Virginia7

6.5x55 or 7x57? What's your pick? I was thinking 280Rem., but can't get away from the
"itch" for one of these two. Maybe a Win.70 Featherweight stainless in 6.5x55, or a Ruger 77 in 7mm Mauser. []

James B

These calibers are so close that I quess I would let the rifle decide. I have not hunted much with the 7x57. I have used the 7mm-08 and the 280 quite a bit and the 6.5x55 a lot. The 7x57 would have a bit of an edge over the 6.5x55. Unless you figure things like some on this forum.. Pick your favorite rifle and you will be happy with either.

biscuit jake

Of the 2, I would do the featherweight in 6.5 x 55. I am biased to the weight & bullet combo on that. In Des Moines, the Gun Shoppe has a Remington Classic 6.5 x 55 in what appears to be good shape, for a little over 600. They are pricy there, but I salivate every time I see it. I would precaution that the last featherweight I owned was a 22 250, and accuracy was pretty ho-hum. Rather than work on it, I sold it off.

Slamfire

I'm a real fan of the 6.5 mms, I've used most of the non magnums at one time or another except the 6.5x58 Portuguese. The 6.5x55, 6.5x57, .256 Newton and .260 Remington could be peas in the same pod for all the difference there is amoung them. They'll do anything the 7x57 will do and with a bullet 20 grains lighter, meaning even less recoil. If you are sensitive to recoil, and many are, they are ideal.

halcon

My choice would be the 6.5X55 . I have the Winchester featherweight classic in that caliber .

popeye

I really like the 7mm's. I have a 280 and 7mm-08. I have only limited experiance with the 7x57 and have never shot a Swede.

I would buy the Swede before the 7mm Mauser. There are a lot better 7mm rounds out there but I have never heard a bad word about the 6.5x55. The numbers would give the 7x57 a slight edge but I don't think either would let you down.

Gundigest

I have a 7x57 and it is an awesome caliber. The 7mm is a little more versital than the 6.5s.

akbound

I currently have a .260 Remington and love the caliber. Unfortunately at the moment I don't have either a 6.5x55 or a 7x57. But they are similar enough that it would be hard to go wrong with either of them as they are both great calibers.

Best luck with your decision!

Dave

aunsaber

I have both and it would be hard to pick which shoots the best.
The 7x57 is supposed to be one of the most efficient cartriges ever but the 6.5x55 is inherantly more accurate. But we all know there are too many variables to make any differance in the real world.
Good luck

BareBack Jack

I like the 6.5,and I would get one but since it would be used for deer.I have a tough time dumping my 25-06.

I have shot the 6.5 (in a custom mauser)and it was a great shooting little rifle.
BBJ