8mm/06

I also own a rifle in each of these cartridges. I actually own five different 6.5 X 55's...but only 2 of them are good sporters while the others are military configuration. My 6.5 X 55 sporters are wonderful deer rifles, while my 7 X 57 is also a wonderful deer rifle.
I would be hard pressed to choose between the 2 cartridges since I consider them to be among the best of all the "deer" cartridges while possessing a versitility that can span far above and below the size of deer. Woodchucks to moose/elk with maybe even some decent sized black bears thrown in would be easiliy handled by both of these fine cartridges.
You can't make me choose.
Both will be maximised by handloading.

48thguns

7x57. here's mine...a Steyr Mod M (1968ish), double set triggers, Steyr rings with a Zeiss 3X10......shoots 140 gr noslers at 2900'/sec....eat your heart out 6.5x55. Just a superb deer rifle.

DocHunter

I have a 7x57 Ruger #1 which has become my favorite rifle. I have taken many deer and one black bear with it. It will consistently shoot 1 inch groups at 100 yards with my handloaded 140 gr. bullets. It is accurate, has plenty of punch and very reasonable recoil. It has been my primary hunting rifle for about 12-15 years. I have never used any of the 6.5's. Basically it boils down to picking whatever rifle in either caliber you prefer. Perhaps leaning to the 7mm if going after any bigger game.

8mm/06

The lack of velocity that the 6.5 X 55 seems to give up to the 7 X 55 in the same bullet weights isn't the whole story. The longer projectile of the smaller diameter 6.5 in the same weight as the 7 X 57 gives superb penetration.....of course so does the 7 X 57.
They are both superb.

drfatguy

I have the 6.5x55mm. I love it for everything. I started with a 264 Win Mag (yeah I was seduced by the dark side) and have always liked the long, heavy for caliber 6.5 140 grain bullets. If I had to do some real heavy lifting with a 6.5x55 I would use a 130 grain TSX Barnes or the 156 grain Norma factory load. Either would do very well. The 7x57 is a great caliber. Both are a great choice. Throw the 260 rem and the 7/08 and we can really confuse ourselves.

Dr Fatguy

James B

The loading data for the 6.5x55 is usually pretty low because most rifles in this caliber are Military surplus rifles. The Swedish Mauser which are the bulk of these rifles is not as strong as the 98 mausers and some of the others. However in a factory built rifle there would be no reason that the velocity of both with 140 grain bullets would differ much.

That said, the 6.5x55 does not lack excellent performance on all big game at the velocities obtained buy the older Mausers. I load the 140 grain to about 2700 fps. Most factory ammo in this weight won't beat 2600. Even at that its a great game taker. One of the calibers that totally defies its on paper ballistics.

Virginia7

Hey folks, some really good stuff here. I really appreciate all the feedback, and suggestions. Not sure where I'll end up on these two. As some have noted, it will probably come down to picking the rifle first, then the cartridge.
A friend of mine just got one of the new Ruger Frontier models in 300WSM. He loves that stuff - the bigger the better. He reminds of the the "tool man" on the TV show, Home Improvement - always looking for more power He just loves magnum cartridges.
Now me, as I've gotten older I find myself looking at the older cartridges such as these two (6.5x55 and 7x57), and even such as the 270 (of which I have one). Sort of like looking at the "oldies but goodies" I've got a 358Win. for bigger stuff if I need it, and boy does it sure lay a deer flat in a hurry. Kind of looking for something mild now, but still very effective.
Figure if I ever need a big & nasty again, I'll get a 375H&H. Small bore magnums don't interest me much anymore (7mm, 30 & 33cals. mags).
I like the idea of the Ruger #1. Maybe that little RSI in 7x57. Hmmm.
But, I still like that new Win. Classic Featherweight stainless too.

Oh well. Don't ya' love it - all the choices the gun companies give us these days.
Let's see, where's that Lotto ticket?
Thanks again for all the responses.

James B

Virginia 7. You are a sick man. You have gun fever. Ain't it great? The only 7x57 that I have is an old Mauser. It is still all military. I have always wanted a Ruger number one in 7x57. Pretty spendy though for a retired guy. I have a 7mm-08 and a 280 so I have the .284 slot covered. Both these rifles are NEF's They shoot very well and you can't beat the price. My 6.5x55 is a sporterized Swedish Mauser.

Doe Dumper

My name is Tony! Im a gunaholic!! For some reason the magnum thing just never appealed to me. I guess it is because I despise recoil. There are plenty of guns in my niche that I wanna get and try though. I can stand a 30-06 so I dont think I'll ever be at a loss for power. I've got a 7 mag also...but its gonna remain a cabinet queen. OUCH!

I have always wanted a 6.5x55 and a 7x57 but theres so many on the list and so many others in the cabinet I think I need to buy a good safe before I buy any more guns. That sucks...i think they should give ya one free with the purchase of 10 or 12 guns

Virginia7

Now there's a man with an IDEA! If we could just get the gun companies to go with it, heck, I'd be half way there with Ruger (if we count all types - rifles, handguns, etc.)

JamesB: Yeah, I got the fever alright. Ain't it wonderful (ha,ha)
I love it, 'cept for the budget []