I'm just back from doing some load development with my Mauser M03 Deluxe and its 6.5x55 Match barrel. I'm now working with Berger 130gn VLD Hunting bullets and after a few test shots settled on 46gn of AR 2209, with the projectiles seated 30 thousandths of an inch from the lands.
The first picture shows a couple of confirmation shots at 100m, to set a baseline for elevating the reticle for the next shots at 300m, which needed 12 clicks up on the Kahles K624i scope.
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| Test shots at 100m with Mauser M03 - 6.5x55 |
I used the
ballistics calculator at hornady.com to get right on target with the first shot at 300m. It's a hot day at the end of summer and the mirage turned the target square into wobbly mush I could hardly see. The breeze was steady, from left to right, hence the shots at 300m are pushed to the right. The group fired at 300m measures about 1.5 inches or 39mm, i.e. about half minute of angle.
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| 3 shot group fired at 300 metres with Mauser M03 - 6.5x55 |
In a couple of weeks I'll get to the range on a weekday when it's not so busy and take the shots out to 500m. I'm keen to see how these Berger VLD Hunting bullets perform at that distance.
I am learning a lot about the M03 from your blog. What is the length of your 6.5x55 match barrel? I see from Mauser's web site that they are only offering 56cm/22inch barrels currently and I would prefer a 24 inch barrel, given my experience with a 20 inch barrel in my Tikka T3.
ReplyDeleteHi RoyalTW. Thanks for your comment. It's nice to see that people find this blog to be useful. I found the barrel chart on Mauser's site. It shows 62cm Match barrels for 6.5x55. A previous version of the chart showed magnum barrels as 65cm. I've asked Mauser for clarification on this. Stand by. Here's a link to the chart:
Deletehttps://www.mauser.com/fileadmin/user_upload/MAU_Calibers_M03_DE_2015_2016.pdf
p.s. I'll measure my 6.5x55 Match barrel and get back to you soon.
DeleteRegards, Rick.
OK - my 6.5x55 Match barrel is 60cm long (a touch over 23 & 5/8 in). It's the same length as my standard barrels, in 270 Win, 30-06 and 243 Win.
DeleteHowever, when I look at the current Calibre Overview document for 2015/2016, found at the link below on the Mauser website, I see that the standard barrel length is shown as 56cm (22 in), with 62cm for magnum barrels. Hopefully I will hear soon from Mauser on whether their standard and magnum barrel lengths really are shorter than they used to be; 4cm shorter for standard barrels and 3cm shorter for magnum barrels. Perhaps Mauser is responding to perceived market demand for shorter, lighter barrels? Increasing popularity of barrel accessories - sound moderators and muzzle breaks - could be a factor.
As I've said a few times in this blog, I prefer long rather than short barrels. I will find out if Mauser can still deliver barrels at 60 or 65cm. There is a note at the bottom of the current Calibre Overview that says, 'Special calibers / custom barrel profile on request for additional charge.' This could also apply to barrel length. I hope so!
https://www.mauser.com/en/products/m03/options/
Mauser M03 Calibre Overview download link
https://www.mauser.com/fileadmin/user_upload/MAU_Calibers_M03_DE_2015_2016.pdf
Thanks. Look forward to their answer. Like you I prefer longer barrels , not least I suppose because I'm 1.92m tall.
DeleteI've received confirmation from Mauser. They are indeed making their M03 barrels a bit shorter than previously. 56cm for standard and 62cm for magnum. They match the lengths of the M12 barrels, though that's not a good reason to shorten them in my view. Shorter barrels will also be a little less unwieldy if moderators or muzzle breaks are fitted. Hmmm ... . I'm still a fan of the old longer barrels. As suggested to me by Mauser, it might be a good time to look for the old long barrels in stock with dealers. I'll have to ask about the Africa barrels. Are they shorter too?
DeleteThanks for the confirmation. There is definitely a trend with european makers for shorter barrels, which I think is a shame.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Thanks for drawing attention to this. I'll have to create a new post on the subject of barrel length. I'm curious to see what the range of opinions from Mauser M03 customers are.
DeleteJudging by the marketing effort and magazine coverage here in the UK, no one cares much for the M03. It all the Blaser R8, Sauer 101 (or perhaps 404) and Mauser M12 all from the same ultimate ownership. So I guess Mauser don't care two hoots.
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