Anyone use 6.5x55?
- Thread starter jpattersonnh
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sandhillshunter
New member
"The plain jane 6.5x55 is a great match for deer-sized game" +1
We've had great results with 140 SSTs loaded with RL-22 in my son's Tikka. My Winchester likes the 129 SSTs, again with RL-22. Haven't done much with lighter bullets in this caliber, so can't help much there. Because there isn't much data for modern actions, I started with 260 data and worked up from there.
How is the 6.5 overbore for deer?
We've had great results with 140 SSTs loaded with RL-22 in my son's Tikka. My Winchester likes the 129 SSTs, again with RL-22. Haven't done much with lighter bullets in this caliber, so can't help much there. Because there isn't much data for modern actions, I started with 260 data and worked up from there.
How is the 6.5 overbore for deer?
MPFD
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: sandhillshunter"The plain jane 6.5x55 is a great match for deer-sized game" +1
We've had great results with 140 SSTs loaded with RL-22 in my son's Tikka. My Winchester likes the 129 SSTs, again with RL-22. Haven't done much with lighter bullets in this caliber, so can't help much there. Because there isn't much data for modern actions, I started with 260 data and worked up from there.
How is the 6.5 overbore for deer?
Must hunting coastal deer???
We've had great results with 140 SSTs loaded with RL-22 in my son's Tikka. My Winchester likes the 129 SSTs, again with RL-22. Haven't done much with lighter bullets in this caliber, so can't help much there. Because there isn't much data for modern actions, I started with 260 data and worked up from there.
How is the 6.5 overbore for deer?
Must hunting coastal deer???
chefpierre
New member
Originally Posted By: DesertRamOriginally Posted By: chefpierreOriginally Posted By: DesertRamOriginally Posted By: MGYSGTIs it that much different than a 6mm Rem? Have a 6mm and am looking at a 6.5X55Winchester Feather light for $500 . Just don't know if it is worth the cost.
Yes, it's different. For all intents and purposes, the 6mm tops out with 100 grain bullets. The 6.5, depending on the rifle it's chambered in, can shoot up to 160 grain bullets. While come consider the 6mm family of cartridges a bit light for deer, the 6.5 is perfect. In fact, in its homeland (Scandinavia) it was and is still quite commonly used to take moose with little trouble. It's kind of like the .30-06 - plain, maybe even boring, but gets the job done with minimal fuss. It's a mild mannered cartridge that is suitable for women, kids, or even guys like me that don't mind saying I'm not a fan of recoil when it's not necessary. When chambered in a modern action, like that Model 70, you can load it up a bit and you basically have a .270 Win. With plain ol' cup and core bullets (the Hornady SST), mine kills whatever I point it at. For $500 I'd be hard pressed to pass on that Winchester, especially if it's a Classic.
While I agree with the majority of what youre saying here are some thing I disagree with. 6mm bullets go up to 115 grains, they do not stop at 100. The 6mm is perfect size for deer and game in that size. The 6.5 is a bit overbore for a deer. Otherwise I agree with everyting else stated in the above.
Right you are, but for most factory rifles chambered in .243 or 6mm, those long heavy bullets are not a real option, hence my caveat "for all intents and purposes." Bring on a barrel with the right twist and you open up way more options for sure!
I had a wrong letter in one sentence - I tried to say that "some consider the .243 a bit light." I don't necessarily agree, just stated a common position taken among deer hunters. Heck, I shot my first rifle-killed deer with a .22-250. Shot him right in the base of the skull as he turned to look at me over his back. Hit him so hard he did a complete flip and lay there on the ground facing the way he'd come.
I'm not sure I'd agree that the 6.5 is overbore for deer though, unless you're speaking of the .264 Win Mag. The plain jane 6.5x55 is a great match for deer-sized game, and considerably less potent than the .300 mags that many folks, particularly out west, routinely shoot deer with. I'm a big fan of the little Swede, but honestly, I'd hunt with a rock if I had to.
I think we see eye to eye
Yes, it's different. For all intents and purposes, the 6mm tops out with 100 grain bullets. The 6.5, depending on the rifle it's chambered in, can shoot up to 160 grain bullets. While come consider the 6mm family of cartridges a bit light for deer, the 6.5 is perfect. In fact, in its homeland (Scandinavia) it was and is still quite commonly used to take moose with little trouble. It's kind of like the .30-06 - plain, maybe even boring, but gets the job done with minimal fuss. It's a mild mannered cartridge that is suitable for women, kids, or even guys like me that don't mind saying I'm not a fan of recoil when it's not necessary. When chambered in a modern action, like that Model 70, you can load it up a bit and you basically have a .270 Win. With plain ol' cup and core bullets (the Hornady SST), mine kills whatever I point it at. For $500 I'd be hard pressed to pass on that Winchester, especially if it's a Classic.
While I agree with the majority of what youre saying here are some thing I disagree with. 6mm bullets go up to 115 grains, they do not stop at 100. The 6mm is perfect size for deer and game in that size. The 6.5 is a bit overbore for a deer. Otherwise I agree with everyting else stated in the above.
Right you are, but for most factory rifles chambered in .243 or 6mm, those long heavy bullets are not a real option, hence my caveat "for all intents and purposes." Bring on a barrel with the right twist and you open up way more options for sure!
I think we see eye to eye
jpattersonnh
New member
I am not sure as the term "little Swede" is accurate. If you have ever read any of Kim du Toit's reveiws on 6.5x55 rifles the term little may fade away. He called the M41b the last of the true classic 800 yard Snipers. Hmmm. With 140, 152, 160gr it is not a lazer, but sure does reach out there w/ no problems. Not bad for a 115 year old cartridge. My other 6.5 Swedes are 1906, 1907, 1917, 1942. 8x57 Swede is a 1947 '98 FN receiver, 1955 Husqvarna build. Only 10,000 of these receiver/ rifles were built on from 1947 to 1963. I still find the Swede great w/ all weight bullets. Love varmint hunting w/ the 1600.