6.5x55.....

Doe Dumper · 07-04-2006, 12:28 AM

I can see why this gun has so many diehard fans. Whats not to love? After shooting this thing a few times I have come to the conclusionthis is one sweet caliber...

Cant wait to try it out on some whitetails...

Dang ya James

8mm/06 · 07-04-2006, 09:54 AM

It is one of the best whitetail rounds going. Deep penetration and gentle recoil make it an almost ideal hunting round for a lot of game. Although you can still get the extremes of the 160 and 87 grain bullets, it seems to do pretty great with 140 grainers. I believe the long length for diameter helps its "freight train" effect for penetration. I agree with Finn Aagaard (deceased) when he said that he believes that the 6.5 X 55 Swede 140 grain would likely have better penetration than his 180 grain 30/06 pet loads.

Rebel Hog · 07-04-2006, 10:18 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Doe Dumper

I can see why this gun has so many diehard fans. Whats not to love? After shooting this thing a few times I have come to the conclusionthis is one sweet caliber...

Cant wait to try it out on some whitetails...

Dang ya James

I made the switch from .270 to 6.5mm back in 95 and don't regret it one bit!

James B · 07-04-2006, 08:26 PM

Its as close to Mystic as a gun can get. It performs so much better than its paper balistics would indicate. I have read but can't confirm that the rate of twist in the old Mausers helpmits performance killing power wise. Like I say though, not being a balistics expert, I don't really know. However you hit them with the 6.5, they are not going far. Thats anything up to Grizzly. Who knows maybe them too.

Now Since a guy only needs one deer rifle, What you gonna do with that 7mm-08?

Doe Dumper · 07-05-2006, 02:23 AM

The 270 and the 7-08 are both in limbo...lol. I didnt have the heart to sell the 08 even for that price and the 270 will never leave..lol. I guess Im gonna need a bigger safe. Do you still have a 6.5 James?

260rem · 07-05-2006, 04:51 AM

I have shot everything from rabbits to scrub bulls weighing well over 800kg with the 6.5X55 and 140-160gr pills and I cant fault it one bit, my experiences with it is the only reason that when I was looking for a light handy little rifle for general hunting that I settled on a 260rem.
All in all the 6.5X55 is a better big game round but there very close.

KonaBoy · 07-05-2006, 07:32 AM

Well, since I can only compare it to a .35 Whelen, it's a great little gun. From what I've seen it knocks deer down faster than the .35! But if I could only have one gun for all the hunting I do, it'd be the 6.5x55, no question.

Cory

KYFRED · 07-05-2006, 10:50 AM

This is great feedback. I jsut bought a CZ 550 FS in 6.5x55. I had read some good things and decided to go this way. I originally was looking at 30.06, but they did not have it in stock and this caliber intrigued me.

Now I need to decide what to do with the 270 7 Mag and maybe the 25.06. I am thinking a new safe.

Charley · 07-05-2006, 01:20 PM

I've been shooting the 6.5x55 for over 20 years. You can't find a better medium caliber cartridge for most North American game. I've personaly never shot anything but whitetails with it, but many folks have successfuly used it on elk and other big guys. It is a popular moose cartridge in Sweden.

Rebel Hog · 07-05-2006, 01:48 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Charley

It is a popular moose cartridge in Sweden.

10-4 Charley! I killed my moose in Canada with Norma 160gr "Alaska" ammo.