6.5x55 Swede Or 8x57mm

Unless you are planning on shooting really long distances, I'd say the 8x57 is "better". A 200gr Nosler Partition at 2700 fps is 'right fine medicine for just about anything in North America. But you need to reload.
 
1899 said:
But you need to reload.
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To extract full potential from either cal. you have two choices.
Reload.
or
Buy expensive European factory cartridges.

Domestic ammo is loaded down in deference to older, weaker guns that are out there.

Not to say this loaded down stuff won't do the job, it will .... if that bullet hits where it's supposed to.
Just that the effective range is reduced due to lower velocity.

If recoil is a factor, go with the 6.5mm .... my favorite cartridge for forty years.
 
Swede

I'll admit to having no experience with the 8mm, but the surplus swedes I had were just excellent guns. Very accurate rifles that kicked no more than a 30-30 but performed on deer at much longer ranges. True, the only kill I made was on a bear at very close range, but that one didn't move at all. If it is for deer, the 6.5 is an excellent cartridge.

As to reloading, if you don't, maybe consider a 30-06, .308, .270, or .243 as ammo is less expensive and more available.
 
gunrunner8 said:
For "moose stalking" the 8x57 might have the slight edge but only if the shot is accurate....and no, don't count on 200gr Nosler at 2700fps with it at least in old Mauser.
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What is wrong with the numerous M98's (other than the ones produced during the war)?

Trade-ex probably has a dozen commercial FN made M98s in 8x57. I can't see a reason why loading them to modern pressure would be a problem.

Edit - I should add that 2700 fps, or 2600 fps or even 2500 fps wouldn't make much difference as long as the bullet is going fast enough to expand. I would have zero concern in shooting a moose or elk out to 300 yards with any of those loads.
 
I am planning to take shots within 300 yards, no further. Yes I do reload. I know that the american ammunition factories under load the 8mm. Is that the same for the 6.5mm?
 
For reference, Norma lists it's 8x57 load with 196 gr bullets at 2526fps. I don't see what the barrel length is but I would guess 24"

I don't think you need to over think this, if you want to hunt mostly elk-moose size game, 8x57. If you want to shoot mostly deer or smaller game, 6.5x55.
 
If you plan to shoot it a fair bit, then look around at the availability of ammuntion of the type you want (unless you were going to reload). 6.5x55 is lighter recoiling, if that's at all an issue.
 
Redlich said:
I don't think you need to over think this, if you want to hunt mostly elk-moose size game, 8x57. If you want to shoot mostly deer or smaller game, 6.5x55.
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I know a lot of European Hunters that always use the 6.5 swede for moose hunting, but since you can get bullets up to 220 grains in 8mm its better for large game.

My brother is getting has some European hot loads that he shoots out of a sporterized military 98 mauser. He was getting around 2900 f/s with 170 grain bullets
 
Moose Stalker said:
I am planning to take shots within 300 yards, no further. Yes I do reload. I know that the american ammunition factories under load the 8mm. Is that the same for the 6.5mm?
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yes but not as poor as the 8mm.

Ive reloaded and shot both. I find the 6.5 more fun...mostly because of the recoil and its very versatile if you think you might want to use it as a varmint gun. The 85 gr. sierras are a lot of fun to shoot.
 
Moose Stalker said:
I know a lot of European Hunters that always use the 6.5 swede for moose hunting, but since you can get bullets up to 220 grains in 8mm its better for large game.

My brother is getting has some European hot loads that he shoots out of a sporterized military 98 mauser. He was getting around 2900 f/s with 170 grain bullets
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I *think* that the 6.5x55 is the minimum legal chambering for moose in Norway and Sweden (they have a bullet weight and energy at 100 metres requirement).
 
had a few 6.5x55....easy one to reload for not very fussy either but I never got great accuracy out of them...but a easy cartridge to like...never had a chace to work the 8mm....but if I was going to be going after the big stuff thats the one I would lean towards...like to pick one up in the remington classic they had out a few yrs back
 
I think you're post hoaring or doing sum fishing..........?:p
You own a 30-06 and a 270. How is it that an 8x57mm or a 6.5x55 is
going to improve on this?cou:
 
bucku said:
had a few 6.5x55....easy one to reload for not very fussy either but I never got great accuracy out of them...but a easy cartridge to like...never had a chace to work the 8mm....but if I was going to be going after the big stuff thats the one I would lean towards...like to pick one up in the remington classic they had out a few yrs back
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Thats funny my 6.5's are minute of rabbithead at 100m. I personally would go with the 8mm mauser, as there is still surplus available for it
 
I have both the 6,5x55 & the 8x57 in modern rifles, the Remington 700 "Classic"
I shoot the 6.5x55 a lot more than the 8x57. [It is on it's 3rd barrel]
However, I have shot 2 moose & 2 Black bears with the 8x57, and it is very effective.
My pet load is the 200 Accubond over a good load of Vihtavuori N550
It graphs 2680 avg for 5.
My only regret is that so far, I have not recovered a bullet...all passthroughs.
You cannot go wrong with either, if you reload.
If you are planning to hunt primarily deer size game, with posibly a moose or Elk once in a blue moon, then the 6.5x55 is your rifle.
If your quarry is mostly the larger animals, with an occasional deer in the mix, then the 8x57 is an excellent choice.
Eagleye.
 
I reload for both my 6.5x55's and my 8x57's. Both great cartridges. If moose is your main game then I'd honestly have to reccomend the 8x57. My heavy 8x57 load pushes a 220g Sierra Gameking at just under 2500 fps with no pressure signs, and it is very accurate. These bullets have a high BC and SD, and carry energy very well, despite modest velocity.
 
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