Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing 1908 (8x56 ms) to 6.5x54

The 8x56 is a capable round. I don’t see a lot to be gained by going to the 6.5x54 and a lot of headaches trying to make a 1908 be a 1903. And converting to a x57 version is asking for problems with the magazines. The mags are designed around the cartridge and from what I’ve garnered from smiths, trying to alter the 03, 05, 08 and 1910 from their original chambering is difficult.

I briefly had a 1903 that unbeknownst to me had been rechamered to 6.5x55. Once I discovered this I tried the correct ammo. Never would feed correctly. I sold it, fully disclosing the rechamber and feeding issues.

Here’s some 8x56 success.