I’ve been having the itch for a 6.5 caliber rifle for some time now and I’m having a hard time deciding between the two. They are both offered in the same rifle I’m interested in. They are both very similar in cartridge size except the 6.5 x 55 is slightly larger, but when looking at my Nosler reloading book the 260 Rem. seems to have a slight edge on velocity. Either one would be reloaded so ammo availability is not an issue. Can the 6.5 x 55 be reloaded to surpass the 260 Rem. and is there really an advantage between one over the other being that both rifles would be equal in handling reloads. My impression is just the flip of a coin and the choice would be done. Does someone have something to add that I just might have missed...

6.5 is an old mans gun, the .260 is for the young guys.

Go with the 6.5x55, its an all around better cartridge.

I would go with the 6.5x55 as it is military and will always be around. It can be loaded hotter than factory, too. If you need lots of pizzazz in the 6.5 arena, you could step up to the .264 Win Mag. Could be useful shooting the flats in, say, Montana.

If you're going to be reloading, get the 6.5X55.

I would prefer teh 6.5 X 55 b/c I believe of the shelf ammo is more available. While it is true that much of what's on the shelf may be "milder' in load, since the components are available I believe that in a strong action (and military Swede's would qualify, maybe not some 94's) the Swede is superior, by a little bit, in my opinion.

Here's a link where some discussion of this was present.

http://forums.basspro.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=15;t=002113

Well I am an old guy so I better stick to the 6.5x55.The Barnes Manual gives a fair edge to the 6.5x55 over the 260. Most Manuals are the opposite. The Swede in most Manuals is loaded down to respect the many older militatry rifles still being used. In modern rifles of equal strength, the 6.5x55 has the edge.

The 264 bullet performs well on game without the need for blazing speed. The old Swede even at 2500 fps is lethal.. If I were going to build one, I would opt for the 6.5-06. This would give a guy a advantage with the heaviest 264 Bullets.

I'm a young guy, 17 , but I like the 6.5x55

Still undecided for now but I have lots of time before it happens. Thanks guys for all the info...

I could be wrong but doesn't the 6.5x55 have better potential accuracy? The Swedes swear by it as a high powered rifle match round. I would probably stick with my 6.5x55. But I don't reload so ammo choice is pretty thin.