Baikal 6.5x55???

[cgturner7]

Anyone have experience with this company and their rifles? I'm looking at the single shot or double rifle. I'm interested in the 6.5x55. All I've read about this round is positive- but, since I don't reload, can I buy 6.5x55 ammo in an average gun shop? What about mail ordering ammo?

[GATurkHunter]

I dont have any experience with that rifle but I have been shooting 6.5 x 55 for years. Started out with Swedish Mausers and now have a Ruger M77 in 6.5 x 55.
I dont find much of a selection at gun shops. Bass Pro carries Remington Core Lok. Go to the Norma ammo site for a better selection.
Its a great round for deer.

[cgturner7]

Isn't the 6.5x55 very similar to the .260?

[akbound]

Hi cgturner7,

The 6.5X55 and the .260 Remington are very similar. The biggest difference is that the .260 Remington is commercially loaded in this country....to its potential. Most American manufacturers load the 6.5X55 "down" in difference to many of the "older" rifles available in that chambering.

In good loads they are nearly identical....with a slight edge going to the 6.5X55 with heavy bullets (but only in reloads....or foreign and custom loads). The only other difference is that the .260 Remington will fit in a "short" action...and currently is available chambered from more manufacturers.

They are both very capable rounds.

For more info go to:

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

http://www.chuckhawks.com/26cal.htm

http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_260_6-5x55.htm

Hopefully this helps!

Dave

[Charley]

6.5x55 isn't loaded "down", that is /was the standard loading for years. Remember, NO commercial rifles were available (for the most part) until fairly recently.SAAMI could spec a +P load, sinilar to the .257 Roberts +P, but likely won't.
As for the Baikal, I saw one at a friend's shop. The buyer was returning it to the importer, because the firing pin on the rifle barrel wouldn't retract, making it almost impossible to break open the action after firing. I examined it, saw no trace of crud in the channel, saw no obvious glitches that would keep the pin extended. Wouldn't be a problem, EXCEPT this was a replacement rifle for one that had done the same thing and was returned as well. I would NOT buy one without firing it first.