Steyr 1901 rifle

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mikejonestkd

New member
Good day. I stumbled into a 1901 steyr mannlicher and am curious about it. The bolt, receiver, and trigger guard are all marked B3501. The barrel is 6.5 mm, but I am not sure if it is 6.5 x 54mm MS or not. It is marked steyr 1901 on the left side of the receiver. The stock looks like it was a decently made walnut sporter from 100 years ago. It is stamped Proof on the left side of the barrel, and there is a crown on the receiver on the right side. There is a three leaf rear sight and a hooded bead front sight. What do I have?
 
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Jim Watson

New member
Caliber likely 6.5x53R. The Dutch Mannlicher GI, or in a sporter like this .256 Mannlicher as popular in England.
 
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mikejonestkd

New member
Jim, thanks for the info. The pervious owner has passed away and the actual chambering was unknown. I just checked a few sources- I may be able to get dies and use modified .303 brit brass for it. It was an elegant rifle at one time, and still feels like the quality piece that it was when made. the bolt is slick, the bore is bright. It'll be a fun project to bring it back to life and get it to the range
 
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mikejonestkd

New member
Jim, thanks again, I found that thread and other similar ones at Castboolits and a few other sites. I also found enbloc clips for it too! I also found new brass online, and have some on the way.
It looks like I can work with 6.5 x 54 Dies and a modified 303 brit shell holder and resize fired cases. I am going to check, and double check before committing to reloading.
 
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mikejonestkd

New member
Just a quick update. The brass i ordered in June is still on back order. So, it was time to take matters into our own hands.

I took .303 brit brass, trimmed it to 52.9mm, then resized in 6.5 x 54MS dies, with a .303 shellholder.

I made up 20 rounds of 90 gr speer HPs, with 30gr of H4895, seated to 2.80".

My son and I took it out to the range today for its first trip in probably 50-60 years. The widow of the previous owner said she never saw him shoot it in all their years together.

He got a dandy 1.5" 5 shot group at 50 yards, almost perfectly dead center and 2" high.

We then proceeded to the 100 and 150 yard plates, hitting them almost every shot.

My son's smile on his face said all i needed to hear about this nifty little sporter rifle
 
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