The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Morning all,

I've just bought myself a 1918 M96 Swedish Mauser. Waiting now for the variation to come through before I can get my hands on it. In preparation I'm gathering the necessaries to reload. I've read various threads on here with load data, but cannot seem to find anything on the neck sizing....

I reload .308 using Wilson dies and the Sinclair arbor press. I'm intending to do the same in 6.5x55 but I can't work out which size bushings I should order up? I appreciate this is a bit of an open ended question with many variables... but if anyone is able to give me a steer which will at least get me going that would be much appreciated.

I am intending to use Privi brass, Privi 139grn bullets and N160 powder - as some others on here seem to have had good results with this combination - but again I'd be interested to hear any other advice.

Cheers,
Mat

I use a lewilson neck die for my 6.5x55 you need to measure a loaded round and deduct two though from the measure ment I believe.
I'm currently using a .291 bushing. I would suggest you buy a .290 a .291 and a .292 that should get you going.

Nice one thank you Alpha..

So then, on to the choice of bushings - Wilson or Redding, Steel, Titanium or Carbide?

My .308 dies were 2nd hand and came with the Titanium Redding bushings, which I can't fault, but then I have nothing to compare them against.

ps. Alpha, it was some of your posts on 6.5x55 load data that I've been reading the last day or two. Thank you for sharing!

Buy the cheapest you can get your hands on Iv tried them all they all do the same job. If you are using Lewilson dies buy the Lewilson ones or Redding. Spud 1967 sells them. Just Google spud1967. Forster ones don't fit Lewilson dies.

Actually that reminds me I think I have a Forster one in .291 I machined down to fit the Lewilson die before I found a Redding if I can remember were I put it you can have it if you want to give it a try. It will give you a idea of the size you should be looking for.

Yes I have found it I have a .291 and a .355 they are both Forster bushings that I have machined to fit Lewilson dies. If you want the .291 pm me.
I am currently loading and shooting 139 grain PPU bullets with a Ramshot powder with good results at the ranges I shoot at.

Alpha1 wrote:Yes I have found it I have a .291 and a .355 they are both Forster bushings that I have machined to fit Lewilson dies. If you want the .291 pm me.
I am currently loading and shooting 139 grain PPU bullets with a Ramshot powder with good results at the ranges I shoot at.

Alpha1, just out of interest what load are you using with Ramshot? I might give it a try.

Alpha1 wrote:Yes I have found it I have a .291 and a .355 they are both Forster bushings that I have machined to fit Lewilson dies. If you want the .291 pm me.
I am currently loading and shooting 139 grain PPU bullets with a Ramshot powder with good results at the ranges I shoot at.

That's an extremely kind and helpful offer, thank you. However I don't have the dies or any brass to test your Forster bushing with yet, I'm intending to order it all in next week. I'll take your advice on the cheaper bushings and order the Wilson variety.

I'll also be interested to hear more about the Ramshot powder - I haven't looked in to what I can pick up locally yet.....

Cheers,
Mat

I'm re loading for 6.5x55 to morrow. Iv just prepped the cases. I'm using once fired PPU brass they have been cleaned and inspected. The primer pockets have been cleaned up and cut to a uniform depth on the Lewilson trimmer the case over all lengths has been checked and batched. In other words some of them go into this plastic tub some of them go into that one and the rest go here.
They have been neck sized using a Lewilson bushing neck die using a arbor press.
They have been primed using a very old Lee auto prime if this one gives up the ghost Ill sink into a deep depression I only have one more left after this one.
If you are looking for bench rest F class or any other anal stuff now is the time to go read some other posts. I reload. I enjoy. They consistently hit the target good enough for me.

Ill post up more info to morrow. Any questions feel free to ask Ill just refer you to Adam anyway. Hmmm

I have recently started reloading for my new acquired 1915 M96, using Lee dies, (including the N/S collet die) with Privi brass and bullets with no issues.

ukrifleman.