Realistically what's the velocity gain of the 65 case over the 57?
The 7x64 and 7x65 are similar to the 280 Remington. Therefore, 280 Remington velocities vs 7x57 Mauser.
The 7X57 is ballistically similar to the 7-08, so comparing the 7-08 to the .280, is the age old argument of comparing the .308 to the .30/06... however, in comparing the 7x57 to the 7x64 (65R), you are talking about two cartridges that use the same length action... so the real or perceived benefit of the short action over long action is not present, ergo why not go for the performance edge.
I don't personally have a 7X65R, but I do have a 7X64 Brenneke and it is a terrific cartridge. Ammo is easy to find for either as they are very popular in Europe.
I would go for the 6.5 as it allows you to hunt southern Ontario, and will kill absolutely anything the 7mm will.
Sounds like the 6.5s is the obvious answer in that situation.It will be Italian likely FAIR as I've had several conversations with them about their barrel regulating and action sizes. I had originally wanted a 9.3x74r over a 20ga as a do everything in one package but have since been thinking of a small bore over the 20ga.
The 6.5 would allow me to use it is southern Ontario. 7mm would be better for heavier game. Having rifles for coyotes and heavier rifles for bigger game is what leads to the internal conflict of choice. The 6.5s have a great reputation as well as the 7mms. There just really isn't much of a difference in diameter. Brass seems available for both and if I were to buy 300 pieces that would last me a lifetime
That's a good point, but OTOH any 7x57 dies will work for 7x57R ammo. 6.5x57 dies might be trickier.
I remember looking pretty hard at a FAIR Iside combo set in Calgary in 2015. I liked the 20ga side of it, nice light gun, but too light for the 30R Blaser barrels that came with it, price was good at 7500, but for the 30R, way too light of a gun. And I didn't especially like the way it was finished on the metalwork, laser engraving was off centered on the sideplate. I have a FAIR Iside 20ga Vintage hammergun, I do find the triggers heavy enough to torque the gun a little.
Don't know what the recoil would be like on it on a 7x57r, but, to be fair, it is a light rifle, and if you want a kid to shoot it, I'd be putting a good pad on it or shooting 120gr in it. Make sure the stock is long enough, mine was a knuckle buster as it was a bit short for me. And make up your mind on what bullet wt you'll be using, they have adj bbls, but it only does so much, and they will regulate it with lasers and factory ammo, so make sure it is ammo with bullets you can get over here, SXS can be fussy about that.