6.5x55 VS. 7x57 VS. 7x64

[dgradinaru]

Im looking at these three calibers and i know that they are almost all ballistic identical and will kill most North American game well, but i just cant make up my mind on choosing one. Im thinking about a CZ or Zastava or maybe a Sako( being last on the list due to price). Ruger #1 for the 7x57 might be considered too. The rifle will be hunted with and dont want to worry about scratches and etc.

Im a reloader and Ammo for all three can also be found at Tradex for under 30$ a box which is fairly good.

Ive hunted with 6.5x55 and its one of my favorite calibers, also hunted with the 7x57 but never killed anything with one, and 7x64 i have no experience with.

Brass will be harder to find for the 7x64, but once i stock up on once fired i should be okay to go for a while.

Black bear, deer, and moose are the menu for these ones.


Now im asking for you who read this; what are your opinions and which would you Choose. I will probably eventually buy all three calibers in the future, but as of right now which one should i choose.


My other main hunting rifles are 8x57, and 9.3x62, which one would make up for a trio?

 

[Lefty Dick]

.284Winchester.

 

[dgradinaru]

.284Winchester.

I have considered American calibers like the 280 rem, but im looking more specifically for European cartridges and want the gun to have irons as well, which most American made firearms dont have.

 

[kamlooky]

I gave you my answer.
I could have her at the gun show coming up shortly.

 

[medvedqc]

7x64 brenneke.

 

[Lefty Dick]

Why not get something built?
European cartridges only, wow, ain't that sumthin.......

 

[burnt_servo]

My other main hunting rifles are 8x57, and 9.3x62, which one would make up for a trio?

you could neck the 9.3x62 down to 6.5mm and have something very close to the 264magnum .

 

[Kevin M.]

And cue Vviking in 3...2...1...

 

[Suther]

270 Winchester. Cause it's awesome.

 

[medvedqc]

you could neck the 9.3x62 down to 6.5mm and have something very close to the 264magnum .

there is the 6.5x57 or even the newer 6.5x64 brenneke ... a lot of options in fact.

 

[burnt_servo]

there is the 6.5x57 or even the newer 6.5x64 brenneke ... a lot of options in fact.

the 6.5 x64 brenneke ,that is based on the 30-06 case isn't it ? or are you thinking of 9.3x64 necked down to 6.5 ??


getting into the metric stuff is addictive , like buying one dodge diesel ....... next thing you know your the local " mopar guy " ...

 

[honz]

I have a CZ ZKK 600 in 7x57. It's a great shooter, nice stock, and fills the freezer. I'm also a CZ/CSA whore.
I cannot say anything about the 6.5 or Brenneke, but would be interested in finding a 6.5 Swede.

 

[sgt.rock]

Brenneke as I always wish for the most powerful option I can take with me.

 

[hoytcanon]

For me it is;

1. 7X57
2. 7X64
3. 6.5X55

Loaded up, the 7X57 will handily pacify deer, bear and moose... brass is common, 7mm trumps 6.5mm on game (IMO)... and it is commercially available in many interesting platforms.

The 7X64 in a Sako 85 Bavarian would be an awefully nice hunting rifle though...

 

[Jim870]

I voted 7x57 but would have a hard time passing up the other two. The 7x64 I do find exciting and actually had to flip a coin to decide my vote.
While the 6.5x55 doesn't really excite me, I have come to respect its performance on game and the fact that most rifles I've played with chambered for it shoot well, I may get one for the girlfriend since I already load for a friends 6.5 and .260.
All three will perform very well on all the game you have mentioned, just like their more common North American versions.

 

[Rugdoc]

For me it is the 7x57, but mostly because my Husqvarna rifle in that calibre is so sweet. I have two 6.5x55 rifles; a full length military model 96 and a home made custom rifle with a 6.5x55 barrel on a Mauser '95 action with mechanical problems. All things being equal, I would be confident with either the 7x57 or 6.5 in a good rifle.

 

[Gibbs505]

I would love a 7mm Mauser and if I could find a 275 Rigby it would be great. Most likely could not afford it though!

 

[Johnn Peterson]

For me, out of the choices available, I would have to go with the 7x57. In the recent past, I've acquired two in that calibre. The first, a full wood model Zastava.



And more recently, a Ruger RSI Hawkeye



Another '7', although not one of the listed but a favorite of mine, a Schultz & Larsen, model 68DL in 7x61S&H.

 

[dgradinaru]

For me, out of the choices available, I would have to go with the 7x57. In the recent past, I've acquired two in that calibre. The first, a full wood model Zastava.



And more recently, a Ruger RSI Hawkeye



Another '7', although not one of the listed but a favorite of mine, a Schultz & Larsen, model 68DL in 7x61S&H.

What type of accuracy are you getting with the zastava and Ruger?

 

[Johnn Peterson]

What type of accuracy are you getting with the zastava and Ruger?

With visitors England here the last little while, I haven't really put the Zastava 7x57 through its paces yet. The same holds true for the Ruger which I've just acquired.
My first Zastava was one in .366 Wagner



and being very pleased with the initial accuracy of it,



is what prompted me decide to get one in 7x57 as well. I do like the Mannlicher full wood style, but only in a fitting and appropriate European calibre.