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Message started by capcyclone on Aug 30th, 2011 at 8:55pm

Title: 6.5x55 Krag ammo question
Post by capcyclone on Aug 30th, 2011 at 8:55pm
First, sorry for being a newbie and asking a question that has probably been addressed 500 times previously, but I did search and didn't find this addressed.

Bottom line, does anyone who owns a Norwegian Krag 6.5x55 have a suggested, safe brand of U.S. commerically available 6.5x55 ammo?

Thank you for your responses.   :)

Title: Re: 6.5x55 Krag ammo question
Post by capcyclone on Sep 20th, 2011 at 12:17am
Okay, so I've obviously come to the conclusion that, in fact, there is no safe, US based, commercially produced 6.5x55 ammo for the Norwegian Krag.

My next question, probably equally "newbie" which will also result in no responses is, does anyone know of someone credible that one could purchase hand loaded 6.5x55 that would be safe for a Norwegian Krag?  I have not attended gun shows in quite some time....is that the best place to begin looking locally?  Anyone have any ideas (again, besides hand loading myself....as I am not experienced in hand loading).

Thanks in advance for your response.


Title: Re: 6.5x55 Krag ammo question
Post by Dick Hosmer on Sep 20th, 2011 at 12:59am
Sorry that nobody answered you in a month. I KNOW there are some 6.5 shooters here, though I'm not one of them.

Why, pray tell, does it have to be US-based? I'm as patriotic as anyone, but some things just aren't made here, and there is nothing wrong with Norma or Lapua or whatever - it's not like selling your soul to China!  :-)

You might try the Krag forum at   (You need to Login

Good luck.

Title: Re: 6.5x55 Krag ammo question
Post by Parashooter on Sep 20th, 2011 at 5:12am
Although I own and shoot a Norwegian Krag, I've never put a single round of commercial ammunition through it - strictly handloads and the excellent Swedish M41 military ammo.

I'd guess from your post that you believe the 6.5 Norwegian Krag requires different ammo than the Swedish Mauser. This is simply not true. The cartridge and both rifles were designed for ammunition interchangeability. (This was before the 1905 dissolution of the two nations' union.) Modern 6.5x55 ammunition is normally loaded to dimensional and pressure specifications compatible with any 6.5mm Norwegian Krag (or Swedish Mauser) in original, serviceable condition.

In the USA, those specifications are maintained by the SAAMI and include a maximum average pressure of 46000 C.U.P. - a figure not excessive for the Norwegian Krag action. 6.5x55 cartridges are currently offered by Winchester, Federal, and Hornady - but in these times of globalized sourcing it's not always apparent where components are manufactured and assembled.

If I were purchasing commercial ammo for my Krag, I'd pay the very reasonable premium (about 20%) for Lapua - knowing that quality would be outstanding.


Title: Re: 6.5x55 Krag ammo question
Post by capcyclone on Sep 20th, 2011 at 8:48pm
Awesome, thank you both for your responses.  These were both helpful.  My ignorance on the issues is evident.  I was under the impression that the pressures of commercial ammo was too high for even good, strong Norwegian Krag actions. 

My reference to "US based" was only meant to be available in the US.  I had read on a different forum that there was ammo available in Norway and other northern European nations that weren't sold here in the US....that was available for the Krag.  Clearly this was just misinformation - or my misunderstanding.

I was concerned with what I had read that the 6.5x55 cartridges available from Win, Federal, Hornady & Lapua carried pressures that were too excessive.

Thank you for setting me straight - this makes far more sense than what I was led to believe initially.

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