6.5x40R turns into a 6.5x58 I think?

[oskar]

Well the drilling arrived and after being assured that it was a 6.5x40R it turns out to have the barrel marked 6.3mm 58 1/2. A few quick measurements seem to affirm that it is a 6.5x58 Sauer. I'm rather pleased as it is a longer ranged round than I expected. Bertram brass is available and C&H has dies. In the next few days I hope to be able to slug the barrel.

Over all it seems to be a nice rig. Shotgun bores are smooth and shinny with no signs of honing. The scope is a very nice Hensoldt 4x32 extremely clear in claw mounts.. The rifling looks good with no pitting. Waiting to see how it looks after a serious cleaning. A couple of issues that don't seem too serious, the safety doesn't fully engage, feels like it needs a little fitting. The ends of the extractor legs are peened a little

[mike ford]

Oskar,
I think that if Simmons had correctly shown the caliber,it would have sold much sooner than it did, your very good luck. the 6.5x58R is a cartridge that is useable on deer,if you are careful and select your shots.The small damage you noted on the extractor is common and results from trying to install the barrels with the extractor in the closed position.This isn't serious, it just looks bad.I'm sure Bertram brass is good, but it is pretty expensive.If it were mine,I think I would try original length(2.125")38-55 cases(new length is only 2.080, same as 30-30).I would full length size them in 32-40 file/trim die, then 6.5x58R die.This much sizing will make the cases enough longer to be useable and won't be nearly as expensive as Bertram. The rim may have to be adjusted, however.Good deal.
Mike

[oskar]

Between coats of paint today I was able to tear down the rifle and take care of the problems. The safety was an easy fix, as soon as I loosened the rear screw on the trigger plate the safety slipped right into place. The wood under the plate had compressed a little over the past 90 yrs and it took just a shim of computer paper to take up the space and it works well after putting everything back together. The extractor legs were a little more work but was able to dress the peening so it slides smoothly in the race and doesn't bind.

Got my depth indicator, calipers and a good light. Chamber depth 58.36mm, rim .509 and base .436 with a straight taper. I'll order some brass to get the gun going, it is not like I'll be shooting prairie dogs with it and I have a portable loading kit for my long trips. Sometimes I leave for a month or two hunting trips living out of my truck. I understand brass can be made from 30-40 Krag casings and forming dies are available.

Speaking of brass, has anyone done business with "Quality Cartridge" they seem to have a very good price on 6.5x58R Sauer brass.

[sharps4590]

Good deal Oskar! It's always good to see a fine old piece put back to work. No sir, I have not done business with Quality Cartridge and frankly was heretofore unfamiliar with them.

[mike ford]

Oskar,
You are correct that cases can be made from 30-40 cases, and from 303 British, for that matter,which seems to be easier to find right now. On the one hand, cases made from 30-40, or 303Br.can be made to the precise head diameter of 6.5x58R. However this would require a couple ring sizing(swage)dies and a powerful press(moreso than loading press)to provide the power.The rim would likely have to be turned as well.I understand this is how Buffalo Arms makes it's cases.On the other hand,making cases from 38-55 can be done without ring dies, hydraulic press, etc.The head size will be a little smaller, but the body will expand to fit the chamber.I've not had experience with "Quality Cartridge", but haven't heard anything bad about them. I don't know, but suspect they may use 303Br. cases for 6.5x58R. Bullets usually need to be smaller than .264" and some people use .257", but correct size bullets can fairly easily be made from avaliable bullets( cup and core, not solid). This seems like a fun project to me.
Mike

[m-4]

Oskar,
Just checked my ammo room to see if I could be any assistance. I do have a box of RWS 6.5x58R in my collection and also found 1 loose cartridge also RWS that has been deactivated (Berdan primer removed & powder removed). Measurements are
Rim dia. .497 dia
Base dia. .430
Length 2.296
Bullet dia. .261

m-4

Mike,
You take care of yourself & get patched up & on the mend! Your experience & advise is always helpful!

[mike ford]

M4,
Thanks
Mike

[oskar]

Thank You Mike and M-4. Last night I cleaned the bore of the rifle and it looks good, slimmed down a 25-35 round and thinned the rim enough to pop a primer to check firing pin function, it works and I slugged the bore. Bore .249 and groove .260, that is pretty tight for .264 bullets but I can size them down to fit. I do have some .257 117gr RNs here, too loose?

I will have to get the extractor fixed, there is enough wear on the corner of the leg that it drops down when putting a shell in the chamber and has to be pulled up to close the gun. It is really a pretty simple fix, building up the worn part and reshaping it. The big problem is getting it off the gun, it slides forward but the sight actuating rod has to be removed. It is spring loaded and I don't see any retaining pin. It runs through the bottom of the rib extension and has a lump sticking down that blocks the extractor from sliding forward. Any hints would help.

[mike ford]

Oskar,
As to the choice of bullets,the 1989 version of Wiederladen shows the use of 6.5 gram and 7.6 gram Hornady .257" bullets. I agree with you,however, and if it were my rifle,I would size 264" to .260".
Most drilling extractors have a little screw on one of the "legs" to hold it in.Check to see if it is lost, maybe that is your problem.If that isn't the problem, you may have to remove the rear sight to get the sight actuating rod out of the way(check if there is a screw holding it in).You won't need to remove the rod in the reciever, which is a good thing because they are a "bear" to replace(they have a slight bend that has to be turned just right).
Mike

[oskar]

Well I got the rest of the ceiling and walls painted this morning and my wife was watching the Masters so I got a little shop time in. The screw holding the rear sight plate in had the slot stripped out but with a bunch of Kroil and a small punch was able to get the screw out and re cut the slot. That didn't help but needed to do it to get the rod back in anyway. There was a set screw in the bottom of the rib extension under the extractor, didn't realize it was a screw as the slot was completely gone, was able to drill out the old screw and rethread it, will make a new set screw tomorrow. Now I can take the extractor in and get the legs tips built up and I can refit them. Only other project is to fit a new butt plate as the recoil pad was too long for me. I see some German style replacement butt plates available. Will order 20 rounds of brass and dies tomorrow. If the brass gets here before the dies I'll load a couple of test rounds with my 25-35 dies.

[mike ford]

Oskar,
Thats great. It sounds like you have everything well"in hand" now. It's good to be able to work on your own guns, and not have to send them out for every little thing. Be sure to let us know how the handloade work out.
Mike