Would this be a good round to get a hold of? I have seen some of the BCs of these bullets go through the roof and it would be neat to actually have something to start a 'build' on in the future. Any action suggestions?
6.5x55mm
- Thread starter DrawBlood
- Start date
All the 30-06 / .308 based cases, but the 6.5x55 is actually slightly bigger diameter (0.007" bigger I think) and may require that the bolt face be relieved slightly to fit depending on tolerances of your bolt and brass.
Mark
rnbra-shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Brunswick
With a standard sized bolt head, all of these will work: .260 Rem, 6.5-.284, 6.5x55 Swede, 6.5x47 Lapua.
Some of the very best high performance target bullets are made in 6.5mm.
Some of the very best high performance target bullets are made in 6.5mm.
Actually, mmattockx is correct in that the case head dia. is .480" for the 6.5X55SE(proper designation) and .480" for .308 Win.
Some or all American manufacturers may manufacture undersize brass, but not Lapua, as they comply to CIP and most would recommend this brass for serious shooting.
The Lapua 6.5 139 grain Scenar is used won F(O) DCRA title(Gord Ogg) and Leo D'Amour won Gov. General. Marius De Champlain recently commented that this is a top match bullet and if you ever talked to this fine competitor, you would agree that he's worth listening to.
Regards,
Peter
Some or all American manufacturers may manufacture undersize brass, but not Lapua, as they comply to CIP and most would recommend this brass for serious shooting.
The Lapua 6.5 139 grain Scenar is used won F(O) DCRA title(Gord Ogg) and Leo D'Amour won Gov. General. Marius De Champlain recently commented that this is a top match bullet and if you ever talked to this fine competitor, you would agree that he's worth listening to.
Regards,
Peter
rnbra-shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Brunswick
.473" for .308 Win, etc - all "standard" size cases, which are based on.... the 8mm Mauser, as far as I know!
Since the 6.5x55SE case head *is* slightly larger, it is *possible* that it might be ever-slightly-too-big for a standard boltface. Usually, tolerances are loose enough that this isn't an issue, but if it is, just get your gunsmith to open it up a few thou (basic lathework)
Savages are sloppy enough that you won't need to worry about bolt face fit. But is is not a simple mater of removing a few thou on a remmy bolt face IF it doesn't fit (most swede cases work fine) . The extractor will need to be changed.
Obtunded makes a good point and also this requires a longer action, which is why most have gone to 260 Rem., 6.5X47 Lapua, 6.5.284, all short rounds and .308 Win.- based and the 6.5X55 SE is not. It is one of the great rouinds of all time, actually designed in Germany by DWM and/or Paul Mauser for the Swedes.
Did I mention that we have brass?
Regards,
Peter
Did I mention that we have brass?
Regards,
Peter
- Location
- Lumby Town!!
6.5
The swede likes the long action..that's what I built my long range rig on.
The swede likes the long action..that's what I built my long range rig on.
I have built a couple of 6.5x55 rifles [one is an Ackley Improved] on 700 actions, and the boltface was just fine for the slightly oversized Eurospec brass from Lapua, Norma and RWS. You are unlikely to have a problem, but it is always possible. As has been mentioned, the long action is needed for the Swede. Eagleye.
velocity wise, not alot. About 50-75 fps I think, comparing apples to apples (bullet weight, powder type, barrel length, chamber pressure)
was that suposed to add barrel rigidity or something? cuz it looks like someone from remington overthought a little bit...lol
lejarretnoir
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- 162km from Connaught
I think they were trying for the "Tact-i-cool" look. Certainly not more rigid than round or the BR shooters would have it already.
Go .260 or 6.5x55. No loss either way.
Go .260 or 6.5x55. No loss either way.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
The 6.5 Swede is a wonderful cartridge and a superb LR shooter.
Since most DON'T play with Savages, they don't realize that the Savage SA has one of the longest mags on the market.
The Det mag will hold a cartridge with an OAL just under 3" which is more then long enough for any Swede to fit.
Most will find that the 6.5X284, 260Rem WILL NOT FIT in a 2.80" mag typical of the Rems and AI's. This is with the 139/140gr VLD's seated out. Most of these cartridges will get real close to 3" OAL with the boattail where it belongs.
They will however, feed happily from a Savage det and internal mag.
That is the main reason why cartridges like the 6.5 Creemoor and 6XC exist. They use a shorterned case so that when the bullets are seated 'properly', they will still fit in standard det mags. The shorter 6.5 Lapua fits very nicely with a long seated bullet.
If you are looking for a great shooting FACTORY rifle, don't forget the Tikka. A great combo.
Jerry
Since most DON'T play with Savages, they don't realize that the Savage SA has one of the longest mags on the market.
The Det mag will hold a cartridge with an OAL just under 3" which is more then long enough for any Swede to fit.
Most will find that the 6.5X284, 260Rem WILL NOT FIT in a 2.80" mag typical of the Rems and AI's. This is with the 139/140gr VLD's seated out. Most of these cartridges will get real close to 3" OAL with the boattail where it belongs.
They will however, feed happily from a Savage det and internal mag.
That is the main reason why cartridges like the 6.5 Creemoor and 6XC exist. They use a shorterned case so that when the bullets are seated 'properly', they will still fit in standard det mags. The shorter 6.5 Lapua fits very nicely with a long seated bullet.
If you are looking for a great shooting FACTORY rifle, don't forget the Tikka. A great combo.
Jerry
