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So I have a pre war model 70 action and a stick of French walnut as my next project. My practical side is thinking a 6.5 ( I know it’s kind of a waste with the long action) I don’t reload and there is always a pretty good selection of ammo at my local stores. The other part of me says it should be a classic round like 30/06. The older I get the less recoil tolerant I become so I’m leaning towards the 6.5. Will this be a sacrilege to this classic action? I fell like the 6.5 will be the rifle version of a midlife crisis, old rifle trying to be young again

When you say "6.5", I'm hoping you mean 6.5x55. That seems more fitting for an old rifle like this, and I know if done right it will shoot every bit as well as the modern 6.5 (Creedmoor). The swedish mauser should be less finicky for feeding as well. More of a "shoe in" in my mind. Others may see it differently, but that's how I'd roll. If you want the newer 6.5, buy a Tikka. JMHO..

It’s a shame 6.5/06 isn’t factory available. You could do swede - but not sure you would gain anything over a fast twist 270.

Of course, I’d likely just go 280 and call it a day.

I was thinking the 6.5 creedmoor ( hence my hesitation) just because of the wide availability of factory ammo, not a lot of Swede ammo available to me.

I already have a tikka in 6.5, pre 64 in .270. (2) and one in 30/06. I thought about 7x57 but I have a couple of small ring mausers already in 7x57 and there isn’t a wide range of factory ammo available in that either .

This conundrum is really centered around the large selection of factory ammo available. I know it’s kinda the equivalent of buying a toupee and convertible for the old model 70, but man there is always a lot of 6.5 creedmoor ammo available, light recoil, and accurate.

Well, there’s always plenty of p64 243/308 parts on eBay. Grab a box and follower etc. and enjoy your 6.5 creed. I’m certain it will be gorgeous.

I love the 6.5 Creedmoor more than most of you guys here, but am having a hard time seeing it in a pre 64. However, it's the OP's rifle he can do what he wants to it. Good luck with your project..

Anybody anticipate any feeding issues with a 6.5 creedmoor in a pre 64 action not originally set up for a "short" chambering?
Been wondering about the practicality of doing something similar on a pre 64 action. (flipflopping between a "medium" 6.5 vs one of the 25 cal chamberings, goal being a soft kicking deer rifle with decent "legs").

Bt8897
I just finished doing the same thing myself in 6.5X55. Stocked it up with a nice American Walnut blank I had on hand. Used a Kreiger 8 twist barrel. Indications are that is going to shoot well, 1/2" 100 groups but I'm still messing around with loads in an effort to tweak it down a little further.
Phil

TenX, nice looking stock!

This is where I'm at as well.

#curmudgeons

I have a good buddy that is an F-Class nut. He actually did a P64 build with everything original in a 6.5x47....

I said the same as you all..

I would rather drink turpentine and urinate upon a brushfire than see someone put a Creedmoor on a Pre-64 Model 70.

The .30-06 would be my first choice. Why not a .257 Roberts or .25-06 Remington?

The 6.5x55 and 7x57 are great calibers for recoil sensitive folks that would also go great in your action.

But it’s yours to do with what you will at the end of the day.

I love me some 6.5x55 but if you don’t reload you’re wasting your time with this caliber in my opinion.

I have always wanted a pre 64 built in 7x57 or 6.5x55.

You could try a 25-06 if you can get over a Remington caliber in a Winchester. Same with 280 I guess??

I wonder if people were saying the same thing about the featherweights in 308 and 243 …

Y’all all have the same reservations I do. I’m gonna sit on it a while. Appreciate all the input-

I always thought a 7x57 on a re 64 but built in the style of Jack O'Connor's 7mm mauser (that Eleanor used extensively) would be a very classy rifle to own/hunt.

Excellent. I have one, made by Goens, beautiful rifle.

Bt, If you'd like pictures for inspiration shoot me a PM with a cell phone number and I'll text them to you

Ok, I understand the sentiment about the 6.5 Manbun in a vintage M70. I'm the same way and wouldn't even consider it - the action screams out for .30-06, .270, 7x57, 6.5x55, .257 Roberts, etc. BUT, and it's a big BUT, the OP stated his reasoning for the 6.5CM and it makes eminent sense. It would seem that he doesn't handload, so factory ammo is necessary. Availability of those classic cartridges on the dealer's shelves has been spotty at best as we all know, but 6.5 Creedmoor ammo is omnipresent. Plus, whether we admit it or not, 6.5CM ammo is consistently very accurate (due to the strict adherence to chamber/throat dimensions and ammo dimensions that is often lacking with the classic chamberings, SAAMI rules notwithstanding). At the end of the day it's his rifle to do with as he pleases. It's not like he's taking a Jerry Fisher rifle and re-stocking it and re-barreling it.

As for will 6.5 CM feed through the action: one way to find out. Run a couple handfuls of cartridges through it to see how they feed. You may, or may not, need to tweak things to achieve 100% reliable feeding.

This whole thread screams out .270Win to me. Factory .270 loads, easy feeding, low recoil, available oomph for the bigger stuff. What am I missing?

You're not missing anything, I'm in the finishing stages of a .270 now-