6.5x55 or 270?
- Thread starter moosecree
- Start date
If you are using a Swede in a 24" tube and you are reaching 3000fps with a 140gr, your pushing it too hard. If you break 2900fps you'd be doing very good.
BJ, you posted Quickload data at 3000fps for 140's and 3100fps for 130's in the 6.5x55. So if you where quoting .270 data off the top of your head for it that is great, but you said it was the Swede.
And with the bore reduction and capacity reduction, 60fps isn't reasonable. More like 150fps.
And most of the published experts have come out and stated that they like Quickload as a guideline for starting loads, because they have found that it has been unreliable in accurately dictating maximum loads with safe pressures.
That being said, we are wayyyyy off topic, and the 6.5x55 is essentially to the .270 what the 7x57 is to the 280 Rem. Not far off, but different.
BJ, you posted Quickload data at 3000fps for 140's and 3100fps for 130's in the 6.5x55. So if you where quoting .270 data off the top of your head for it that is great, but you said it was the Swede.
And with the bore reduction and capacity reduction, 60fps isn't reasonable. More like 150fps.
And most of the published experts have come out and stated that they like Quickload as a guideline for starting loads, because they have found that it has been unreliable in accurately dictating maximum loads with safe pressures.
That being said, we are wayyyyy off topic, and the 6.5x55 is essentially to the .270 what the 7x57 is to the 280 Rem. Not far off, but different.
Unless you completely ignore pressure, you will NEVER equal 270 ballistics from a 6.5x55, all else being equal. I own both as I mentioned, and I much prefer the Swede, but case capacity will win every time. I've chronographed all my loads (I've had a chronograph for 25 years or so), and even with a 29" bbl on the Swede and a 22" on the 270, the 270 still edges it out for speed with a given bullet weight. If you want your 264 bullets to be faster then a 270, buy a 264 Win Mag. FWIW - dan
I have 6.5x55 as my main hunting rifle, so I guess it answers the question.
However, the benefits of 270 is:
1) rifles are cheap - everyone makes them
2) lots of factory ammo everywhere
On the other hand, there is lots of cheap surplus rifles in 6.5x55 and you can find cheap factory ammo if you start looking for it.
Don't forget the fact that the 6.5x55 has some great Norma and Lapua brass for it. And the Lapua brass isn't really that expensive
I was actually just thinking that you could build a 6.5x55 AI on a Winchester Model 70 SA and have near .270 performance in a SA. The Winchester box is 3.050". Hmmmmmmmmm
- Location
- Ontariariario
I own 2 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser's and I see no need to get a .270.
There's just too much overlap in their uses for me to bother with a .270?
I'm sure the .270 is a perfectly suitable caliber in its own right, but I prefer guns and calibers that everyone and their sister doesn't own 6 of.
That's just me though.
Eric
There's just too much overlap in their uses for me to bother with a .270?
I'm sure the .270 is a perfectly suitable caliber in its own right, but I prefer guns and calibers that everyone and their sister doesn't own 6 of.
That's just me though.
Eric
COL on the 6.5 is 9mm longer than the .308, so unless you seat bullets deep or stick to very light bullets you may just run out of magazine length! You will have to check the mag box length of the short 700 (might work, I am sure mod 7 would not)
6.5 has a long COL due to the long bullets tradionally used in the 6.5x55
While some longer cased cartridges like the .257Rob are actually shorter in COL specs, its those 6.5 'pencil bullets' that stick way out - and thats part of the beauty of the 6.5's.
http://www.norma.cc/content.asp?Typ=59&Lang=2&DocumentID=262&Submeny=4&Rubrik=Calibers&Title=6,5x55%20Swedish%20Mauser
Yes. But, you will want to stick with the shorter bullets. The 120gr Btip will be the maximum amount of ogive you could handle. Realistically, you should go with the .260 in that action.
- Location
- Eastern Edge of the Foothills
Well said. When I punch in the numbers into the ballistics program at Handloads.com using the .264 accubond going 2900 fps at the muzzle, I see that the .270 will not [no matter how hot its loaded] perform any better in the field. No differences significant enough to show any performance edge in the field. The 6.5x55 is cool because it is a bit different and I like that my handloads are needed to make it really perform. The only advantage the 270 has is what was stated several times before. It is easier to find factory ammo for, and maybe brass as well. That's it.
6.5x55 with a 130gr Accubond or TSX @ 2850 fps is a pretty good combo. Only thing a 270 would do is kick a bit more and burn more powder. End result on game would be the same. At long range both are capable in the hands of a good shooter.
Pathfinder
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northeast Ontario
All very interesting to someone who just purchased a new Finnlight 6.5x55
I have that same nosler book and while that data his helpful for older rifles (6.5x55 data lists data for 100 year old rifles) and did note my swedish mauser prefererd the 46.5 load with remington brass..I had to turn up the pressure with a newer Tikka and winchester brass. Yours may prefer 45 grains or 48 etc.....there's only one way to find out. 2850-2900 fps is reasonably possible in a modern action .
I own both chamberings in modern rifles. [plus a couple of milsurp swedes] My M700 Classic is on it's 3rd barrel, giving an indication of how much I like and shoot the 6.5x55. I have never safely been able to reach 3000 fps in a 24" barrel with any 140 grain bullet. Most barrels will top out around 2850 or so with the 140 and 3000+ a bit with the 120 grain bullets. That being said, the Swede is a very flat shooting, effective chambering. It will never be a 270, but for all practical purposes, and in the hands of a careful shot, the difference is negligible inside of 400 yards. I have a 6.5x55AI on a model 721 Remington action. It will achieve similar velocities to the 270 with 140 grain pills, and does shoot slightly flatter out at 600 yards. Again, the difference amounts to nada. Take the one that suits you best, you'll not be sorry with either chambering. BTW, ignore the naysayers who worry about component availability for the 6.5x55....It'll be available longer than most of us will be around. Eagleye.
Pretty much.
6.5x55mm
The 6.5x55 is very popular in Europe as popular as 30-06 is in North America. Components are not a problem. Yes if you decide to get this cartridge you should reload. Ammunition manufacturers are scared someone will put a round in the weak actioned Norweign Krag Jorgensen and thats why most ammo is kept to 2550fps. I have 3 6.5x55mm and have been using this round for 20years. Everything from coyotes 85gr to moose 156gr norma. In that time I have only recovered one bullet from a 300 yard shot on a QCI sitka blacktail. These 6.5mm bullets penetrate like trains, yes the paper ballistics are not amazing but pushing a 140gr bullet to 2700fps just simply gets it done. Like others have said if you want more velocity than that get a 264 win mag.
The 6.5x55 is very popular in Europe as popular as 30-06 is in North America. Components are not a problem. Yes if you decide to get this cartridge you should reload. Ammunition manufacturers are scared someone will put a round in the weak actioned Norweign Krag Jorgensen and thats why most ammo is kept to 2550fps. I have 3 6.5x55mm and have been using this round for 20years. Everything from coyotes 85gr to moose 156gr norma. In that time I have only recovered one bullet from a 300 yard shot on a QCI sitka blacktail. These 6.5mm bullets penetrate like trains, yes the paper ballistics are not amazing but pushing a 140gr bullet to 2700fps just simply gets it done. Like others have said if you want more velocity than that get a 264 win mag.
