What are the differences between 6.5x55 & 25-06?

Shane.rawlings · 09-12-2011, 06:06 PM

They seem pretty close, with the advantage to 6.5 on larger game (elk and black bear) and 25-06 on smaller game (varmint) both at (id say the same) long ranges.

but close to the same as far as i can see...

an issue comes in on finding a rifle for the 6.5, there is the sporterizing the old mauser, converting a long action savage, or buying one of the modern bolt rifles (finding is the hardest part of all of these) while 25-06 isn't as common as most rifles, it isn't as rare as 6.5.

i will be reloading for this rifle so ammo availability isn't a big issue, it will be used mainly for whitetail with some hogs and targets (but id like to use it for everything that comes up)

thanks

Big Z · 09-12-2011, 06:17 PM

If I was running 264s, I'd pick something else. Unless it's "just because." Otherwise, I'm a sucker for a 25-06, and have other choices for elk.

kyslayer · 09-12-2011, 06:50 PM

less recoil with the 6.5 and both rounds offer a varmint round and a big game round. If you dont mind me askin why not just get a 30-30 or 30-06 less chance of wounding and animal and not finding it

Shane.rawlings · 09-12-2011, 08:21 PM

not really... if i shot an animal in say the gut with a 30-06 its gone, but a heart & lung shot from a very capable caliber, say... 6.5 or 25-06 it would drop where it stood... so ill just aim there... now about the question...

id also like to use this for pronghorn...and though a 30-30 is a great shorter range deer gun i think it lacks in varmint and antelope range.

emtrescue6 · 09-13-2011, 09:05 AM

The 6.5 is a very good round (264) and is versatile enough for varmints up to elk...I however would not elk hunt with my 25-06 (plus, some states have as 30 cal minimum for Elk and other large game, so check your regs either way). Not saying a 25-06 can't kill an elk, but it increases the margin for error and reduces the clean kill chances. In reality, I probably wouldn't hunt elk with a 264 either, but your chances are much improved with the increased velocity and BC over the 25-06.

nchawkeye · 09-13-2011, 11:29 AM

It depends...

Where do you live??? Do you hunt game as large as elk???

Shane.rawlings · 09-13-2011, 11:41 AM

I dont but I move around alot so I may soon

jerry d · 09-13-2011, 05:20 PM

tikka & sako offer rifles in 6.5x55 I've never hunted elk but i do agree with emtrescue,i too think the 25-06 is on the small side for elk. from what i've read about the 6.5x55 it's as popular in europe as the 30-06 is in america and is considered an all around big game cartridge there.

jerry d · 09-13-2011, 05:26 PM

http://www.chuckhawks.com/subscriber...age/6-5x55.htm

heres a little info on the 6.5x55,hope this helps you alittle.

Mr. Slim · 09-13-2011, 06:59 PM

if you like both calibers, then get a good gunsmith to build you a 6.5-06. this is a 6.5 caliber bullet loaded into a 06 casing. one heck of a rifle. will shoot the distance you want and still have the power to kill elk. you will have to reload as this is not a production rifle.