6.5X55 and 6.5 SKAN

[lelongcarabine]

Whats the difference, if any?

 

[Exercion]

If memory serves, the SKAN is a little longer so it wouldn't chamber in the military 6.5x55's. It's basically a 6.5x55 loaded for use in modern actions.

Eric

 

[lelongcarabine]

Thanks for the reply, Exercion! I did fine a dimensioned drawing of the 6.5 SKAN and compared it with the 6.5X55. They are very close and you are right about the SKAN being a smidge longer. Everything else is so close that one could write it off to dimensional tolerancing. I have not been able to find loading data or any mention of the SKAN being marketed in the USA. Thanks, again!

 

[Laurie]

I suspect it's simply a modernisation of the names and specs in the European CIP listings, our equivalent of SAAMI. The SKAN (from their spelling of Scandinavian) moniker was adopted in recognition of the original 6.5X55mm being a joint Norwegian and Swedish military project back in the early 1890s. The Norwegians never got any credit outside of the region since 'everybody' knows the cartridge as 6.5 Swedish Mauser.

Laurie,
York, England

 

[lelongcarabine]

Thanks Laurie! I appreciate your take on the subject. I've been seriously considering the 6.5X55 round as opposed to the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 6.5X47. Just in the planning stage, so far. The 6.5 and 7MM bores for long range shooting have really perked my interest. The .30's have been old hat for many years. I am really fond of the .308 Winchester round as well as the 30/06 and .30/338 Winchester magnum.
Those streamlined projectiles that have come available in the last decade could really make the 6.5 and 7mm bores a better choice for my shooting needs. We'll just have to see how the finances come together. Thanks Again!

Greg(lelongcarabine)
Colorado, High Country, USA

 

[Exercion]

Greg, I shoot the 6.5x55 in a Remington700 actioned F-Class rifle and loaded to modern pressures, with good brass (translation: Lapua) it rocks. Velocities are just behind the 6.5-284 (my current load is putting the 140gr class bullets between 2850 and 2925 fps. That's a 30" tube of course, but I get long barrel life and nice life on the brass too.

Eric

 

[lelongcarabine]

Eric, Is that a long action or a short M-700?

Greg

 

[jmm03]

Eric,I also shoot the swede in a model 700, would you care to share your load data? I use H4831SC in a lapua case behind a sierra 142.I have been testing different loads and so far i'm up to around 2700 fps using 46 grains which is 1 grain short of book max,(based I believe on the old data for the military actions.I would like to try for a little more velocity but want to err on the side of caution. Thanks, Jim

 

[nrar15]

I would also be interested in some data. Waiting for all my parts to come in for my Savage build. Will have a Brux 30" barrel action T&T with evolution trigger from SSS Stockade PDT stock can't hardly wait to start shooting it.
Bob

 

[Exercion]

It's a long action, so I have no problems going to max lengths if needed. I have no problems PMing some specifics, with the usual this is safe in my rifle reduce and work up idea. I run Lapua brass, Wolf primers, Lapua 139's (have used Sierra 142's) and 4831SC, and have also used RL22. Better velocity with the RL22, but my previous barrel had better sd/es with the 4831. On the other hand, with the RL22, I did venture into the 3k range but I didn't like it there. I may try the alliant again this winter to test it (better load technique and better chronograph). Remington 700, 30" pacnor 3 groove supermatch barrels.

Eric

 

[tsiero]

To jmm03:That's my money load also with Fed 210 primers.