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Read with interest the comment that the 6.5x54 is not deer-legal in UK. Are "deer" in that context roe deer and red deer, or just one or the other?

Either way this fact reminds me how ridiculous some game laws {there, here, everywhere} can be. I do not own a 6.5x54 M/S but do own four 6.5x55's. The difference between the two with 160 grain bullets is "somewhat" but not dramatic unless really high pressure 6.5x55 loads are compared to standard or downloaded M/S. And the 160's kill whitetails very well indeed. Sounds like the old M/S felt thru the cracks legally-speaking. Too bad as it is hard to conceive of a better deer rifle in a general sense.

Also, it is interesting that a caliber that saw worldwide use and acclaim 6.5x54 M/S} at a time when the 6.5x55 was a mere technical curiousity outside Norway and Sweden {c.1900-1950} is now effectively defunct, while the oddball Scandi round has become a Rock Star in the hunting world {this for good reason, too IMO}.

I think that reason is the combination of thousands of surplus rifles dumped on the world markets after WW2 in combination with the really superb and amazing performance of the 6.5 bullets in a moderate-sized case.

Naki: I think you will have to make dies for the 9.5x57 cases. I remember reading a while back that 8x57 cases can be used but may require .40 cal neck expansion then reduction to a crush fit in your chamber as you size for .375, i.e. in order to relocate the shoulder. Also, the base diameter of some 8x57 cases may be a bit large and may need to be sized down.

Escard: Using only my experience with the 6.5x55, I am wondering what bullets you were using? Also, what ACTUAL velocity were your loads? Reason I ask is that even with the 6.5x55, particularly in carbines, some loads using the 160 grain bullets only generate around 2000-2100 fps at best in tight bored guns, less in loose bored guns like you mention. I am wondering if the bullets you used were not opening up due to "hard" bullet construction + low velocity. This is actually a concern with any of the military 6.5's, and for small critters like you mention a lighter, faster-moving bullet may be best.

Personally, I very much like the 140-grain weight overall. It has worked well for me on elk, whitetail deer and even opens up in small critters like 40-pound coyotes. I like the 140 grain Prvi Partizan bullet. Not the best ballistic shape, but it opens well and is very accurate out of my guns. And cheap. The two bull elk I shot with the 6.5x55 were shot with 140 Remingtons. Even out of my 17-inch Ruger carbine, I get just shy of 2600 fps and good performance and from my 22-inch guns, 2700 fps. yes, a bit higher than can be expected from Herren Mannlichers und Schönauers
Karabiner.

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