Is the 6.5 x 55 Swede a do it all cartridge
- Thread starter struff55
- Start date
- Location
- SE corner Sk
Just bought myself a LH 6.5x55, I think with the correct bullet you can shoot most anything here in SK?
fade2black
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central Ontario
Absolutely. With a 24" tube, good brass and reloads ranging from 85 grains to 156/160 grain bullets, you can do it all. Quality bullets are they key for anything up to Moose, wouldn't use it on the large bears, black beat you're fine.
redbirddog
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Maple Syrup land Ontario
if you could only buy one gun, it would cover you. I had one in the 80s. I miss it. I did go fancy with a Creedmoor, but I think the 6.5x55 is better.
The hides are of no concern to me ��
- Location
- SE corner Sk
6.5 if you like the history, 260 would basically be the same without.
I was always all for the swede + good bullet for game up to moose. This year I took my moose with my 6.5 prc and 140gr accubond. It did the trick, but not nearly as quickly as the bigger calibers Iv used. The shot was 75 yards, centre lung broad side, and was at least a full minute before he expired. It will work for moose, but in my new opinion, there are better options. Perhaps the 160gr Hornady within reasonable distance might be getting there.
I took my first goat with a 6.5x55 ai using 160gr hornadys. That setup worked perfectly at 100 yards.
Iv ran a 6.5 swede in a t3 for a number of years now, it’s probably the most consistent rifle I own.
I took my first goat with a 6.5x55 ai using 160gr hornadys. That setup worked perfectly at 100 yards.
Iv ran a 6.5 swede in a t3 for a number of years now, it’s probably the most consistent rifle I own.
I have shot Whitetails, Muleys, Blacktails, Moose, Elk, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Coyotes,
Wolves and smaller varmints with the 6.5x55 Swede.
Most have been taken with 125 or 140 grain Partitions. Never felt undergunned.
It's No "miracle" chambering. The 7x57 has been equally effective for me, as has the 30-06 and 270.
It just gets the job done when you put a decent bullet in the right place. Dave.
Wolves and smaller varmints with the 6.5x55 Swede.
Most have been taken with 125 or 140 grain Partitions. Never felt undergunned.
It's No "miracle" chambering. The 7x57 has been equally effective for me, as has the 30-06 and 270.
It just gets the job done when you put a decent bullet in the right place. Dave.
SomebodyTookMyName
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central Saskatchewan
Lol struff, you know my opinion on the 6.5X55 
She'll do just fine for anything on this side of the pond. I just finished cooking up a load with my lady's '96 sporter using a 120gr Hornady at a leisurely 2680 FPS- recoil is mild, and trajectory is flat enough for any distance she'll shoot.
If you really want to chase the big stuff, a 120gr mono bullet (TTSX, CX, GMX) or a 140gr Partition or A-Frame is all you need. In a modern rifle, 140's can be pushed right dang near 3000 FPS, leaving little to be desired even compared to the "modern" 6.5, 6.8, and 7mm cartridges.
She'll do just fine for anything on this side of the pond. I just finished cooking up a load with my lady's '96 sporter using a 120gr Hornady at a leisurely 2680 FPS- recoil is mild, and trajectory is flat enough for any distance she'll shoot.
If you really want to chase the big stuff, a 120gr mono bullet (TTSX, CX, GMX) or a 140gr Partition or A-Frame is all you need. In a modern rifle, 140's can be pushed right dang near 3000 FPS, leaving little to be desired even compared to the "modern" 6.5, 6.8, and 7mm cartridges.
