Xausa,

Thanks for the info on the .25 Remington. I think you may have the answer. I also wondered where there was no "R" in the caliber designation, but couldn't find anything on a 6.5x52 rimless cartridge. I didn't know it was the .25 Rem I wonder if the Europeans designated that cartridge 6.5x52?

If the rim diameter on the 25 Rem is .421 (10.7mm), that should be just about right against the 12.6mm of the .25-35. That difference looks to me like about the amount required.

By the way, when I tried to load the mag I was doing it as you described. The rim of the .25-35 is just too wide - you have to force it to even get it started into the magazine and there is no way it will fit all the way in. (the mag is a detachable box).

I looked at some diagrams of the .25 Rem and compared to the shape of the mag follower - it looks like a better fit than the .25-35. So - off now to find some 25 Rem ammo.

I will post a few shots of the rifle in the next couple of days, but it's not a looker.