6.5 x 55 as a long range precision round for a beginner?

sxsp

sxsp

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Hello All,

This is my "first post" on CGN.

I am considering getting into precision long range shooting and I was wondering about the 6.5 x 55 cartridge. This is a favorite caliber of mine for hunting, but I have only used the good old Carl Gustav M96 actions and hence, lighter hand loads. In the case of precision shooting, I would be looking to purchase a custom 6.5 x 55 rifle made on a savage tactical action with 27" target barrel.

Would this be acceptable for ranges up to 1,000 yards, or should I look at a more "standard" long range caliber?

I look forward to any advice on this matter.
 
Get a modern action and build one to use Lupua Brass. This way you can crank it up. I am building one off of my donor Savage 111 in 3006,it just doesn't know it yet. I have 5 Swedes so I totally understand that cartridge.
 
It was my first long range cartridge. Tika t3 varmit. Used it at camp borden in a few matches. I use factory loaded lapua ammo in it. By far one of best purchases. I really like it, i find after 800 yrs i wanted a bigger caliber though. But up until then its perfect.
 
blackbeard said:
I have a tikka t3 sporter in 6.5x55.Shoots great out to 1450 yds.
Click to expand...

Like blackbeard says 6.5x55 is a great caliber well past 1000 yards.

I would have a good look at tikka's. Much nicer action in my opinion and no more expensive then a savage.

If your looking for a good long range gun on a budget then try to find a blued t3 varminter.

Awhile ago there was a sale on t3 sporters in 260rem. That would be a good option as well if you can find one used.
 
Use a single shot action. Much stiffer and a lot more bedding room on the bottom. Add a third action screw.

I used a 30" Shilan 6.5x55 on a single shot Savage action. It lasted about 5,000 rounds. Never competed past 1200 yards with it, but it shot well with RL22 and RL25 and Sierra 142 bullets at about 2950 fps.

Make sure you use a reamer that sets the 142 out a fair bit, so you get as much powder room as possible.
 
6.5 55 is a good LR cal. A gentleman on the board Vviking, who will hopefully tune into this soon uses a mauser action (I believe M96 but my memory escapes) exclusively for LR shooting and he gets CCB hits on out 950yrd gong all the time. The cal doesn't run out there either. Its no mile caliber but those long slippery bullets cut through the wind well and can make for a very good shooter in a good rifle with a tuned load.
 
Mt T-3 Stainless Varmint is my go to rifle for 500meter plinking, our range only goes to 500 meters. The 142gr matchking in front of R-22 shoots very well out of my rifle.
 
I just started shooting 6.5x55 with my Sig SSG3000. Very impressed so far. Received some 6.5x55 brass and 140gr BTHP bullets just before Christmas, now to find it's favorite load :)
 
LONG RANGE SHOOTING, the 6.5x55 Swede will work very well. As time goes by we are always trying to improve on such things, there are now a lot of other calibers in 6.5 that are as good or better. Do a bit of homework on this and you will see the 260. and several other casings with 30 degree shoulders that are preferred by todays shooters.
Enjoy.
 
6.5X55 would be a great round for long range shooting but you will have to hand load to realize its potential or buy european factory ($$$$$). Other than that, the advantages of light recoil and report are really good for competitive shooting. My Tikka LS in 6.5X55 is my most accurate rifle.
 
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