7 X 57 or 6.5 x 55 ?

I've got a 6.5x55 in a Tikka T3 Hunter. I like it a lot. I've only had it for 2 seasons, but it's accounted for 5 deer, both mulies and whitetail. For deer I like the 125 gr Nosler Partition. I use H380 and get it going about 2960 to 2980 fps [chronied]. It doesn't kick hard, and it doesn't blow my eardrums out. It's nice and light. To me it's a perfect deer gun.
I don't have a 7x57, but only because I already have a .280.
 
The 7x57 is used on nearly all african plains game and a favorite of Crag Bottington so I would go with it. I shoot 120 gr hornady and get 1/5" groups and also load nosler 140gr accubonds.
 
I prefer the 7 X 57 for many reasons. The Swede is a softer rounds, but personally I am a sucker for pain and if I don't feel a whollop, it's not really a gun *chuckle* On the serious note, it has many more bullet selections, I find brass easier to locate, in general, there are more powder loads that work for me. I have owned both a Kar98k and a Swede Mauser M96 at one time and enjoy both equally, though I still prefer the Kar98 and the 8mm Mauser round
 
I liked my 6.5x55 swede so much I added a couple of 9,3x57 's in the same action for moose/bear-just wanted a heavier bullet[286 gr PriviPartizan]
 
I have both, the 7x57 is in a custom rifle with a Shillen barrel and shoots most any ammo very well.
The 6.5x55 is in a Steyr Pro Hunter and since I have discovered the great performance of Reloder 22 and 140 bullets in this caliber, it too is a real fine shooter.
I have taken 2 bucks with my 7x57 one at 280 yards, the other at less than 50 yards, both shot with the TSX 140gr bullet.
I guess the one thing that I like best about both of the rifles I have is that I'm A real SISSY when it comes to recoil, and I find both of these pleasurable to shoot. FS
 
''I'm a real sissy when it comes to recoil''-and so am I, so I tend to shoot lower recoil rifles more accurately then heavy recoil rifles,and that combined with an inherintly accurate high SD bullet anyway results in putting game on the deck quickly and efficiently without pounding your shoulder[makes target practise easier too].And last but not least you can pick up a good Swede from Anthony for about $250 in excellent condition which leaves enough money left over for a nice 4 or 6 fixed power leopold scope.Maybe not the latest ''whiz-bang'' setup but it works.
 
My 7x57 is my "lucky rifle", I have had more game walk out in front of me when I was carrying it. It was the rifle my father gave me at about 18, I shot many moose with it, only one taking two shots, then, I progressed, I have magnums, an '06, a 45/70, etc, as well as a 6.5x55, which I had made into an 6.5x55 AI. For the way I hunt, walking in the brush, none of them have killed anything any deader, in any less shots than the 7x57 did. I guess I could sell the rest.. I just don't want to..
 
I'd have to go with the 7x57, especially if larger game is on the agenda, but I will concede that it is a close call. The 6.5x55 is more readily available in new factory rifles, but the 7x57 is available in nicer classic stuff like Oberndorf Mausers. Also, the 7x57 is available in very nice milsurp rifles that make a fine basis for a custom M98 sporter.

Lastly there are some countries that restrict certain calibers to certain size of game. For example in Zimbabwe's National parks all 6.5mm cartridges are restricted to Class D game.
 
1899 said:
Lastly there are some countries that restrict certain calibers to certain size of game. For example in Zimbabwe's National parks all 6.5mm cartridges are restricted to Class D game.
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What exactly is class D Game in that country?

Just curious. :D
 
Eagleye said:
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.
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Well put, Eagleye, x2.

Over the years I've cleanly taken elk, moose, mule deer, whitetails, black bear and coyotes (as well as kudu and springbuck) with the 7x57, mostly using a Ruger M77 as well as a Number 1 "International" and a custom 98 Mauser.

The 6.5 Swede is a sweet little cartridge that is, AFAIC, somewhat lighter in recoil while retaining the ability to deliver superb accuracy with a reputation for attaining deep penetration on big game animals.

As has been mentioned by others, it is easier to find a new rifle chambered in 6.5 x 55 than in 7x57. Tikka and Sako both offer rifles in the 6.5 Swede. My Tikka 695 and Sako 75 (6.5 Swedes) are both capable of excellent accuracy while delivering modest recoil and report. (When our local Service Rifle league has runs a "sniper" match out at SGGC, I typically bring out my Sako 75 (Sporter) in 6.5 x 55 because it is so consistently accurate and easy to shoot well. ;). Great way to practice for deer season! )

Both cartridges are handloading propositions. Use well-built bullets, work up your loads and enjoy them. Get one of each, if you can. You will not be disappointed.
 
Thanks everyone for your opinions !!

I have plenty of other rifles but would really like to carry a single shot in a caliber that would be mainly bush hunting deer but would need to whack a moose or a bear as well.

I've always admired the look of the Ruger number one but found them heavy to carry, however I see on their website that they make the international version in a 7x57 and a 20 inch barrel that only weighs 7 lbs. So it's very similar to my model 700 BDL 270 ( left hand bolt) in weight .
 
Like A-zone said, just pick the one you like best, they're both capable rounds.
Usually when dealing with these two,you end up picking the rifle you like best because it's hard to find both rounds available in the same rifle.
 
Having been a confirmed swede fan I bought a .275 Rigby this summer and stalked Red hinds in November. I am in the position of being unable to choose, if a client wants the swede I can let him use 1 of 2, the Rigby has only been used by a client once and I certainly felt anxious about it. Both are great and I use both mainly in 140 grain loads but I may buy another 2 7x57 as I really do like it as a round!
 
Shooting just 140gr bullets, the 6.5x55 has an edge in penetration. Both do 2,700fps with a 140gr bullet, though the 7x57 achieves this ever so slightly more easily. The 7x57 is in its element with 150gr+ in my opinion, with 2,500fps with a 168gr Sierra and 2,300fps with a 175gr Partition, about as low a velocity "floor" as I'd want to step down to for hunting with bullets of this diameter range. For heavier game, the 7x57 is slightly more capable. Though in the end will the game know the difference between a 140gr 6.5x55, and a 175gr 7x57? Probably not...
 
It's a pity that I missed out on the 7mm Chilean Mausers when they were available for about $150 back when I was a teenager. While the 6.5 has lots of merit, I think that the huge number of milsurps imported during the last 20 years from Sweden has helped to make commercial ammo more readily available and encouraged the manufacture of more commercial rifles in that calibre.

I'd certainly have added a 7x57 mauser to my collection had they still been readily available at prices comparable to a K31 Swede Mausers, but the few that I've seen were pricier. It's a cartridge I'd be very curious to try out.
 
There seem to be available in the auctions a surfeit of second hand 7x57 BSA and Ruger rifles. All low priced and most scoped.
I certainly will be getting another asap!
 
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