German Model 71 Mauser in 6.5mm caliber ?

[browningautorifle]

You can buy (expensive) RCBS reloading dies for the 6,5x53.5R Daudeteau for $152.00

Since I've been there already, I'd buy the correct dies and be done. Otherwise you're not loading correctly and how could you without correct dies? It'll pay in the end by longer lasting case and consistent loadings. Besides, once you have the dies, you have the dies.

Now, if you tend to buy and then sell after the rush wears off...good luck.

[usabaker]

Since I've been there already, I'd buy the correct dies and be done. Otherwise, you're not loading correctly and how could you without correct dies?

I've been looking for the dies without much success so far, but in time I'm sure I will find them. Once I have the brass, which is available I would only need to neck size so that's where my train of thought was going in using the 6.5x54mm Mannlicher Schoenauer reloading die. It's going to be interesting just to shoot the rifle and maybe the cheaper route is to pay $89.00 for the 20 rounds that are for sale that RCS pointed me to, but I almost never take the easy route.

---------- Post added at 05:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:29 PM ----------

I have a photo of a 6.3x53R mm cartridge which is the 7,62 Russian necked down

I think Buffalo arms is selling necked down 7,62R casings evidently there are two different rim sizes.

[bob q]

I just use regular 7.62x54 cases , neck size them with a 6.5mm die until the bolt will close on them . I have 3 of the 6.5mm 71's and all work fine with ammo made that way . Since they are being loaded with a light smokeless charge , they fire form good on the first firing and are neck sized only after that . If you have a weak firing pin hit , you can help that by using pistol primers . They go off easier and are fine for light loads .

[browningautorifle]

6.5mm die

6.5 x 55?

[usabaker]

Since they are being loaded with a light smokeless charge

Bob, Thank you.. neck sizing and fire forming is where my train of thought was going, I'll give the 7,26x54R cases a shot as well, I think I have some boxer primed if not a quick run to the ammo shop will solve that. Do you know what the case lenth should be off hand and how light of a load are you running?

[bob q]

I use a shortened cheap Lee 6.5x55mm die for all my 6.5mm neck sizing . The 7.62x54 case is so close to the 6.5x53.5mm case that all I do is neck size until the bolt closes . Your 6.5 MS die is too narrow at the shoulder . I use my cases as formed , the Laupa cases come out at about 2.09 . I use the Hornady 160 .264 160 rn with 18.4 of SR-4759 . You can also use 19.2 of XMP-5744 . Both are light loads that are easy on the gun and are accurate .

[browningautorifle]

a shortened cheap Lee 6.5x55mm die for all my 6.5mm neck sizing

Would be exactly my thoughts too. Turn it down and keep the most effective part. That way you have control and can actually see. I was going to do the same for neck sizing .303...

[bob q]

I have three shortened dies that handle most of my military neck sizing needs . 6.5 Swede , 7.62x54 and 8mm Lebel .

[browningautorifle]

I knew if I thought of it then it had already been done.

[Patrick Chadwick]

German Model 71 Mauser in 6.5mm caliber ?
My buddy and I were spending time shooting the $ith yesterday and he asked me if I knew what this rifle is and what caliber it is. In looking around it looks like it might be a model 71 German Model 71 Mauser. It looks to me that the cartridge with it is a rimed 6.5mm caliber.

What do you guy make of it?

It's not actually an original Model 1871 conversion (see Ball p.148).
Both the 71 and 71/84 had 3 bands.
The stock is cut down from a Model 71/84 (the repeater version).
The barrelled action is a shortened Model 71.

In other words, regardless of caliber, it's a bitsa.