby Fat Arky]

Hi all,

I just found your site today while surfing for answers to a problem that has come up. Among my milsurps I also have one of the 96 Mausers that Kimber sporterized years ago (6.5X55). It has always functioned flawlessly... until recently. Now with rounds in the magazine, after the first or second shot, the rounds in the mag seem to creep forward and contact the front of the magazine jamming it up. It doesn't matter it the bullets are seated long or short. I have to insert my finger and push the round back toward the back of the box to feed the round. Is this a weak follower spring?

I took the spring out of my as issued 96 Mauser and put it in to see if it fixes the problem, but have not gotten to shoot it. Any thoughts.

Thanks, BFA

[browningautorifle]

If you have one to try then you can work by process of elimination.

[xa-coupe]

You have changed anything to do with the ammo? New projectiles if you reload, new OAL trying for more accuracy or a new brand of factory ammo?

[muffett.2008]

You are on the right track. The magazine follower spring has weakened, allowing the nose of the rounds to dip.
You can try stretching the spring, ensuring that the feed plate sits up at the front, but once weakened the problem just re-occurs.
Replace the spring.

[Baby Fat Arky]

Not changed a thing. I found a good load several years ago and stuck with it down to trying to stay with the same overall length. When i shoot it, the rounds just slide forward and contact the front of the box. Then with the spring pushing up, the back end raises and the bolt jams the round against the mag. I am hoping it is the follower spring. After a bit of shooting, I had to replace a weak firing pin spring. Apparently Kimber of America just grabbed as many 96s as they could and did the external sporterization (bolt turn, barrel cut, plastic stock...) but did not put in new springs in those that had shot a bunch. Thanks for the input. Any other ideas other than the mag follower spring sure would be welcome.
bfa

[xa-coupe]

If you haven't changed a thing with the loads then I am not sure what it could be other than the spring.

[muffett.2008]

If you haven't changed a thing with the loads then I am not sure what it could be other than the spring.

It's ok XA, I'm used to being ignored, I'm a married man.

[browningautorifle]

Just a thought though, is it the correct follower? If it's too short, it would do that.

[xa-coupe]

did you say something??
I was agreeing with you but quite willing to take the glory instead

[muffett.2008]

You're right XA, it could be the spring.