Milsurp After Hours

I got this rifle a little while ago. It is a Portuguese Mauser that is still in the 6.5x58mm chambering. Most of these were modifed to 7.92x57mm in the late 1930s. This one avoided that because it was sent to South Africa at the time of WW1 and was used by the United Defence Force. Their stamp and serial number are stamped on the action. I have made cases for it by resizing 7.92x57mm cases in the 6.5x58mm sizing die. I got CH4D dies from Buffalo Arms. I have had it at the range and it shoots OK but needs more load development. The bore is not too bad considering it has been used and been around for over 100 years. It has a dent in the forestock that looks as if the corner of a crate has been dropped on it. Overall, I am quite pleased to have this rifle and get it shooting again even if it is not a tack driver. A few pics.
Regards
Peter.

Nice looking rifle thanks for posting.

You have some nice kit Peter Which bullet/powder combo did you use in the rounds?
Joe

I used IMR4895 powder and Prvi 140 grain bullets. Cartridges of the world book gave a max load of 38 grains so I have been trying 36-37 grains to start with. There does not seem to be much load data about for the 6.5x58mm.
Regards
Peter

That's my kind of interesting rifle, I wish you good progress with the load development.
Joe

Very nice rifle, wish I had a long Mauser. The only Mauser I have is a 1891 Argentine Cavalry Carbine in 7.65.
The thing kicks like a mule so it doesn't get fired very often...... .

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