New to me Husqvarna 1640 in 6.5 Swede

[jbaav]

I recently received this Husqvarna 1640 from the good folks at Simpsons Ltd. The serial number indicates it left the factory in 1964. It’s in 6.5 Swede which is a cartridge I’ve long been enamored with but never owned.

I haven’t shot it but it operates very smoothly and the bore appears to be in great shape. The blueing and stock show minor signs of its use over the years. The stock was fitted with a custom cheek riser at some point that made this one unique.

I have never reloaded but I plan to start as a result of this Swede. I’ll likely be spending a lot of time in the reloading forum trying to learn what I can.

Anyway, are there any other Husky 1640 fans out there? I’d love to hear about your guns and see some pics.

 

[jbaav]

Also I forgot to ask, what factory loads have you found to shoot best for practice with your 6.5 Swede? Does the 1640 prefer heavier or lighter loads?

 

[1000yards]

Congrats on the new rifle. Check your twist rate because I've heard they changed twist rates on the 6.5x55 at some point. The only 6.5 1640 I've seen was 8 twist. These stocks are prone to cracking behind the tang. I haven't had a problem with mine but I've had them all bedded, and if necessary I removed some wood so it wasn't so tight against the tang of the receiver. Anyways, here's one of mine that gets the most use. I bought because it's the only one I've ever seen with this specific stock.

 

[jbaav]

Thanks 1000yards, I appreciate your help. I had read about the tang issue and luckily someone relieved the area behind it nicely so I think that is good to go. I wasn't aware that there were changes in the twist rate. I'll have to put a rod through it and get a twist rate for it.

I like the looks of that stock and I haven't seen many with a recoil pad which could be nice especially for larger calibers.

What sling do you have on there? Looks like it fits well with the style of the older rifles.

 

[1000yards]

What sling do you have on there? Looks like it fits well with the style of the older rifles.

Nohma Leather BF200

 

[6mm Remington]

I have a good friend who has several Husqvarna rifles. One of them is chambered for the 6mm Remington!! I keep trying to talk him out of it but he seems set on keeping his grubby mitts on the darn thing. The 6.5 Swede is a sweet cartridge that I believe you will really enjoy. It was the 6.5 ManBun Need-Moore long before it was even a thought. Been killing stuff ever since.