260 or 6.5x55 in T3 Varmint

If you were choosing a classic platform, I would be inclined to say; "6.5X55." However, in a T3, I would suggest the .260 Rem... a 6.5mm in a .308 case is a harmonious thing, with many desirable attributes.
 
If you were choosing a classic platform, I would be inclined to say; "6.5X55." However, in a T3, I would suggest the .260 Rem... a 6.5mm in a .308 case is a harmonious thing, with many desirable attributes.


The 6.5x55 actually makes more sense in a T-3 , because the T-3 actions are all one length.
 
The twist is 1:8"
I choose the swede over 260 since the Tikka is a long action and since it is a slightly larger case I can load it up a bit more.
 
I was just on the phone with Prairie Gun Traders and bought the last Tikka t3 in 6.5x55 they had. ;) Looking forward to wringing it out, it will be a safe mate for my Tikka in 204.
 
Not yet but I haven't chronied them in the dead of winter yet. I hear when you load near max or at max with good case fill it doesn't seem to be as temperature sensitive
 
It looks like the 6.5x55 is leading by a landslide. Thanks for all the advice. I have read all the stories of it being used in Scandinavia on moose etc. but does anyone have any real game experience in Canada with larger game like elk or moose they'd care to share?

I have shot three Moose and one Elk with the 6.5x55. The load I used is the venerable 140 Partition, chased by a healthy
load of Norma MRP for 2850 fps at the muzzle. One moose was taken at 370 yards, and was DRT, the Elk [a cow] was at 225 and went about 30 yards.
I have no reservations using the 6.5x55 on larger game with the right bullet and proper placement. [Easy with the 6.5x55, it's so accurate]

Mine is a Remington 700 "Classic", and is on it's 3rd barrel, so it has been used a fair bit. :) Regards, Dave.
 
I have shot three Moose and one Elk with the 6.5x55. The load I used is the venerable 140 Partition, chased by a healthy
load of Norma MRP for 2850 fps at the muzzle. One moose was taken at 370 yards, and was DRT, the Elk [a cow] was at 225 and went about 30 yards.
I have no reservations using the 6.5x55 on larger game with the right bullet and proper placement. [Easy with the 6.5x55, it's so accurate]

Mine is a Remington 700 "Classic", and is on it's 3rd barrel, so it has been used a fair bit. :) Regards, Dave.



Good to hear. I wasn't sure how the round would performs past 250 on Moose. Sounds like with a 140gr partition there really isn't an issue.
 
Hey Dave did you recover any of the partitions?

The 140 is a hard bullet to recover on a broadside shot, but I got one back from a moose. It is classic Partition.
Peeled back to the partition, retained just a bit of the front core. Found under hide of the far side of the moose.

I have shot a lot of deer, muleys, Whitetails and Blacktails with the 6.5x55 and 140 or 125 Partitions. I have recovered only 2 bullets from over 30 animals.
Both were the 125 grainers, and both were shot at a noticeable angle, rather than broadside.

I have some 130 Accubonds and Sciroccos loaded. They shoot well, but no game taken yet. I am expecting stellar performance from both bullets.

Regards, Dave.
 
Some of the 6.5x55 are throated for the long 160 grain bullets. What is the Tikka throated for or the CZ 550?
Anyone know?
It is one of the reasons I have stayed away from the 6.5x55.
 
Some of the 6.5x55 are throated for the long 160 grain bullets. What is the Tikka throated for or the CZ 550?
Anyone know?
It is one of the reasons I have stayed away from the 6.5x55.

My T3 is throated long. I wasn't able to get on the lands and still have the bullet sufficiently seated in the case. I still get great accuracy and velocity and I load my rounds to an overall length between 3.150" to 3.190". I found my rifle likes my loads best at 3.170"
 
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