6.5 x 55 swed

[GREEK HUNTER]

hey guys i have a 6.5 x 55 swed use it for deer hunting was wondering would you use it for bear and what is the biggest grain you can get for this gun... i only have seen 139 grain

[James B]

If you are talking Black Bear then you bet the 6.5x55 will work very well. Several bullet makers make a 140 grain bullet which in this caliber is a good hunting bullet for larger game. This because its a long bullet with high sectional Density. I believe Hornady and Sierra make a 160 grain bullet. The Hornady is one I have used for Black Bear and is a round nose dedign. Its a good short range choice. The 6.5x55 is music to my ears and No Round in its size range is more effective. Norma loads some good hunting loads for it if you don't reload. Try Midway USA. Good hunting.

[VT_Hunter1980]

Congrats on owning one of the best military rifles ever. I have a sporterized M-38 and I love it. If you handload, you can roll up some 160 gr loads that would be plenty for Black Bear. I know that lapua used to make some heavier loads as well. Here's a link to Midway's selection of 6.5 loads.
http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=3&Categoryid=7524&categorystr ing=653***690***
I've never hunted black bear, but I'm thinking that a standard Remington 140 gr. would do the trick if properly placed. I'm assuming you're talking about Black Bear. Any of the bigger bears and you might want something with a little more swat.

[renfrowridge]

I own 3 of these and the are great guns and real tack drivers if you want some loads for bear black and brown take a look at Conley precision cartridge company they make a 165gr hot load for the swed. you have a great gun injoy

[thndrchiken]

The 6.5x55 is the defacto standard in Europe, they hunt everything up to moose and red stag with it. It's the European 30-06 so to speak. For deer and black bear the 140 gr bullets will work just fine out to as far as you can shoot. The M96 open sights went up to 600 meters and if not mistaken the M38's went to 400 meters ( don't quote me on that though ). For dense brush the 160 gr rn from Hornady is more than adequate. For factory loaded ammo the swede is loaded light in deference to the many M93/95 actions in circulation. For good hunting loads look to S&B which are loaded hotter and Norma ( probably the best factory hunting ammo available) the Norma ammo is rather pricey though.

[GREEK HUNTER]

thank you guys didn't want to go after black bear without know someone to take one with a swed

[thndrchiken]

Don't worry, you have plenty of gun for blackie.

[Rebel Hog]

Of all the calibers I own, the 6.5mmSwede is all I shoot now. I posted a picture of the moose I shot in Alberta in 1995. For the larger animals I use 156gr Norma "Alaska", but they are pricey, $40/20.

[TomFromTheShade]

I wouldn't shoot a brown bear by choice with the 6.5 swede lol. I would put the 30-06 as the minimum for brown bear. Personally, I would prefer a .375H&H lol.

[thndrchiken]

Tom, I'd have to agree with you for the brown bears and choice of weapons, but for black bear he's got plenty of gun.