6.5x55 and it's derivatives

[kyreloader]

I have a long action Ruger M77 that currently has a PacNor .25-06 barrel on it that is quickly approaching time to need a rebarrel. I really would like to do a 25BR/Dasher, but worry about feeding issues since this is a deer hunting rifle. So, I think 6.5x55 would be a great caliber for a change. I have reloaded for a 6.5x284 and currently shoot MR F-class with a 6.5x47, so I have experience and bullets for the 6.5 caliber. Also, if I ever draw a KY elk tag or decide to go out west to elk hunt, I would feel better with a long 6.5 bullet than a 25 cal bullet. (primarily a deer rifle, 400 yards and less).

So regarding the 6.5x55, should I just get the standard chambering or is their a derivative that I should look at that is worth the effort. I am not sure I am really excited about just an AI modification, but is there a blown out or different derivative that I should be excited about?

I have considered the 6.5-06, but have a sweet spot in my heart for the old 6.5x55(like the price of Lapua 6.5x55 brass and thought of shooting 160g Woodleigh's).

What are everyone's thoughts about the 6.5x55 and it's derivatives?

Thanks!

 

[Raptor]

6.5x55 is a great round for long range shooting or hunting. My friend hunts with a sporter 6.5x284 and its a damn hammer for killing stuff.

I really like the 6.5-06 for hunting. It has the best of both worlds, 6.5x284 velocity and 6.5x55 feeding quality in a hunting rifle. You can also get good brass for it.

Anyone of the three you pick you will be happy with. Just pick one and shoot it!!

 

[jonbearman]

In europe they hunt everything with the 6.5x55 and I mean everything.In a modern action you can load it hotter as most loading imfo is conservative due to all the 96 mausers.Stick with the original or go with a 6.5-06.You wont have any problems with the swede at all.

 

[2506]

The 6.5 Swede is really a good round but so is the 6.5-06. For moneys sake I would go with the 6.5X55 Swede with an 8 twist barrel. That way you can shoot anything from 120 gr and up bullets with great accuracy. With the 6.5X55 you can get ready made cases and will not have to do all that fire forming for the 6.5-06 and you can get cheaper loading dies for the Swede. With your modern action you can load the 6.5X55 up quit a bit over published data. It is for under 46000 CUP loads for the weaker actions. With a 26" barrel you can rival the 6.5-06 with a 22" in velocity also. I have some of the 96 Swede Mauser rifles and even with under 46000 CUP loads with their long 29" barrels I can still get 3000 fps with 120 gr bullets and 2800 with 140 gr. A 130 Accubond at 2900 to 3000 fps would be a great deer to elk taker. ;D

 

[dzelenka]

I was in your exact position a number of years ago. I had a Ruger .270 with a really rough factory barrel so I decided to rebarrel it. I chose the standard 6.5x55 in a 24" #3 Schneider 1:9 barrel (I would go with a 1:8 if I were doing it again). I get 2800 - 2850 with Nosler 140 Ballistic Tips and Partitions. Stocked with a Brown Precision stock and using a 3.5-10x40 Leupold scope the rifle weighs 8 lbs, 6 oz. It shoots great and kills quite well plus it doubles as a great kid or small framed person's gun because of the low recoil. I killed a 225 lb whitetail with it at 316 yards last year. That 140 Ballistic Tip through the lungs works really well.

I don't think you would regret choosing the standard 6.5 Swede.

Dan

PS I am using 48.0 RL 22 under the 140 BT and 47.5 RL 22 under the 140 Partition in WW cases with a 210M primer at an OAL of 3.150"

 

[HoytFlinger]

You cannot use a 6.5 here in KY for elk. Minimum is .270.

 

[kyreloader]

You cannot use a 6.5 here in KY for elk. Minimum is .270.

Good call, if I draw, I will borrow a rifle for elk.

I would still like to hear more about the 6.5x55 and its derivatives.

Thanks Hoyt Finger.

 

[LHSmith]

The downside to a Swede Ackley, Vias (30'), or Greg Walley version is that there is no off-the-shelf sizer dies, therefore they must be custom made =expensive. Also, most, if not all, of the big name die makers have suspended making custom dies due to the high demand for dies and components. If you do opt for the wait and expense, you will end up with a die that most likely sizes your brass perfectly for your chamber.
If your criteria is < 400 yds, the standard swede will be perfect....especially since Lapua brass can handle stout loads.

 

[lhead71]

I have a Tikka T3 in 6.5 Swede and it is very easy to load for, accurate and kills well outside its "caliber diameter".
Last fall I took a 6x6 bull Elk at 278 yards with 140gr Nosler Partition, double punched both lungs, clipped a major artery and there were two holes. He went about 30 yards.

I know you cant use a 6.5 for Elk in KY, but it is a superb deer killer with 120-140 class regular cup and core bullets.

 

[1shot]

I have a G.W.I. (Greg Walley) and is far more tunable than my 6.5x284. Additionally, it will shoot inside my 6.5x284 by at least 1 scoring ring. The down side is if you use Lapua brass, you will need to open your bolt face up slightly as the Swede is .479. However, if you use W-W brass, no problem at all as they make there brass to .473.
I hope this helps,
Lloyd

 

[LHSmith]

I have a G.W.I. (Greg Walley) and is far more tunable than my 6.5x284. Additionally, it will shoot inside my 6.5x284 by at least 1 scoring ring. The down side is if you use Lapua brass, you will need to open your bolt face up slightly as the Swede is .479. However, if you use W-W brass, no problem at all as they make there brass to .473.
I hope this helps,
Lloyd

Good point....actually on my 700, it was not a BF problem with Lapua as much as the rim was too thick....which was solved by modifying cases with a simple cutting tool in the lathe. The Ruger may work just fine. FWIW, my chamber is a Vias improved.