Cooper 6.5X55

[HEAD0001]

I think I have made my decision on which rifle and chambering. I think I am going to go with a Cooper Varmint Laminate in left hand configuration. I was up in the air between 260 Remington and 6.5X55 Swede. I think I am going to go with the Swede?? I am looking for all comments for my final decision. I will be ordering my rifle this week. Thanks, Tom.

 

[jwv2001]

I suppose by where you are at, you will be using the rifle mainly for chucks. I will also suppose by the cartridge you chose that you are a handloader. If both answers are affirmative then the 6.5x55 is as good as any other. The rifle will be accurate.
The only caution I would give you is that it will be in the M22 action. This action and rifle will be much heavier than the M21 action. If you are going to hunt with this rifle then I would look for a cartridge in the M21 action. If you are primarily going to shoot from a bench then it doesn't matter.

 

[DukeDuke]

Great choice!!! One of the most versatile rounds out there. I'd get a fast twist barrel to handle the 130-140 even 160 bullets.

 

[HEAD0001]

The rifle will be mainly used as a fun rifle-out to 1,000 yards, and a deer rifle out to 700 or 800 yards. Yes I do reload. Weight is not an issue, I am a handicapped hunter and do all my hunting from my Kawasaki Mule. I do not think the Mule will mind a little extra weight. Thanks, Tom.

 

[8mmMauser]

Excellent choice, my 6.5 Swede is my favourite rifle. 1-in-8 twist is ideal for this calibre .

 

[2506]

The only thing about a store bought rifle in 6.5X55 Swede is that the throat is very long, usually for the long 160 gr bullets. Most Swedes will shoot very good even though you have to jump the bullet a mile. I have 5 Swede military Mausers and load 120 and 140 gr bullets to the max OAL that will fit through the magazine 3.050' and they will all shoot very tight groups. I have one that I sported and left the 29' barrel on it and I get 3000 fps with 46 grs AA 4350 and 120 Nos. BT and with 45 grs AA 4350 and 140 Sierra or Hornady bullets I get 2850 fps. These are max loads for the Mauser 96 action but they are one hole group shooters and they really smack a deer. Go with the longest barrel you can get. You only need 2600 fps MV with the Sierra 140 MK to keep it supersonic at 1000 yards. The Berger bullets can start out even slower a the muzzle. Get you some Lapua cases for the Swede.

 

[giuliano]

Stick to 6.5x55 and You don't go wrong !

I'm building a new rifle in cal. 6.5x55 for 1000 yards shooting competitions with 28 inch barrel 1/8' rifling twist to shoot berger 140 grains vld at 2900 fps !

 

[Gunboy09]

Just curious what powder and Grain weight combination that you be able to push you 140grain out of a 28' barrel at 2900fps?.

 

[DukeDuke]

I use 140 amax with a nice charge of RL17 out of a M96, 2900+ is not a problem

 

[Gunboy09]

How many grain of RL17?and how far of the lance?...

 

[DukeDuke]

Started at 43.0, stopped at 46.0 and touching the lands

 

[Gunboy09]

I try that one with H4831 near the lance, the pressure from the round flatten the primer and print the bolt face on to the primer.