Down to two

[Jayph]

Well I was going to rebarrel a Mauser action in a light kicking caliber for the old lady as a surprise. I have narrowed it down to the two I think are the best combination of low recoil and deer killing performance. I reload so factory ammo is not a concern. What do you guys think? I am on the fence with this one. I have never shot a quarter bore and I love the 6.5mm bullets, however I was talking with my father on the phone and he said that my mother shot a .257 Roberts in her hunter safety class and she liked it alot and recomended it. So here we go.

.257 Roberts shooting 115gr Partitions
or
6.5x55 SM shooting 125gr Partitions

I really like the partitions but are they overkill on a rifle that will see deer only? I want to stay in that bullet weight range to keep recoil down but am open to any sugestions on bullet type.

Which would perform better in a 22" barrel

My research indicates they should be relatively close in the recoil department.
Thanks in advance guys

 

[mylesrom]

Either one.... the recoil will be almost the same... there will be an option to use heavier bullets with the 6.5. The partition in those weights are the perfect deer round.

 

[SuperCub]

I have narrowed it down to the two I think are the best combination of low recoil and deer killing performance. I reload so factory ammo is not a concern. What do you guys think?

I think either caliber would fit the bill perfectly, but the 6.5 would offer a better heavy bullet selection down the road if the gun may be used for game heavier than deer.

For deer only ........ the 257 is PERFECT for your/her needs and would be my first choice.


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[todbartell]

flip a coin, they're the same thing in the end

 

[1899]

The .257 Roberts is a great little cartridge. Jack O'Connor's wife Eleanor hunted with a custom .257 Roberts, and had good success with it. I think it, especially in a custom mauser or model 70 is a true classic.

I have had good luck with Accubond bullets. In .25 caliber they are available in (for deer sized game) 115gr. I think it would be just fine for deer. You can go to Nosler's web site for load data.

Although I have never owned one, the Ackley Improved version is touted as on of the best of P.O. Ackley's improved cartridges. Nosler's site has load data for the Improved version too.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

While I like the 257, I'd go with the 6.5X55. You can go for heavier game if you want to, and you don't need premiums for deer. Plus, there is still a bit of surplus stuff out there for practice.

 

[Calum]

flip a coin, they're the same thing in the end

Heathen!
6.5x55 Swede is better.
It's made by sons of Odin.

 

[mbogo3]

Good as it is the .257 Roberts will never be a 6.5X55 Swede.........Harold

 

[SuperCub]

While I like the 257, I'd go with the 6.5X55. You can go for heavier game if you want to, and you don't need premiums for deer.

While I agree that the 6.5 allows for heavier bullets, I don't think that premiums are a must with the 257 for deer. The 100gr Hornadys have worked well for me in the past and the 120gr Hornady HPs have a good reputation as well.


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[bobv]

Go with the 6.5 x 55 Swede

 

[blargon]

Well, if you go for the 6.5x55 you don't need to rebarrel, just get one from tradex.

 

[Woodbeef]

I'm in the same quandry myself. Looking for something in the 1/4 bore range. Was leaning towards the Roberts,but those little HVA offerings at Trade Ex are starting to look really nice the more I learn about them.

 

[mylesrom]

Don't forget to look at the 7mm-08, close to the same recoil, but also fine for the future of going after larger game.

 

[Gibbs505]

Personally, I would go with the swede!

 

[liberty]

I am partial to the 6.5 x 55.

The 129 gr hornady interlock is a great deer bullet.

 

[jed]

I'll vote for the "Bob"

 

[Kilo Charlie]

I have a soft spot for the Bob. So it gets my vote. Either/or though. They're both fine rounds. If you had said the rifle MIGHT see deer only instead of WILL see deer only, I might lean towards the Swede...