6.5 Swede

[Paddyd]

I have a Savage LRPV M12 currently in 223R that I am considering rebarreling to the 6.5mm Swede, mainly because I see a large shank match barrel on clearance for under $300.
I already have dies for my old milsurp m96 so all I'm going to need is a bigger bolt head.
My question is how good is this cartridge for target work out to 300 yds and how finicky is it to find a good load for? No competition, I only compete against myself .
Thanks for your input.

 

[Frankm]

With same barrel twist, quality of barrel and action, etc the ole 6.5 Swede will do everything a 6.5 Creedmoor will “plus” a little more if pushed!!

 

[koger]

I have a Savage 110 with a 8 twist Krieger barrel on it that will shoot a cloverleaf at 300 yds, with 140 bthp Sierra Matchkings with HB1 coating on them. I am running them with the hotter 6.5x55 SE load data but will do it as well with the old load data I have been shooting since 1985.

 

[DocBII]

Paddy,

I shoot mine out to 1k with great consistency and small groups. 130 gr. bullets with N-560 or MRP works well. The swede was known as an accuracy cartridge before all the modern stuff. They weren't allowed to compete with .308 cartridges in military matches, they were so much better.

HTH,
DocBII

 

[Jerod McComas]

6.5x55 is a fantastic cartridge.
I've shot mine out to 1000 with great success.
It's faster than a creedmoor and slightly less than 6.5x284.
All depends on who's loading fir it.
300yds easy.
Good luck,
Jerod

 

[Laurie]

It's a very flexible, inherently accurate cartridge. For 300 yards, you don't need anything fancy / super-expensive in the bullet line. The old 140gn Sierra MK gives excellent short-range results assuming your barrel has a fast enough twist (1 in 8 or similar) and works well with a wide range of powders from IMR-4895 through to Viht N560 and N165. Very easy to tune too.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

IF, Tikka brought out, a Slightly "Blown Out" Modernized, 6.5x55 Sweede with, a 30 or, 35 Degree shoulder angle, can you imagine, How MANY Extra Rifles, they would Sell ??
Slightly MORE, FPS than the 6.5 Creed ( Slightly LESS than, the 6.5 PRC ) BUT, still, reasonably "Easy", on Barrels !
I'd Be in Line to, Buy One And with, CHEAP Lapua Brass as,.. an added, "Bonus"

 

[JEFFPPC]

IF, Tikka brought out, a Slightly "Blown Out" Modernized, 6.5x55 Sweede with, a 30 or, 35 Degree shoulder angle, can you imagine, How MANY Extra Rifles, they would Sell ??
Slightly MORE, FPS than the 6.5 Creed ( Slightly LESS than, the 6.5 PRC ) BUT, still, reasonably "Easy", on Barrels !
I'd Be in Line to, Buy One And with, CHEAP Lapua Brass as,.. an added, "Bonus"

Your correct but the bean counters can't compute that.

 

[65swede]

Pick a powder in the 4350/4831 range and a 130-140gr bullet and you will find bliss in short order. 6.5x55 Skan load data is modern Swede load data. You can also start with upper end 260rem data.

 

[SixFive]

One of my FAVORITE cartridges of all time.

If I am not mistaken (I could be) I remember hearing the 6.5x55 Swed held the 1k Palma match trophy for a number of years.

I love the cartridge, targets or game, it does it all. I have built at least 20 custom rifles in this caliber and own 6 currently.

Low recoil, accurate and versatile bullet availability makes it a fantastic cartridge, it is a real White Tail deer slayer to boot.

 

[Preacher]

Only thing better than a 6.5 swede is when it's necked to 25 caliber !!!

 

[joshb]

I’m a big fan. I have five guns chambered for it. I liked the old military guns so much, I chambered a custom gun and then built another. With it, I can see what it’s truly capable of doing in a modern action. I’m currently using the 123 Lapua Scenars and getting great accuracy. Lots of fun!

 

[nakneker]

I have one in a Tikka, it was easy to tune and very accurate with 140 Bergers. I’ve heard so much about the old workhorse I had to try, zero regrets.