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Ripp
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Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser
      #358859 - 04/12/21 03:41 AM


Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser

It's not much of a stretch to make a case for the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser being the best 6.5mm cartridge of them all.

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/best-65mm-cartridge-65x55-swedish-mauser/386533

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DarylS
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: Ripp]
      #358861 - 04/12/21 05:31 AM

Tks Ripp - that was a very good article & reminded me to check the Nosler and Euro loading data on this round. Re#16 really seems to shine(I don't have any).

My Commercial 6.5x55, a Varberger 9" twist (made in Sweden) likes the 129gr. SST and 43.0gr. Re#17. I haven't done a lot of load development with this rifle, but 160's, Hornady and Sierra loaded with H4831 also shoot well at 100 meters - right at the 1" range. The 129's are a wee bit more accurate. It was fairly easy to smack the 14" x 16" R500 plates out to 500 meters, but of course, I was shooting off a bench with a stadia-wire reticaled scope.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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Ripp
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: DarylS]
      #358865 - 04/12/21 07:15 AM

Quote:

Tks Ripp - that was a very good article & reminded me to check the Nosler and Euro loading data on this round. Re#16 really seems to shine(I don't have any).

My Commercial 6.5x55, a Varberger 9" twist (made in Sweden) likes the 129gr. SST and 43.0gr. Re#17. I haven't done a lot of load development with this rifle, but 160's, Hornady and Sierra loaded with H4831 also shoot well at 100 meters - right at the 1" range. The 129's are a wee bit more accurate. It was fairly easy to smack the 14" x 16" R500 plates out to 500 meters, but of course, I was shooting off a bench with a stadia-wire reticaled scope.




I plan to get one of these one day in the 6.5x55 --think for hunting on the ranch it would be perfect...

https://www.sako.fi/en-us/rifles/sako-85/85-bavarian-carbine

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93x64mm
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: Ripp]
      #358867 - 04/12/21 07:32 AM

When you think this cartridge came out 130 years ago the care & build quality in the rifles as well as the ammunition set amazing standards!
The 6.5 Creedmore is just history repeating itself - albeit with 21st century technology not 19th century's.
As to which cartridge is better it all personal preference....but I'm a fan of history so I think you can figure out which I'd pick!

Edited by 93x64mm (05/12/21 07:55 AM)


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Marrakai
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: 93x64mm]
      #358870 - 04/12/21 10:06 AM

Yes indeed.

I would have to pick the 6.5x54 Mannlicher or MS because of the marvelous vintage sporters turned out by the Brits over a century ago. But...

I have a couple of Swedes in 6.5x55 and rate them very highly.

One is an M38 on an 1899 Oberndorf action, unmolested VGC+ with Metallverken Vasteras micrometer rear sight. What a tack-driver in military precision shoots!

The other is an Aussie sporter conversion, with the 1970s timber sporting stock commonly seen here, and a 2-7x28 VX2 on top.
It was my culling rifle, using 140gr Sierra Pro-Hunters, before the Ruger RSI .308, and I never found it wanting for accuracy or killing power. Replaced only because the low-swing safety was needed to carry it safely with a chambered round.

One of my hunting mates has a Ruger M77 Mk.II in 6.5x55 and carried it on several Cape York pig hunts just this year to good effect. His quote: "Everything shot with it died instantly". A rare rifle, all things considered.

Certainly agree that a Sako in this chambering would be a terrific deer or pig rifle.

And also agree with everything positive said about the cartridge.
Personally I have no clue why the .243 or the modern 6.5s even exist!

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au


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DarylS
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: Marrakai]
      #358872 - 04/12/21 11:00 AM

My old(&late)hunting buddy had a Ruger M77 in 6.5x55. It had a slightly oversized throat and standard 6.5x55 dies would not size the necks small enough to hold a bullet.
My Bonanza Bench Rest 6.5x55 dies, did, however the expander plug barely touched the necks when the case was withdrawn. So, the brass had very thin necks. I do not recall it's make- might have been Norma.

Ripp - that Sako is a peach.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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szihn
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: DarylS]
      #358876 - 04/12/21 01:35 PM

I have owned two 6.5 Swedes which I made and hunted with. They were very accurate and did all I ever asked of them.
But today I think my favorite is the 6.5M/S just like Marrakai.
And for the same reason.
It's just a cool shell in a VERY cool rifle.
2018 #1 Ant. Buck by Steve Zihn, on Flickr


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Ripp
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: szihn]
      #358884 - 05/12/21 03:19 AM

Quote:

I have owned two 6.5 Swedes which I made and hunted with. They were very accurate and did all I ever asked of them.
But today I think my favorite is the 6.5M/S just like Marrakai.
And for the same reason.
It's just a cool shell in a VERY cool rifle.
2018 #1 Ant. Buck by Steve Zihn, on Flickr




That's a beautiful rifle Steve..would love to hunt with one of those ..thanks for sharing

--------------------
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Northman
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: Ripp]
      #358928 - 06/12/21 08:55 AM

As a Norwegian... its called 6,5x55.




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NitroXAdministrator
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Reged: 25/12/02
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: Northman]
      #358955 - 07/12/21 01:19 PM

Ripp has probably been waiting for my comment. As I stir him and others every time the wannabe 6.5 Creedmoor is mentioned. That the 130 year old 6.5x55 has done it for 130 years, faster, better, more accurate.

I do this more or less in jest. But also because I like the old guns, old cartridges not modern wannabes designed to sell more rifles. Ripp knows it is in jest.

My clunker cut back M96 or M38 in 6.5x55 using the 140 gr Pointed/Spitzer FMJ bullets ex-mil or fmj target ? shoots tiny one hole three shot groups consistently. I am not a target shooter, 3 shot groups is adequate. I haven't used a lot of ammo in it. Some fmj's with ground off tips as well, on ferals and similar. I haven't reloaded for it. Obviously should. I'll add it to the list.

The rifle still has the stepped barrel, the aweful two stage trigger, an aweful black plastic stock replaced the cutback mil stock. I think I have added a better scope. One improvement! I do have a wood semi finished stock on hand for the Swedish Mauser but have considered a gross black tactical pistol grip plastic stock for it, if only the maker catered for the Swede. He said he might oneday. Would also have ten shot detachable boc0x mags. Then I could be really tacicool sniper with it!!! Join the 21st century!!!!

I mostly have the Swede as a loaner rifle if a visitor needs one for ferals.

I do like the 6.5x55 cartridge immensely. As Marrakai says, why bother with a .243 if one has a 6.5.

The 160gr 6.5mm bullet should be legal for sambar.

CZ used to, may still do, marketed a 6.5x55 sniper rifle to the world's militaries. Why not? It does the job with no fuss.

I think the 6.5x55 is a better cartridge than the 6.5x54/53R M-S's. Probably as the M-S cartridges are limited by the rotary magazines somewhat. Not a problem with the 6.5x55.

I do like the Steyr and M-S rifles however like many have mentioned.

A 6.5x55 in a Dorleac masterpiece or similar design Mauser rifle would be a gem to use and hunt with.

I will persevere with my Swedish Mauser clunker in the meantime.

I have a 6.5x55, a 6.5x53R, a 6.5x54 M-S and a M03 barrel in 6.5x65 ..... None of which I have used enough! . But I really really still do lust after a 6.5x68, in a custom barrel for my Mauser M03! Was only talking to a USA based M03 custom barrel makers this week. But alas he does mostly higger bore barrels.

I think the 6.5x55 will still be going strong for another 130 years ....

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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DarylS
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: NitroX]
      #358958 - 07/12/21 03:03 PM

John - a while back (few decades) I re-read the article in one of P.O. Ackley's books (#1 I think) about an Wildcatting experimenter named Arch. Arch had his own version of an improved 6.5x55 for the Swedish Mauser rifles, but had experimented with one opened up to .264 Win.Mag. & noted the
old 96 action was a lot stronger than people gave it credit for. The 98 was indeed an upgrade, in the large ring variety, due to the better gas handling in case of a pierced primer or case failure.
Well, I figured if he can do it, so can I.
I got my buddy's reamer and opened mine up to 6.5x68.
Now, it was a 2 shot only, which was OK by me. The bolt would "just" close over a round sitting a little bit cock's eyed in the magazine.
The only drawback, was that to remove a chambered round, you had to pull the bolt out a bit. NP
I didn't work up full powered loads in it, but felt a 129gr. Hornady at 3,150fps of so, was fast enough.
Buddy Keith was running those at 3,300fps in his 6.5x68.
The only thing(s) I shot with it as a pair of snowshoe hares on the road, 210 and 220yards in front of us, one perfectly behind the other. One shot, 2 rabbits. Killed them both, DRT. It looked like 1/2 (base) of the bullet went through both shoulders of the second one, after bouncing off the road at approx. 215 yards from the truck.
edit: I forgot to mention, my rifle still had the 29" bl.
The 6.5x68 is one hell of a bunny round - 2 for one shot.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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NitroXAdministrator
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Reged: 25/12/02
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: DarylS]
      #358978 - 08/12/21 04:27 PM

Daryl, I don't have any interest in converting a Swede Mauser to 6.5x68.

I want my multi barrel rifle in 8x68S to have a 6.5x68.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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DarylS
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: NitroX]
      #358985 - 09/12/21 04:42 AM

That'd be OK, I guess.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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Ripp
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Reged: 19/02/07
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: NitroX]
      #358987 - 09/12/21 05:17 AM

Quote:

Ripp has probably been waiting for my comment. As I stir him and others every time the wannabe 6.5 Creedmoor is mentioned. That the 130 year old 6.5x55 has done it for 130 years, faster, better, more accurate.

I do this more or less in jest. But also because I like the old guns, old cartridges not modern wannabes designed to sell more rifles. Ripp knows it is in jest.

My clunker cut back M96 or M38 in 6.5x55 using the 140 gr Pointed/Spitzer FMJ bullets ex-mil or fmj target ? shoots tiny one hole three shot groups consistently. I am not a target shooter, 3 shot groups is adequate. I haven't used a lot of ammo in it. Some fmj's with ground off tips as well, on ferals and similar. I haven't reloaded for it. Obviously should. I'll add it to the list.

The rifle still has the stepped barrel, the aweful two stage trigger, an aweful black plastic stock replaced the cutback mil stock. I think I have added a better scope. One improvement! I do have a wood semi finished stock on hand for the Swedish Mauser but have considered a gross black tactical pistol grip plastic stock for it, if only the maker catered for the Swede. He said he might oneday. Would also have ten shot detachable boc0x mags. Then I could be really tacicool sniper with it!!! Join the 21st century!!!!

I mostly have the Swede as a loaner rifle if a visitor needs one for ferals.

I do like the 6.5x55 cartridge immensely. As Marrakai says, why bother with a .243 if one has a 6.5.

The 160gr 6.5mm bullet should be legal for sambar.

CZ used to, may still do, marketed a 6.5x55 sniper rifle to the world's militaries. Why not? It does the job with no fuss.

I think the 6.5x55 is a better cartridge than the 6.5x54/53R M-S's. Probably as the M-S cartridges are limited by the rotary magazines somewhat. Not a problem with the 6.5x55.

I do like the Steyr and M-S rifles however like many have mentioned.

A 6.5x55 in a Dorleac masterpiece or similar design Mauser rifle would be a gem to use and hunt with.

I will persevere with my Swedish Mauser clunker in the meantime.

I have a 6.5x55, a 6.5x53R, a 6.5x54 M-S and a M03 barrel in 6.5x65 ..... None of which I have used enough! . But I really really still do lust after a 6.5x68, in a custom barrel for my Mauser M03! Was only talking to a USA based M03 custom barrel makers this week. But alas he does mostly higger bore barrels.

I think the 6.5x55 will still be going strong for another 130 years ....





In honor of you fondness of the 6.5x55, I am posting a "hate" article on the creedmoor..
https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/hunting/the-6-5-creedmoor-is-not-the-ultimate-super-cartridge/

Not really a hate article, but does offer the opinion the CM is NOT a super cartridge some may believe it is..

Like you I really like those calibers in the 6.5... have the 264. Win Mag, 6.5/284, Creedmore and PRC...have taken game with all of them.. up to and including elk.. no issues .. however I still believe .30 calibers are better for elk.. stuns them more effectively on the initial hit it seems.. having said that I have dropped elk to the shot with the .264WM... I realize dead is dead.. but, anyone who has hunted elk knows they can have a certain amount of resilience to bullets... I shot a bull once at about 140 yards--300RUM.. 200fr A-Frames..Bull had not idea I was there.. I shot, he turned and started walking away from me.. I could see the blook pouring out,,but he acted like he hadnt been hit.. amazing...

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..


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Ripp
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Reged: 19/02/07
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Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: Ripp]
      #358988 - 09/12/21 08:13 AM

More info.. YES, I really enjoy reading this stuff...


.260 Remington vs. 6.5 Creedmoor:

It’s All About Understanding Rifle Twist Rates
It might not win in a popularity contest, but the .260 Rem. is beginning to gain traction with hunters..


https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/guns/n...WtOfFvKkF1BBTRE

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..


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DarylS
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: Ripp]
      #358989 - 09/12/21 08:53 AM

WOW- those antlers are massive.
Body quite small(compared to an elk).


--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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Ripp
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Reged: 19/02/07
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: DarylS]
      #358990 - 09/12/21 09:33 AM

Agree--really small body compared to the elk in our area..

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: Ripp]
      #358997 - 09/12/21 11:46 AM

His weight went all to antler thickness.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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Ripp
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Reged: 19/02/07
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: NitroX]
      #359006 - 10/12/21 12:37 AM

Quote:

His weight went all to antler thickness.




Same here..that's why I am so thin...

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..


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DarylS
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: Ripp]
      #359007 - 10/12/21 02:59 AM

LOL - I'm the opposite.(but it might be from the beer energy)

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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Ripp
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Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: DarylS]
      #359009 - 10/12/21 03:27 AM

Quote:

LOL - I'm the opposite.(but it might be from the beer energy)






--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..


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Ripp
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Reged: 19/02/07
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Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: Ripp]
      #359010 - 10/12/21 03:29 AM

4 Reasons to Hate the 6.5 Creedmoor..

https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2019/7/19/4-reasons-to-hate-the-65-creedmoor

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..


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93x64mm
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Reged: 07/12/11
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Re: Best 6.5mm Cartridges: 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser [Re: Ripp]
      #359022 - 10/12/21 08:31 AM

Quote:

4 Reasons to Hate the 6.5 Creedmoor..

https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2019/7/19/4-reasons-to-hate-the-65-creedmoor




I think this puts a light on things that a lot of folks simply ignore, the newest is not necessarily not the greatest!


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