Lack of the gas-handling feature of the more advanced 98 action, as 9.3 points out is a common complaint of the M96.
: Please note that the 96 has similar gas handling features, and perhaps better even, than the Winchester M70 and Remington M700 modern actions.
: The M98 is to be preferred for a 2.5" case like the 9.3x62, but a good M96 is indeed a good action for a variety of modern, shorter rounds.
: My curent M96 6.5x55 was purchased locally from a gun store, and turned out to have a brand new barreled action. Shortened to 22", it drives 129gr. Interlocks out at 2,966fps and 140gr.'ers at 2,870fps. This in no ay hurts the brass, so loading thusly in this particular rifle is within it's boundaries. There are no flies on the 6.5 nor it's action, the M96.