6.5x55 156gr Norma Bullet Performance on Whitetail Deer?

W

WeakKnee

CGN Regular
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Location
Northeast Ontario
Hi,

I managed to acquire 3 different types of Norma 156gr loaded rounds for my "new to me" Husqvarna 1600 lightweight 6.5x55 rifle. The types of 156gr bullets are the; Vulkan, Oryx Bonded and Alaska RN. The Norma webpage suggests that the Vulkan may be the best bullet for deer at the short woods ranges that we hunt in central Ontario. The muzzle velocity would be about 2550fps (app. 2100 f/lb energy) and there is no need for a flat trajectory, as almost always shots are under 100 yards.

I usually handload quality 140gr 6.5mm bullets to a higher velocity for deer, so I am wondering if average whitetail deer present enough resistance to cause these heavier/slower Norma bullets to expand for quick kills? I have never used Norma ammo or bullets before so am hoping some of the members on CGN's can share there experience?

Thank you for your time,

WeakKnee
 
I shot a doe at about 150 yards with a 156 grain Norma about 26-27 years ago. Shot through both lungs and the exit hole was essentially the same size as the entrance hole. Took me a couple hours to find her as I recall.

That's my one and only experience with that particular bullet. I like 130 Accubonds out of my swedes.
 
Vulcan and Alaskan will work fine for deer but the load from Norma a pretty Anaemic..

The best hunting bullet I ever found for the 6.5x55 is the barnes 120 TSX . Wounding at close range is fierce and vicious and at longer range(200-300M) the channel remain broad especially if you aim for the shoulder.
 
Shot truckloads of deer and moose with 156gr Sako and 160gr Hornady bullets and have yet to recover one.Only gun in the herd that will stabilize the 160gr is the Swedish military mauser with it's 1-7.25" twist. The Win 70 FWT with the 1-8" will shoot the 156gr but not the 160gr.The T-3 likes neither but 140gr or less makes one hole. Standard load that shoots through a two moose and a fire hydrant is 42gr of either N204 or IMR 4350 and a 156-160 bullet...mag primer.........you can shoot deer lengthways and still eat right up to the bullet hole........Harold
 
The Internet shows that my Husqvarna 1600 6.5x55 is a 1 in 8" twist, it really likes 140gr bullets but I have not tried it with heavier bullets yet. I have many faster cycling, harder hitting rifles; but this is my "classiest" and I should give it a try on a nice day. WK
 
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