Caliber?

[neoinarien]

Hello,

First post. I just wanted to say that it's a welcome sight to see a forum where the reloading area is the most commented in.

So I'm getting into a new rifle. What it is remains to be seen. I've been hooked on 6.5x55 from my milsurp Swedes. Predominant use with the rifle would be paper punching out to 800 yards, but also hunting a few times a year. I'm looking for a round that will have fantastic accuracy, lower on the recoil,dislocated shoulder enjoys lower recoil), adequate power. Hence my attraction to the 6.5x55, along with other 6mm rounds.

Any suggestions? Is 6.5x55 adequate to reach out to 600-800 yards for deer? I've been reading about the various things out there outside the milsurp world calibers in 6mm-ish and frankly the options are pretty exciting. I reload, so anything that is reloadable.

Thanks!

Edit: meant to link here

http://www.snipercentral.com/65swed.htm

 

[aubrey]

Go 6XC, it ticks all the boxes.

 

[jthyttin]

Stepping up to 7mm would be better for retained energy at 800y, but if 6.5 is your limit on recoil the Swede will do everything you need. Bonus is that I presume you already have reloading equipment for the Swede.

Berger 140gr should be great choice, high BC, accurate, adequate weight, good terminal ballistics also on low velocity. Haven't tried the Berger and haven't shot deer size game at 800y so this is just hearsay...

 

[Preacher]

The old swede will take care of anything you plan to shoot as far away as you can put a bullet in the right spot.....

 

[neoinarien]

7mm as in 7x57 mauser?

 

[olympian]

The Swede will do everything you need it to do. Keep in mind that shooting game at 800 yds. is very difficult without considerable effort because if your range estimation is off by just a few yards means over the back or under the belly. Windage is an entirely different complicated situation.

As for retained energy at 800 yds., I think the Swede will do fine assuming you put the bullet in the right place. If you put the bullet in the wrong place, it would not matter if you hit it with .375 H&H.

 

[neoinarien]

I've never shot a 7x57: how is the recoil on it? Much more like a 6.5x55, closer to a 30-06?

 

[CJ6]

The Norse countries have been taking Moose and other large critters with the 6.5x55 for a 100 yrs.what else needs to be said