I'm Sorta Torn - 6.5x55 or 25.06

Redhouse

Redhouse

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I know they will do about the same thing. Up to moose with good bullets, etc etc.

It will be my first big game rifle - I have a .223 and a super heavy .260AI that is not a walkaround gun. Thinking T3 Light, or maybe even one of the Marlins (which I know would eliminate the 6.5x55) with something like a 4x14 scope.

Was even debating a .257 Weatherby, but handle'd the blued/syn Vanguard and really wasn't a good fit for me despite a pretty decent price.

I love the bullet selection/ballistics in 6.5 (see ".260AI" above) but also like the idea of 100gr TTSX or similar going 3300fps for a flat long range shooter.

I'll be loading my own, if it matters. No need to worry about ammo availability in some remote location.

Anyone got thoughts that might push me off the fence one way or the other?
 
I have a Tikka T3 in 6.5X55. Awesome rifle. The caliber is incredible to load and shoot. If I had to make the choice, it would be the 6.5 in a heart beat.
The most accurate rifle I have ever owned. Would not hesitate to hunt pretty much anything with it.

IMHO
 
I think the Swede would be the most versatile, I load a 95 Vmax for varmints, a 120 nosler for smaller deer/caribou, and a 140 Barnes XLC for moose. With careful load development and powders I have three different bullets that all shoot sub moa at 100 yards, and all within a half an inch POI, so no need to change the scope settings.

I have not been able to achieve this with any other caliber yet... (Rem 700 Classic BTW)
 
6.5 is a close cousin to 7-08. I have one of each: a Winchester Featherlight that those dime size 5 shot groups with the now discountinued Federal Premium and my 700BDL sniper that does one hole groups with 140 partitions or Hornady 139 BTSP. The Winchester is great to 200 yards. The BDL outshoots some of the benchrest rifles to 300 and I have shot gophers with 100 grain Hornady at 700 paces! Both calibers can shoot varmints or big game!

BTW, My Featherlight will be up for sale as soon as I can take some pics.

Regards,
Henry;)
 
6.5x55 Swede. :)

Every time I come back from the range with one of my Swedish rifles I end up asking myself why I bother with any other caliber.
 
6.5 hands down. More inherently accurate, way better barrel life, and it has taken down every type of game in North America.

On the down side, some actions will have difficulty witht he Swede case as it is slightly larger than a standard 308/30-06 bolt face. Most have no probllem, but some do.

Lapua brass, H4350 or N560, and you'll be shooting bug holes.
 
6.5

I have two 6.5x55 swede. inherantly accurate cart. surprising low recoil for the power delivered. I read ( i think it was a chuck hawks ) artical on this cart. he was saying becuase of the long stable bullet design / high sectional density the 160 gr. had equivalent power of a 220 gr. '06. I have a 30/06 & shot 220 gr. it has a decent wallop.... now I want some 160 gr. just to do some penetration tests.
 
My 25-06AI factory rifle, only one company making them that I know of.
IMG_2242.jpg
 
only advantage I see the 25-06 having is shooting a 80 gr Barnes TTSX @ 3600 fps and dont have a range finder.

The 6.5 with a good 120-140 gr bullet is a great combo, and if you know your ballistics you'd be set for deer out to 500 yards. Since you're into precision shooting (260AI) I will assume you know how to use a elevation turret to aim dead on at extended ranges. If you know the distance, know your load, and have a scope suitable for dialing MOA, the 6.5 wont dissapoint. Neither will the 25-06 mind you, but I think the 6.5 is just a bit more versatile with its ability to shoot those heavy, aerodynamic 6.5mm bullets, not to mention wonderful Lapua brass
 
Red

I have a real nice Steyr in a 6.5 fun gun to shoot. I have a tikka stainless laminate in 25-06, and the Sako HB in 25-06. Plus 257 bob, 257 Ackley, 250 Savage. Like shooting 75gr Vmax in the 25's for fun and the bigger bullets for deer.
You should get one too. FS
 
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