7 X 57 or 6.5 x 55 ?
- Thread starter Ruffie
- Start date
Ballistic performance similarity aside on impact the 6.5x55 has better sectional density.
The Swedes and Norwegians took the time to developed this cartridge for a good reason.
While their design notes seem to be lost to history, I suspect they had a good hard look at the various hunting cartridges around at the time.
What's this 2700 with a 140 grain bullet in the 7x57????
I have never owned a 22" 7x57 that would not make 2900 fairly easily, using the correct powders. If you compare trajectory, starting the 140 - 6.5x55 at 2750 and the 140 - 7x57 at 2900, they are quite similar. The 6.5 - 140 gets the edge in sectional density, of course. As for the 175, I usually see about 2500 in a strong action, and that will penetrate like crazy!! Regards, Eagleye.
shoot2kill
New member
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- Prince George
It has been proved that the sectional density, and the twist of the 6.5 combine to provide killing power disproportionately high for the the size of the bullet and velocity of the bullet.
Considering modern cartridges, neither is very flat shooting IMO, but velocity is also overated, IMO; this coming from a guy whose first one gun choice is a 300 Win.Mag.
In short, I'm a 6.5 fan, but only in modern rifles, so the true ballistic potential can be achieved when handloading.
Considering modern cartridges, neither is very flat shooting IMO, but velocity is also overated, IMO; this coming from a guy whose first one gun choice is a 300 Win.Mag.
In short, I'm a 6.5 fan, but only in modern rifles, so the true ballistic potential can be achieved when handloading.
I doubt very much that you or anyone else would be able to see any disproportionate killing power difference between a 7x57 or a 6.5x55 using similar bullet type and weight at similar velocities.
Having said that .........
A sophisticated, discriminating shooter would take a 7x57 any time while the 6.5x55 would be the first pick for the trailer park refugee.
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shoot2kill
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- Prince George
Guys in trailer parks have 30-06's, no trailer parks in Sweeden.
I have owned both, I still have my 7x57 ruger that I bought new about 13 years ago. The 7x57 is my favorite as I feel slightly more comfortable on moose with it. Also, I shot my first dall ram with the same ruger about 12 years ago so there is a little sentimental value there.......
Applefarmer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- Lime Stone City
I would think ammo availability for the next 20 years would be of more concern, just back from CTC and hey look, no 7x57 on the self, a couple boxes of 6.5x55 and a large selection of 30-06, 270, 308.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- Summerland, BC
How about 260R vs 7-08?
Either will do a wonderful job and with modern bullets, the ballistics are exceptional.
Jerry
Full disclosure - compete with a 6.5, presently hunt with a 7mm
My bold; me too anything pre 1890 is just so old hat
Indeed, 1940 gets you a Swedish Mauser with a nifty brass catcher, which is a hand loaders dream in preventing lost brass.
Well said.
It all depends on what you shoot.
Here in Oz if you weren't a big deer hunter a 6.5x55 is probably ample for everything.
Good sporterized M96 6.5x55s are easily available and the lightest bullets are better for medium game.
But if you hunt serious deer and elk then 7x57 is better.
So for a Canadian rifle the 7x57 has the edge.
The only drawback is that few companies chambered rifles in 7x57 these days, instead prefering 7mm-08, which is silly because the 7mm Mauser will match the '08 at lower pressures.
But everything short action is "hip" so we see 7mm-08s instead and US companies would happily see the 260 Rem replace the 6.5x55 too.
Here in Oz if you weren't a big deer hunter a 6.5x55 is probably ample for everything.
Good sporterized M96 6.5x55s are easily available and the lightest bullets are better for medium game.
But if you hunt serious deer and elk then 7x57 is better.
So for a Canadian rifle the 7x57 has the edge.
The only drawback is that few companies chambered rifles in 7x57 these days, instead prefering 7mm-08, which is silly because the 7mm Mauser will match the '08 at lower pressures.
But everything short action is "hip" so we see 7mm-08s instead and US companies would happily see the 260 Rem replace the 6.5x55 too.
Fair question.What edge are you talking about exactly?
Keeping in mind how many Elk sized Moose get harvested every year in Sweden with the 6.5 Swede.
Bullet choice to begin with.
And I think that the bigger the game gets a bigger hole helps.
Ok, it's only by 20 thou but it makes a difference, IMO.
Plus, 6.5mm goes up to 160gr whilst 7mm goes up to 175gr.
A bit more bullet mass, same penetration.
As this is the 2nd time in the thread that a "K31 Swede Mauser" or a "6.5x55 K31" was mentioned, I think we should clarify that a K31 is a Swiss straight-pull action rifle originally chambered in cal. 7.5 Swiss (not interchangeable with 7x57), and the Swedish Mauser (m96, or '38) is a bolt action originally chambered in 6.5x55 Swedish.
