03 clip loading problems

[Roadkingtrax]

I used the Swiss 6.5 clips. Smooth, and they work!!!

[Parashooter]

I used the Swiss 6.5 clips. Smooth, and they work!!!

6.5 Swiss? Really?

[Handsome Devil]

Recall having problems with 03a3 followers in 03's. Was a long time ago. I just quit using them. As far as stripper clips go, Griff M and Jim in SLC are spot on. I shot a match bolt gun and also still shoot 03s in vintage matches. A good stripper clip is essential for good rapid strings. You want the focus to be on your front sight, breathing and trigger control. Not wondering if you lost to much time with a bad reloading attempt. You can all use what you want for the reasons you want. For me I know what works best for me. I keep M14 strippers in my box but never use them, would if I had too. I have 3 stainless clips from Champions loaded for all rapids for the same reasons given above. Have never needed the 3rd one, but it is there in case. Have had my first round pop out of my Winchester match bolt gun during a rapid string. Never slowed down, made every shot count. After the ninth shot I reached down, dropped the fallen round in, chambered and fired. Last round was a 10 {in RP}. Had no time to spare as the target went down almost right after I shot. Timed rapid fire is exciting and fun when you do it right, not hard with a minimal amount of practice.

Back to rifle. Would try switching out followers and make sure your springs are the same from the two rifles. OP is correct if you want to master the rapids you need to get past feeding problems. Another good pc of advice from above, was make up some dummy rounds {be careful when using, don't be a dummy} and practice dry firing. Go through the whole process, make every dry fire count, practice breathing, the whole nine yards. Not just the loading of the stripper clip. With in a very short period of time the whole thing becomes very natural and you can keep your focus where it belongs. Be safe, have fun. John.

[Fred]

6.5 Swiss? Really?

Yes. I use Sweedish clips too. They work perfectly and although they have no end tabs, they hold and feed the cartridges perfectly. They're inexpensive too!

[Parashooter]

For the benefit of those who have difficulty with the difference between Switzerland and Sweden, here's a picture of some Swiss chargers -


I can certify these will not accommodate normal-length .30/06 cartridges.

This is a photo of an uncommon Swiss clip, produced for early 20th century trials but abandoned in favor of the traditional pasteboard charger.


Made for six 7.5x55 cartridges with ~.500" rim diameter, this clip does not fit the ~.470" .30/06 rim very well, nor will it enter the M1903 or M1917 clip slot.

The Swedish Mauser 6.5x55 clip, made for a cartridge with a slightly thicker, wider (~.480") rim than the .30/06 is a slightly looser fit than the 7mm (Spanish) Mauser clip whose dimensions were copied for the M1903. This doesn't stop it from working quite nicely in the US rifles.


Inner lip of Swedish 6.5 clip is slightly shorter than that of 7mm clip (a), giving less spring tension (b) when used with .30/06 cartridges.

[Fred]

My mistake. Obviously I meant to convey that I use the stripper clips originally made for the 6.5x55 SWEEDISH Mauser. Thanks Parashooter!

[SemperFi, 0321]

As a person of Swiss descent, and citizenship (I got grandfathered in thru my mother, think about that for a minute), I'm appalled at the lack of knowledge from most folks.
When I tell people I'm Swiss, they reply right back "I didn't know you're Swedish", but the best one is how they use the Swiss flag on first aid kits.
The Red Cross is OPPOSITE of the Swiss flag, not the same!
Red Cross= First Aid
White Cross=Schweiz/Switzerland/Suisse

[6thMARDIV]

I'm using the same as Fred, I've shot several hundred rounds, both live and blank with no problems.

[Roadkingtrax]

It's not the end of the world.

[Darreld Walton]

Again, pony up a few bucks for the stainless Champ's. Work good, last a long time, won't rust, bust, nor collect dust!!!!!

BTW, I HAVE, on occasion, used a Dremel to polish a good USGI clip inside with a stainless brush at medium speed. It does make a distinct improvement, or has for me, at least, but still not on a par with the commercial offerings.