6.5 x 54 M.S.

[Europe]

I know the new Sports Illustrated cover girl is the Creed and before that the 260 Rem and before that the 6,5 x 55.

BUT, I have a 6.5 x 54 M.S. at home that my granddaughter has taking a liking too. I used this rifle in Africa with 160 gr bullets, but that was a while back. I see that Woodleigh has a 140 and 160 and Norma has a 156.

I have always seen more of these rifles in Europe, and Africa than in the Colonies. Is it the double triggers, the M.S. stock, the weight, the looks, the fact that they have a reputation for not holding zero or that they are best used with iron sights or just the new kids on the block that keeps this old girl out of the line up ? It seems that we went from black powder to levers to scopes and never really used bolt action rifles with iron sights. Of course I couldn't use it now because my eyes ( and everything else ) has gone south. But I loved that old gun and the action was as smooth as they get, still is.

Anyway, if anyone has one that they still use, what are you loading it with these days for medium to large plains game ?

Thank you

 

[Ben Lamb]

I have an absolute crush the old Mannlicher Schoenauer's. They're slick actions and gorgeous designs; pure elegance in a hunting rifle. I'd love to have a 6.5x54 M.S. in the M1903 with the half stock.

The split bridge does present some problems related to scoping, but offset mounts can take care of that to a certain degree. The original split bridge smokeless design in the 1888 GEW (Commission) rifle was packet loaded, so scopes were difficult. A design change allowed for internal magazines like we're accustomed too now in bolt action rifles, so I think the split bridge design was a transitional one between the old pinfire, early centerfire rifles & the modern 98 Mauser design.

I have a pre WWI 1888 rifle from C.G. Haenel in 8x57I that I love. It was a WWII bring back. I'm tempted to get the mounts redone so I can scope the rifle, as the sights are not conducive to accurate shooting beyond 75 yards.

 

[Europe]

Thanks for your post Ben. He also loved them ( The M.S. ) and I am almost certain that besides the 6.5 x 54 the 9 x 56 M.S. is still there ( with my son ) also

Did someone in your family bring the Haenel back ?

Was hoping some here had an opinion on bullets, but I will tell her to order some 140 and 160 Woodleigh and see which one works the best in the rifle. It was shooting 160 many years ago. They would both be large enough for her purpose and wood leigh's are premium bullets, so it should be a good combo

 

[std7mag]

Well, now it's the 6.5PRC, 6.5-47, 6.5CM, 6.5-284, 6.5-300 Weatherby, 6.5mm Rem Mag, 6.5-06, 6.5X54.
But i think the lineage starts with the 6.5X57, circa 1891.

I'll give a look at my Quickload this weekend, see what i can come up with.

 

[Ben Lamb]

Thanks for your post Ben. He also loved them ( The M.S. ) and I am almost certain that besides the 6.5 x 54 the 9 x 56 M.S. is still there ( with my son ) also

Did someone in your family bring the Haenel back ?

Was hoping some here had an opinion on bullets, but I will tell her to order some 140 and 160 Woodleigh and see which one works the best in the rifle. It was shooting 160 many years ago. They would both be large enough for her purpose and wood leigh's are premium bullets, so it should be a good combo

The Haenel was a purchase in 1972 from my father. I found a note from the son of the soldier who brought the gun home in 1945. It's in a safe place now, and preserved for future reference. The 9x56 M.S. would be a fantastic woods cartridge in Montana.

The woodlieghs are very well constructed bullets. Standard loads for the 6.5 were generally a heavy for caliber bullet for increased penetration, so I'd probably start with the 160's, and then work to the 140's to see how they group.

 

[mtmuley]

I know the new Sports Illustrated cover girl is the Creed

Classic. And the old cover girl with wrinkles is the 7mm-08. mtmuley

 

[VAspeedgoat]

I wish someone would post some pictures. I have images of Jim Corbett stalking through jungles. My mind can tell me it was a .275 Rigby but I can't get that image out of my head until I see the rifles y'all are talking about. Sounds spectacular.

 

[std7mag]

QuickLoad does indeed list the 6.5X54 MS. Peak pressure is listed as just below 53,000 psi.

If your looking to hand load, let me know, I'm sure we can get you a suitable load to develop for the old girl!!

 

[Ben Lamb]

Outdoor Life did a piece on taking Corbett's Rigby back to India.

Here's the Haenel:

 

[noharleyyet]

Good show Ben....

 

[VAspeedgoat]

Thanks