6.5x55

M

Maxx

Member
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
What is this calibre capable of in terms of velocity in when pushed to modern day pressure? ( with a 140 gr bullet?) As compared to the 260, does the 6.5x55 need a long action?

Any opinions?
 
6.5X55 has more case capacity then the 260 so will allow for more velocity given the same max pressures. I would expect 100 to 150fps more velocity for similar bullet weights.

Saying that, I also lean towards the 260rem. A true short action rd with very useable performance. A bit more velocity (if realised) will not impress any game at normal hunting distances.

Also, unless you can control that reamer, many Swedes have very long throats which can lead to so so accuracy.

Jerry
 
I've never shot both side by side to really evaluate them, but it seems the 6.5x55 has a 50-100 fps adge when loaded to max safe modern pressures compared to the 260 Rem. Probably a smaller gap with bullets between 85-120 grain.

The Swede will need at least a 3.1" magazine I believe, the 260 just fits fine in 2.8"

Both are awesome cartridges, I personally prefer the 260, but I could easily be happy shooting a 6.5 Swede as my main hunting rifle.

6.5Panther008.jpg


Happiness is a handful of Amax's :D
 
I havent had the chance to try out much in the way of 140's in my new 260 (23" tube) yet (just them 140 Amax's at a reduced charge of H4831sc ~ 2584 fps).
I have gotten 129s & 130s to 2840 fps though no problem.

In my previous 260 Rem, a 22" m700 LSS mtn rifle, I got these figures for the 140 gr.

140 gr. - Barnes XLC, 47.5 grs. WXR, CCI BR-2 ~ 2547 fps
- Barnes XLC, 49.0 grs. RL22, CCI BR-2 ~ 2648 fps, 0.61" 3 shot 100 yards
- Sierra GameKing, 46.6 grs. RL22, CCI BR-2 ~ 2647 fps
- Sierra GameKing, 45.2 grs. RL19, CCI BR-2 ~ 2565 fps
- Sierra GameKing, 43.3 grs. IMR 4831, CCI BR-2 ~ 2525 fps
- Sierra GameKing, 46.0 grs. WXR, CCI BR-2 ~ 2580 fps
- Sierra GameKing, 47.0 grs. IMR 7828, CCI BR-2 ~ 2596 fps
- Speer Hot Cor, 50.0 grs. RL25, CCI 250 ~ 2707 fps
- Speer Hot Cor, 46.0 grs. WXR, CCI BR-2 ~ 2601 fps
- Nosler Partition, 46.0 grs. H4831sc, CCI BR-2 ~ 2623 fps
Click to expand...

I never handload for maximum speed, but I expect my new 260 to do 2700-2750 fps with the 140's.
 
Thanks for the great info Todd. Funny, I am using CCI primers in most of my loads too!




In your opinion, what is the optimum barrel length for the 260?
 
I had a thousand CCI BR-2's, but have used em all up. Right now Im using Winchester WLRs

Optimum length? I think this is a cartridge that works well with anything from 19" to 27" :D Depends on your intended use, a carbine hunting rifle or a long range bench gun.

I chose 23" because I couldn't make up my mind between 22 & 24 :rolleyes:


Therefore since todbartell is never wrong, 23" is optimum :cool:
 
I'll post some pics later this week of what my 6.5x55, loaded to modern but still very reasonable pressures, did to a good-sized mulie. I had my doubts about this 'older cartridge', but not anymore. It broke a front leg on the way in, absolutely detonated both lungs, and then smashed a rib on its way out. Complete penetration, bullet was not recovered, and the deer literally died in his tracks.

I wouldn't hesitate to use this load (behind a 140 grain partition) on elk, moose, bears, you name it. Probably the best on-game performance I've ever seen, and the rifle is a pleasure to shoot, much nicer than my .45-70 ;-)
 
I have never loaded for a 260 but I have done a lot for my 6.5x55 in a Sako.Its no trick to get 2900 out of 140 grain and I can drive a 155 Serria at 2700.
 
I went the route of light bullets and high speed in my M 38 Swede sporter. I now shoot factory Norma 156 Oryx or handloaded 160 grain round noses. Both lumber along around 2500 fps. But performance on game is fantastic. Effective range is still 250 to 300 yards on moose deer or black bear. I don't see enough difference in case length between the .260 and the 6.5 for it to be an issue. Just my opinion as always...
cheers Darryl
 
When I used to hunt with a 6.5x55 in a winchester feather weight I used Nosler 120gr solid base bullets. They killed deer like lightning... the bullet would usually be under the hide on the oposite side of the deer and they would all go down in their tracks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom