Impressive performance from 6.5x57 Mauser. (Images added)

[Kudu m77]

Good afternoon.

I have an old Mauser 6.5x57 and finally got a die set for it. I went out about a month ago to try some reloaded ammo to see whether it can shoot 120s straight as I know a lot of these rifles prefers heavy long bullets. I am using 120g Sierra Pro Hunter bullets and S365 powder (close to IMR4350). There was absolutely no sign of pressure shooting max loads. The rifle is producing groups close to an inch. That is not the interesting part though. We checked the velocity of the bullet this morning and this old Mauser is shooting the Sierras at 3000 fps, showing no signs of pressure. We own a 6.5x55 as well and it should be capable of the similar velocity.

I think these cartridges were underrated and true potential never achieved using factory ammo being loaded to moderate velocities for safety reasons. If I we did not have these already I would have bought a 6.5x55 in Ruger 77 without any hesitation

Pieter

 

[mike-c]

Greetings,

I could not agree more with you. The 6.5 caliber has been ignored by the shooting public for too long. I purchased the 6.5 Creedmoor last year, and it is a great caliber for most of my shooting needs. From varmints to medium game it will do the job.

mike-c 8)

 

[mattsbox99]

A friend has a Dakota in 6.5x57, its a gorgeous rifle. I have a No. 1 in 6.5x55 and its favorite bullet is the 120 grain Ballistic Tip and IMR 4350.

 

[pamtnman]

I've heard of 6.5x55, and my first deer rifle was a 7x57 Mauser 1893 with open sights (great gun, killed a lot of deer), but I've not heard of a 6.5x57.

 

[Kudu m77]

I've heard of 6.5x55, and my first deer rifle was a 7x57 Mauser 1893 with open sights (great gun, killed a lot of deer), but I've not heard of a 6.5x57.

The 6.5x57 is based the 8x57 case. Load data for the swede can be used for the mauser. Here is a picture that shows the two cartridges next to one another. The 57 is on the right.

Pictures of the rifle below.

Pieter

 

[pamtnman]

Ummm, since the discussion is about splitting hairs among nearly identical cartridges, hopefully no one will mind if I ask how the 6.5x57 is based on the 8x57, and not on the 7x57, which would require minimal necking down. And what is the practical difference between a 6.5x57 and a 7x57...when the differences between the 7x57 and 8x57 are measurable but not huge...?
Forgive me, please. It's well known that gun hounds relish debating the value of differences of 59 fps and 150 gr vs 165 gr bullets of the same caliber, profile and content. But as a central Pennsylvania redneck who simply likes to get the job done in a quick, practical way, I'm more inclined to agree with the critters that all of the muzzle velocities and foot-pounds aren't too impressive when any one of the modern bullets will kill immediately.
One reason guys like .243, 30-30, .308, and 30-06, is that pretty much anywhere you travel, ammunition is available. What's so attractive about the 6.5x57 that you wouldn't just go with a .243, or the more common 6.5x55 Swede?
So why again this caliber variation, and why is it based on the 8x57, and not the 7x57?
Kind of a mystified, practical question.
Thank you!
J




Quote: The 6.5x57 is based the 8x57 case. Load data for the swede can be used for the mauser. Here is a picture that shows the two cartridges next to one another. The 57 is on the right.

Pieter[/quote]

 

[mattsbox99]

Its based on the 8x57 because that was first, not the 7x57. Also the 7x57 has a longer case and longer neck, so its not a simple neck down job, you can't make 6.5x57 from 7x57 brass without a bit of work.

 

[Kudu m77]

Ummm, since the discussion is about splitting hairs among nearly identical cartridges, hopefully no one will mind if I ask how the 6.5x57 is based on the 8x57, and not on the 7x57, which would require minimal necking down. And what is the practical difference between a 6.5x57 and a 7x57...when the differences between the 7x57 and 8x57 are measurable but not huge...?
Forgive me, please. It's well known that gun hounds relish debating the value of differences of 59 fps and 150 gr vs 165 gr bullets of the same caliber, profile and content. But as a central Pennsylvania redneck who simply likes to get the job done in a quick, practical way, I'm more inclined to agree with the critters that all of the muzzle velocities and foot-pounds aren't too impressive when any one of the modern bullets will kill immediately.
One reason guys like .243, 30-30, .308, and 30-06, is that pretty much anywhere you travel, ammunition is available. What's so attractive about the 6.5x57 that you wouldn't just go with a .243, or the more common 6.5x55 Swede?
So why again this caliber variation, and why is it based on the 8x57, and not the 7x57?
Kind of a mystified, practical question.
Thank you!
J

If I had to buy a new rifle it will be the swede and not the 57 as there are more options out there and you might find one in a 77 The swede is getting more popular everyday and ammo is available at more places than ever. We own both the 55 and 57. The rifle shown in the images above is an original Mauser that was not a military rifle to begin with but built as a sporting rifle in Germany. I got it from my uncle who collects Mausers. Up till now I have not had a problem with not finding ammo for any of the two and now that I have the dies for the 57 it is like any other rifle I own. I have yet to forget ammo somewhere on or before a hunting trip.

I enjoy shooting something different and the 57 is a great cartridge. The reason why I would choose the 57 over a .243 is simply better stopping power and penetrating power of the 6.5's is brilliant. I grew up shooting 6.5s way more than the 243 and we felt that it was more of an all rounder than a 243.(not that the 243 is not a brilliant cartridge)

I have read the reason why it has some popularity in Germany and other European countries is restrictions they have on minimum caliber for the use on hunting certain sized game. I think the only reason why the 57 never got as popular as other cartridges is the fact that it did not see military use and was as far as I know used as a sporting cartridge only. (please correct me if my information is inaccurate).

Pieter

 

[pamtnman]

OK, thanks, guys. You've explained it and I've learned some new facts. Pieter, before you explained that it's an original non-military Mauser from Germany, I would have suggested reboring it to the more common 7x57, but obviously that'd be foolish. That's a fantastic rifle, if in a weird caliber to most (Americans). A .256-diameter bullet definitely more stopping power than a .243; seems there's a world of practical deer-killing difference between the .257 Roberts and .25-06 on the one hand, and the minimalistic .243. By the way I just bought a Ruger RSI in .243 for my son's first rifle. With good 100-grain ammo, it'll do the bare minimum as far as I'm concerned.
Anyhow, enjoy your beautiful, different rifle. Thanks for posting photos, and for educating me. I'm fully a function-over-form kind of guy, so the basic rounds here in America, that I can go to any sporting goods store and easily buy off the shelf for cheap, those get my usage.

 

[Watergoat]

The above comments on caliber and ammo availability are all valid. However, to those of us who John Barsness might well categorize as "Rifle Loonies", having something out of the mainstream adds much enjoyment to the shooting experience. If the rifle/ammo combo was merely a tool, a means to the end of putting meat in the freezer, then 30-06 or 270 in a cheap package deal bolt gun would be the most efficient. If I get time to go deer hunting this fall, I will use a Ruger #1. The quandary is which caliber! 6.5x55? 303 British? Or the lovely 9.3x74R? I would even consider the hammer drilling in 9.3x72R, but my old eyes don't do that well with open sights anymore. The game deserves a clean shot.

 

[pamtnman]

Water, I hear ya on the classic and neat guns. A hell of a cool collection awaits me every season. Caliber selection is the challenge. Whatever takes the least time is what counts for me. Between family and business obligations, not much time remains. I envy folks who reload, who carefully select neat guns and ammo etc. I just returned from a week long wilderness hunt. Dropped my .308 Ruger RSI on a rock, denting the checkering. A badge, I suppose.