6.5x55 for long range

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dogone

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I am just beginning long range shooting and have been looking at a tikka T3 in 6.5x55. Would this be practically usable to 1000 yds? I would be shooting paper and the occasional coyote (maybe).
Any thoughts or knowledgable advice welcome.:confused:
 
I use the 142gr Matchking, ahead of R-22, in my T-3 Varmint in 6.5x55, and it shoots well at 500 meters. I hope to try it at 1000 yards next spring.
 
6.5s have been competing at 1000yds for decades... even a century. Correction, OVER a century

The bullets are great, that rifle should shoot very nicely.

Load any of the better match bullets in the 139 to 142gr class and H4831SC. If the bedding is good, load tuning proper, there is little reason why you cant be sub MOA at 1000yds if you can shoot.

As for coyotes, mechanically, nearly impossible at that distance. 400yds however, should be a nice practical max.

For hunting LR, I would go Berger, Hrn Amax for best low speed expansion.

Enjoy..

Jerry
 
6.5x55 is is proven accurate for long range for well over a century
hunting game is completely different thing
you need to respect the spécifications of the bullet
exemple: 140gr nosler ballistic tip needs to hit the target at a minimum of around 1800 fps to open up properly
it is not just a matter of pure foot pound of energy
 
The Swede will get it done. The Tikka will get it done, BUT the gun is a hunting rifle with a light contour on the barrel. Don't get carried away and let the gun get too hot.
 
Some months ago while researching a calibre for a futre build I decided on 6.5x55 over all the other 6.5mms but then changed my mind to 7mmWSM after realizing how much the 7mm bullets have to offer. The 6.5mms are great choices but for me, the benefits of the 7mm calibre are too great, especially for LR hunting and also at 1000 yards.

If you want an easy to load 6.5mm chambering with quality (Lapua) brass without the need to fireform, 6.5x55 is a good choice.
 
+1 for the venerable swede. reload! the factory ammo is abysmal compared to the cartridges true potential. I see a dressed up savage in the swede in my future.....hmmmm may need a standard bolt head to change a magnum action over.. TO THE EE!
 
I just built a Stevens based 6.5x55. This is about my 5th 6.5x55. I've got sporterized mausers as well as modern actions. The round gets it done. 1000 is easy to do with the 6.5 if you can find a load that will work in it and i've never had difficulty getting that to happen. I've taken the 6.5 out to a mile and it runs pretty close to my .338 Lapua, obviously without the payload though. As far as hunting goes you will need to take the game you are hunting into consideration, but i've made my longest shots with the 6.5's
 
At close to $2k out the door, that comparison might be a little wishful. The Master Sporter may have been able to be so compared with a straight face back in the day.

The nice thing is, the TRG trigger fits the T3 with only minor ingenuity.
 
I had a similar question earlier this year: What gun, scope and caliber for 1000m or less? Since I knew I could never get a rifle with the stock I needed(even the expensive TRG or it's cheaper alternative T3 Sporter) I opted for the T3 Varmint stainless (why spend much on the stock, when it will be replaced?) with a Zeiss 6.5-20 and chambered in the century old 6.5X55 Swede. As mentioned previously by another, factory rounds are anemic to accomodate a couple military models limitations, so the potential in a modern action is appealing.
 
The 6.5x55 SM is, in my opinion, one of the most accurate rounds out there. It is not magic to be able to shoot sub MOA groups (even with open sights) out to 300 m - that is, if the shooter can do it. I haven't seen a Tikka not shooting well yet! If you plan on shooting paper mostly, consider a heavy barrel Tikka like the Sporter, Varmint or Tactical, put a good scope on it, reload your ammo with good components and you will have a lot of fun out to 1000 yards or more.
As far as hunting at 1000 yard goes: I think it is pretty unethical! There are too many factors influencing your bullet during the flight time, to make it an ethical and humane kill shot. Unfortunately a lot of the forums one can find in cyberspace talk about "head shots only" at 700 yards and beyond. Considering the size of the brain of a deer or even moose, this would mean that those "snipers" and their guns are continuosly able to shoot 1/2 MOA groups, or less, at those long ranges. Check the worlds best benchrest shooters results (groupings) at the same distances and form your own opinion of what seems ralistic and what not.
Have a lot of fun with your new Sporter!
 
The modern Tikkas are actually chambered in 6.5x55 SE (Skan), which is a different designation than the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser. Essentially it comes down to max pressures- the SE can be loaded to 'modern' pressures and velocities. You should be able to push 2700 fps with a 140 grain bullet. Unfortunately the Tikkas just don't come with enough tube to hit 2800+.
 
says who? I have a 20" on an old Husky rebarreled in 6.5X55 and with RL-17 and a 140 Berger hunting VLD, I am getting 2870. It will go faster, but it is bug hole accurate at 2870.
 
CV32 said:
Still working on my own 6.5x55 AI project. Still.
Click to expand...

I've started planning a future build was thinking 260rem got distracted by some of the 7mm options and then came to the 6.5x55 imp sounds like a great round how has your experience been. I was considering buying a shilen prefit for a savage but don't see 6.5X55 ai listed on their site how much more difficult is it to get the barrel? I checked the redding site they have dies listed for it in the custom area so they would be available just expensive. I may have to bug Mysticplayer and see what he thinks of this option.
 
Well I guess I should eat my shorts! What payload of Rl17 are you running? Thats impresssive! (Pm ok)

I'm looking forward to Alliants 2000MR and 4000LR powders getting into the country as well
 
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