Modern rifles/platforms in 6.5x55

[peterpolarpickedapepper]

Hey everyone,

I have a Swedish M96 and love it. I've put offers out on some M38 carbines and plan to later get an AG42b to accompany.

Eventually I'll start hunting deer and obviously need a rifle for that (and not just cuz I need an excuse for another gat). It makes sense for me to go for something in 6.5 Swede, as I don't have any other rifles in large calibres, other than my Mosin, and don't want to have to start buying a new round.

Are there any modern rifles that are chambered in 6.5x55? I know there's certain models of T3x's out there but from what I've gathered they're all older models that aren't in production anymore. Whatever rifle is suggested has to have aftermarket support, at least for stocks.

And on the subject of hunting with 6.5x55, what is everyone's experience? The gentleman I purchased the M96 from told me he's taken deer with 6.5 Swede but doesn't use it anymore. I would only be hunting deer with it 6.5, not interested in hunting anything bigger. I think it should be sufficient? Is there any reason for me to get something bigger to hunt with?

 

[bdb.hunting]

I picked up a swede Varmint barrel off of here a while back that was low round count and had PR Precision headspace it onto my Tikka T3X (He was making a custom bolt body for me at the time) The thing shoots 5 to 6 shots into a group just over 1/2" with cheaper factory match at 100 yards.

I plan to hunt with it this fall at some point.

If you can find a tikka I would grab it in a heartbeat. So long as its low round count. (I believe I saw a new one not long ago just less and less these days)

For just deer I would say its a fabulous round. Wouldn't hesitate to shoot a deer out to 400/500 with the right bullet combo. Honestly dont think you need anything else. Swedes use it for moose so what's that tell ya. No need to get something else if you want to stick to the cartridge it will everything you want and more.

B

 

[ShrtRnd]

Tikka T3/T3x or a Rem Classic in 6.5 Swede would be my choices, given their aftermarket following. I had the 700 and foolishly sold it about a year ago….

 

[Buckmastr]

Probably not what you want to hear but a 270 win or 6.5 Creedmoor will open up 95% of the best hunting rifles ever built. Once you find a rifle you like, the cartridge will become pretty much irrelevant. Lots to improve upon going from a M96 to a modern built hunting rifle imo.

 

[dan belisle]

All the major NA rifle builders had 6.5 Swedes at one time. I have one in a Win 70. - dan

 

[Odinson]

I have an M-38 with a fairly fresh barrel that I bought new from Tradex when they were still around. Had it installed by Jason at Gunco. I fitted a stock that I got from Brownell's. It is a tack driver and the only way I would part with it would be if I could find a Zastava left hand 6.5X55 or other lefty that I could afford. I currently am up to about 30 or so rounds through it. An hour and a half one way to the range is a long drive for me.

 

[Joel]

Tikka T3/T3x or a Rem Classic in 6.5 Swede would be my choices, given their aftermarket following. I had the 700 and foolishly sold it about a year ago….

You and me both.

It's great. So was the Swede

Shot a couple deer with 6.5x55 and 6.5 Cm from 120 yards to 40 or so. High shoulder with 100gr ttsx was bang flop, 120gr ballistic tip through the shoulder tore the bullet up but good but did it ever do damage. Couple I shot were basically take a few hops and fall.

 

[hoytcanon]

I shoot an M77 Mark II in 6.5X55 (top rifle in picture), I also have a CZ 550 Lux in 6.5X55, and have had four or five others over the years. I have shot many deer and bears with.these rifles, mostly with 140 grain SP's. The Swede is an excellent medium game cartridge.

 

[MilitaryCollectorMark]

Zastava makes a left hand 6.5x55, pretty much the only way into a true left hand mauser. It's too bad that they stopped production.

 

[BlackRam]

The 6.5x55 is a great round, and at one time was considered by at least one gun writer to be the best whitetail cartridge (dating myself here, but was an article in Peterson's Hunting magazine in the early 90's).

As mentioned, there have been a number of modern rifles chambered to the ol' Swede, including, but not limited to:
Sako
Tikka
Remington
Winchester
Ruger
Sauer
Mauser
CZ
Thompson Center
Howa
Blaser
Barrett

Watch online sites and auctions and you should be able to find one to suit your needs.
The main advantage of the modern actions is that you are not limited to 2600-2650 fps with 140 gr bullets, as their actions can withstand the velocity increases of loads up to approx 2780-2800 fps (European specs with higher pressures).

I have owned 4 rifles so chambered over the years, incl/ 2, Remington 700 Classics, and my current LH Sako 85 Hunter. I have more trigger time behind a 6.5x55 than any other centerfire cartridge, learning how to handload and develop hunting loads that have been used on whitetails, stones sheep, moose, elk, and caribou.

It is a shooter friendly cartridge that performs above what its paper ballistics would seem to imply. Over 100,000 moose per year are taken in Norway and Finland, with the majority of those being taken with the 6.5x55. Such records for a cartridge over 100 years old speak for themselves. For deer, you do not need anything more!

Best of luck in your search for a new, or new to you rifle! Enjoy!

 

[Slimbo]

I currently have a kimber Montana at the gunsmith being rebarreled to 6.5x55. Looking forward to wringing it out and hopefully whacking a sheep with it this year.

 

[NAA]

In the past I've had a sporterized M96/38; a Ruger MkII; a Tikka 695 & a Rem 700 Classic in 6.5x5mm.

Currently own a Win Model 70 featherweight in it.

----------
NAA.

 

[Eagleye]

I have a Remington 700 Classic, chambered in 6.5x55. It is on its 3rd barrel [all 6.5x55]

I have shot it a lot, and taken many animals with it, including a couple of moose, and one
Elk. It has always done the job effectively. Most often, the 140 Partition has been the
bullet of choice, but lately, I have been shooting the 130 Accubond. [Only one deer so far]

It is very easy to see why the 6.5x55 enjoyed such popularity in Scandinavia. Mild mannered
and very capable. What is not to like? EE.

 

[Meroh]

Zastava makes a left hand 6.5x55, pretty much the only way into a true left hand mauser. It's too bad that they stopped production.

I have a Zastava Rt. Hand. Love it; but also have a M96 and M38 for fun.

 

[kthomas]

You can always have a gunsmith spin you up a 6.5x55 barrel for your rifle.

Though if buying a new rifle today, it's probably worth considering a 6.5 PRC if you want to stay with 6.5mm.

 

[peterpolarpickedapepper]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions!

BlackRam I'll probably be messaging you at some point in the next year or so. I'm planning to get into reloading (almost exclusively for 6.5x55) soon and will probably look to you for some tips if that's alright

 

[Northern Shooter]

Aside from the Tikka, the other two that come to mind are the Sako 85 and Ruger Hawkeyes


The Sako 90 (new release) may also offer it in 6.5x55.

 

[vmax204]

I would check out Intersurplus and Frontier Outfitters for a Husqvarna chambered in 6.5x55. You will find a used Husqvarna for under 600.00 and it will be a much better built rifle than almost anything commercially made now days. I have a Ruger, Lakelander, Husqvarna, and 2 Zastava's chambered in 6.5x55. They are all great guns but the Husqvarna in a lightweight carbine and the one Zastava that has a shortened 19" barrel have become my favorites for hunting. Don't let anyone talk you into anything else 6.5 because you will get all the satisfaction you want from a 6.5x55 and remember that pretty much everything 6.5 was copied from the venerable 6.5 Swede. The grand daddy of the 6.5 chamberings. Good luck and have fun with whatever you get. It is an awesome caliber.

 

[Joel]

Aside from the Tikka, the other two that come to mind are the Sako 85 and Ruger Hawkeyes


The Sako 90 (new release) may also offer it in 6.5x55.

Thinking of having either a Rem. 700 or Ruger 77 Hawkeye rebarreled in 6.5x55 right now pretty hard.

 

[Odinson]

Zastava makes a left hand 6.5x55, pretty much the only way into a true left hand mauser. It's too bad that they stopped production.

Yes, I was aware of the lefty Zastava but the trick is finding one. I read somewhere that the Zastava people have switched over to production for military. When the come up, they are usually gone in a heart beat or two. And I always seem to be a day late or a dollar short.......