Help rquired with TIKKA M55 chambered in 6.5x55 Swedish

[Alpha1]

I know of no gunsmiths in the NE I would trust with a gun.

If you know of one let me know too.

BTW did you buy it as a private sale or from an individual?

Either way it is not fit for the purpose it was sold for and I would take it back to the seller in the first instance.

I'd take the mash hammer along with as well.

I bought it from a Dealer he took it in part exchange for two new rifles I guess he did not check it out before putting it up for sale. I need to investigate further before I contact him make sure of my facts first.

[dromia]

No, get it back to the dealer, it is their job to sort it or give you your money back.

They sold it they need to make it work as advertised or give you your money back.

If you start faffing on with the gun then you give the dealer the chance to get of the hook.

[ovenpaa]

Just spotted this thread. Look at the barrel, what is it chambered for? 6,5x55 or does it have a number next to it? It could be chambered with a tight neck.

[Alpha1]

Were would I look for the number why would he want a tight chamber if he was using it for deer stalking.?

[ovenpaa]

the number would be next to the chamber size and proof stamp and it would be very unusual to see.

Make a dummy round (No powder or primer) to your normal overall length, 'paint' the bullet, neck and shoulder of the case with a black permanent marker and chamber it, now open the bolt slowly and remove the dummy round and inspect the 'painted' section. Are there any areas that are marked or have the marker pen black removed?

[Alpha1]

Ovenpaa any help would be appreciated I have spent my life shooting military rifles custom barrels are a foreign language to me.

[ovenpaa]

Mark the case and bullet as described, chamber it and report back.

[Alpha1]

The makings on the Barrel are.
NP 6.5X55Swd SDP LP/mm.

[Alpha1]

Right I have done some research taken lots of measurements built more dummy rounds than you can shake a stick at.
The results are in.
In my opinion and until I can purchase some it remains to be seen this rifle will not chamber a factory round.
Dougan measured some PPU factory ammo and the average length was 2.972.
Peter on another forum has stated that FMJ came out at 3.064

I loaded up 20 blank rounds of Hornady 120grain A max bullets I started long and kept on seating in small increments until the round would chamber with out jamming and needing a rubber mallet to eject the round.

The maximum over all length it will chamber is 2.859 with out jamming in the rifling.

I did the same with some sellier and belliot 140grain bullets the maximum length it will chamber with out jamming is 2.915.

I wondered why the A max was shorter because its a sharper pointed bullet the reason turned out to be the bullet diameter.
The A max is .263 wich is correct for the calibre. The sellior and belliot is .2610 wich is a tad small for a 6.5x55.

So either the rifle has a tight chamber or it has not been built to sammi regulations.
I need to get my hands on some factory ammo and check it out then get in touch with the dealer who sold me it I guess.

[Alpha1]

I emailed shilen they replied very quickly basically what they said was they don't recognise any of the markings on the barrel which I find a bit strange and they suggest I contact the rifle builder as I don't know who the rifle builder is that could be difficult.
I am going to buy some factory ammo tomorrow if I can find a local gun dealer that is open and that stocks 6.5x55 and see if they chamber then its contact the guy who sold me it time I guess.

Its a shame because its a lovely rifle and I would really like to get it to work. I wish I new a gunsmith in the North East of England I could talk to.