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6,5x54R Mannlicher was one of the early smokeless rounds so won quick popularity over older, heavier, slower rifles. The early 6,5x54R was rimmed to be used in clip-loading rifles, loaded in a packet (a steel clip with rounds inside), like the US Garrand. Until around 1903 the Austrians supplied bare actions in 6,5x54R for others to build up as custiom sporting rifles. Being rimmed it was equally suitable for break-open rifles such as Drillings. After that date, they supplied their own sporting rifle with a new rotary magazine designed by Otto Schoenauer. Note that this newer rotary magazine round is properly called the 6,5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer and it is rimless. So it is not correct to call the rimmed round or the rifles built for them "Mannlicher-Schoenauer" but just "Mannlicher". This subtle difference is lost on some later writers. There are break-open rifles chambered for the 6,5x54R Mannlicher but, as has been noted, there are a whole variety of other 6,5mm rimmed rounds or similar length and a bore casting is good insurrance. The proof marks, depending on the year, the rifles origin, etc, may say something like 6,5mm/54. You might also try loading an empty 6,5x54R case into the breech and closing the action. None of these things prove you have a 6,5x54R Mannlicher, but if it doesn't fit, it sure points to it being something else such as a 6,5x58R Sauer, for instance. |