7 X 57 or 6.5 x 55 ?

I bought a 6.5 x 55 partly because when I was a kid, my friends dad hunted with a k31 or something military surplus and my friend and I shot it a bunch of times and I remember it as being just a nice shooting rifle compared to some others I had shot at the time. Now I have learned a lot more about ballistics and loading.. The 6.5 is a beautiful little rifle that really does a good job.

7x57 has a pretty strong following but I have no problems with my choice. I wanted a nice little light rifle that didn't beat the #### out of me like an `06 does in a featherweight.
 
You say tomato,I say tomahto. I've owned three 7x57s and like the caliber a lot,but the 6.5 Swede does pretty much the same thing. One plus for the 7x57 is the greater selection of bullets for the handloader.
 
I have seen this topic before. :D

I tried to find it via the search engine here but it sucks ass, so carry on.

BTW for the game I would go after (Mule Deer, and eventually Moose, Black Bear) the 6.5x55 is good to go in my books, but both cartridges are pretty much on par as good performing classics...with the Swede having the edge IMHO.
 
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With my 2 yes closed my choise is the 6.5x55 swedish, for the same weight it will beat al performances of is opponent the 7x57, faster, fletter flight most precise and so...
J.B
 
As you said, both are fine cartridges. If you want a single rifle to fill many roles there is a greater selection of .284" bullets available, and if I had to choose one over the other that would be the tie breaker for me. If you want a rifle for noncompetitive target shooting that will double as a big game rifle, the 6.5 won't let you down. There really is no wrong answer.
 
Hey Ruff don't know where your from but here in south Ontario the 6.5 is legal on varmints so it can do double duty Ive had one or more for 20 years and wouldn't do without one great bullet selection flat shooting low recoil and versatility my vote is on the swede
 
there seems to be more sporter 6.5x55 swedes around than 7x57's so that may explain their popularity.Don't know-I think its pretty much a toss up,but the 6.5x55 probably has a slightly higher SD due to the smaller diameter.Any cartridge that has been around for over 100 years has got to have something going for it-and both certainly do
 
I have 1 7x57 [A Remington 700 Classic] and two 6.5x55 Swedes [One is also a 700 Classic, the other a sporterized M96] I have shot all manner of game with both chamberings, and do not feel handicapped when packing either. These are both proven performers, and are capable of easily taking all cervids and other game animals in North America. [with some caution regarding the big bears] What can one say. I guess if push comes to shove, I will take the 7x57, but only because of the wide selection of 7mm Bullets out there and the heavier weights easily found [160. 175 Spitzers] Regards, Eagleye.
 
They're so similar that, in hunting situations, the game won't tell. If you've got special regs limiting cartridge size or something silly like that to consider then, that may make a huge difference for you.

Personally I've never had much use for anything in 7mm, and so I take the 6.5x55.
 
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