I’ve got a 1908 Mannlicher schönauer action.
Thinking of turning it into a custom rifle.
1908’s we’re only chambered in 8x56.

A while back I got a 1903 magazine spool (6.5x54)
I’m thinking to put a barrel on the 1908 and chamber it for 6.5x54. Are there any other gotchas or parts that would need to be changed?

Rim diameter for one. Not sure if that is an issue or not. I'd leave it alone as I'm not sure what the 6.5 will do that the 8mm can't do on the platform.

The 8x56 rim is about .470, though the number may vary depending on the reference. My Norma 6.5x54 brass measures .450.

The gotcha with these rifles is typically in getting the Schonauer magazine to feed properly.

So I’d likely need to replace the extractor with one from a 6.5x54 too?
The 6.5x54 magazine seems to work well in the 8x56 rifle.

Not sure, but hopefully someone here can address that. It’s not a conversion that I would hand over to my gunsmith with a high level of confidence. If abandoning the 8x56 for a 6.5, I’d be more inclined to look at a 6.5x57.

If no one speaks up, I’d probably start with New England Custom Guns for advice.

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.

I've had both and I would leave well enough alone. It would be the perfect
excuse to start a M-S collection

I think you’re right, seems like the juice is not worth the squeeze

You’re right! I need another expensive gun like a hole in the head though.

It is a great way to spend money!!

A lot of times guys want to rebarrel to another round it makes more $en$e
to buy a different rifle.

This is that....X10.


You can calculate co$t.

But aggravation?
That's way worse than a couple Benjamin's.