Читать книгу Bolt Action Rifles - Wayne Zwoll - Страница 38

I included the figures and comparison above for a good reason: First, for hunting game like deer, antelope, black bear, sheep, goats, caribou and elk, the U.S. commercially loaded 7mm cartridge is equal to many of our popular cartridges.

I believe the 7mm will be around for a long time yet. As of 1994, a number of ammunition makers here and abroad load this cartridge, some with several different bullet weights, and most of the large sporting arms makers offer rifles chambered for it.

The 7mm Mauser has always been a handloaders dream cartridge. This is because there is such a wide range of domestic bullets available in this caliber. In military rifles the best accuracy will usually be obtained with heavier bullets, those ranging from 139 to 175 grains. Some of the lighter bullets may give fine accuracy if seated very shallowly in the caseneck, for a minimum of jump from case to rifling.

The 6.5 x 55mm Cartridge

If I have praised the 7mm Mauser cartridge, then I should extol the 6.5x55mm Mauser cartridge as well since it, too, is a renowned performer. It is, in the opinion of many experts, the finest 6.5mm cartridge ever developed. It first proved to be an excellent military cartridge, and later The first stop on the bolt allows the trigger to be pulled, uncocking the firing pin as the bolt is closed and locked. on a better sporting and target cartridge. As a target cartridge, it established some enviable records. Its high esteem is reflected by the fact that it was offered as one chambering for the Remington 40XB target rifle. Therefore, if you have an M94, M96 or M41 Swedish rifle with an excellent bore, it would be plumb foolish to rebarrel it in another caliber.

Left side of the M94 Swedish action, showing the thumb-slotted receiver wall. The first stop on the bolt allows the trigger to be pulled, uncocking the firing pin as the bolt is closed and locked.

The 6.5x55mm, as loaded by Norma, is available from dealers handling this brand.

Like the 7mm, the heavier-bullet loads perform best in the deep-throated 6.5x55mm militarily chambered barrels. Using Norma cases it’s a good cartridge for the serious handloader. The best reloading information on this cartridge is in the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading.

Conclusion

The Swedish rifles discussed in this chapter were never plentiful. From time to time during the 1950s, some dealers in military surplus offered M94 carbines for about $30. M96 rifles were offered less frequently, and were usually priced a bit higher. Some M38s were offered, as were the actions, in the late 1950s and again in the early 1990s. Sales apparently were good—for these items were seldom listed after 1960. Surprisingly, however, in 1967 and 1968 a couple of firms offered the M41 Swedish sniper rifle complete with scope and mount for about $70. While all the Swedish Mauser rifles are becoming more scarce, it usually is not too difficult to pick one up from dealers handling used firearms.

As for the M93s, they appear to be more common than ever before. Since the military surplus market boom began after WWII, it seems that more of the various M93 carbines and rifles have been offered, as well as M93 actions, than any other foreign arm. I expect this condition to exist for a few years yet, though the supply will diminish eventually. M95 Mausers, especially M95 Chilean rifles, are much more scarce.

A fine custom-made sporter based on the M94 Swedish Mauser action. A 1903 Springfield four-groove barrel is fitted to the action and rechambered to 308. A new bolt handle, Buehler safety and Weaver detachable side mount carrying a K-4 scope were also fitted. The figured walnut stock has skip-line checkering.

M94 Swedish carbine, 6.5x55mm cal., 17.38” barrel, 37.4” overall, weight about 7.3 pounds.