Remington 700 Classic in 6.5 X 55 Is It A Good Choice For Deer?

albayo

albayo

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I just traded for a Mint Remington 700 Classic in 6.5 X 55.

Has anyone had much experience with them, what do they shoot like?

What manufacturer, and bullet weight, are suitable for deer?

If reloadeding, what should I look at for powder and bullets?

Just need an idea of the quality of the gun and shooting capabilities. Remington only manufactured the 6.5 X 55 for a very short time, is it because the lack of sales? I just want a heavier bullet then a 243, and I have always been impressed with the military 6.5 X 55's.

Thanks
Albayo
 
I will help you as much as I can with the info I have.

First, the 700 Classic is done in one caliber every year; at the end of the year, they switch to another caliber. I general, the calibers are oddballs; I think they are doing the 8mm Mauser this year. They are basically a 700 with a more traditional stock than they usually do. I have nevr shot a 700 Classic, but they should shoot as well as any of the 700's which is usually pretty good.

Remington, Winchester, and Federal offer easily available ammo for the 6.5x55 SM (Swedish Mauser); usually in a 140 grain bullet. These bullets have served very well for deer in my father's (now mine) Mauser 96/38. It has dropped several deer and a couple moose also. Due to its high sectional denisty, it is considered a very effective moose cartridge in Europe. I have found the best ammo comes from Norma, European company, but it is not as easy to find as the others. I personally would take a 6.5x55 over a 270 Win, but that is just my opinion.

I load 120 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips over IMR 4064 in Norma Brass; it averages around 3/4" @ 100 yards with a scope mounted on it.
 
hard to find a better deer rifle than that

Id try 120 or 130 gr Barnes TSX over H4350 or H4831sc, or 129 gr Hornady Interlocks if you want to keep costs down
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they arn't bad on moose either, they have great penetration propeties due to their weight, diameter length aspect ratio. Just make sure you use ammo meant for modern actions or reload, for safety sake some manufactures under load for the older actions. Super rifle good alround cartridge.
 
I have several Remington 700 Classics, including one chambered in 6.5x55. It is a great chambering that is easy to shoot and effective on big game up to moose and elk with proper bullets. My favorite is the 140 Partition for all big game. I have made one-shot kills on moose, elk and many deer with mine. As others have mentioned, to extract the potential of this cartridge, one must handload or use expensive [and hard to get] European loaded ammo. Regards, Eagleye.
 
just came into possession of a 6.5x55 husqvarna.....and some factory hornady 140gr interlocks. I would really like to take a deer with it this year. Had it out yesterday but no luck.
 
Rem 700 Classic in 6.5x55mm

albayo said:
I just traded for a Mint Remington 700 Classic in 6.5 X 55.
Click to expand...

Does it look like this? :cool:

2005-02-06_095539_2Rem700Class65.jpg


2004-11-29_232820_2Rem700Class65b.jpg
 
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Never met a 6.5 x 55 yet that didn't like a 140-grain bullet and a good charge of H4831SC. That's the all time classic load, good for all game animals. With a match bullet like a Hornady AMAX or Sierra 142-grain BTHP, it's also a proven 1000-yard match winner.

With a strong action like a 700, you'll have no problem with full charges. In my P17 custom match rifle, I use 47.5 grains of H4831 SC with a 140 Hornady AMAX, ignited by a Federal 210M primer in a Winchester case. Everyone makes a good 140-grain hunting bullet, and that 130-grain TripleShock is very intriguing.

In my opinion, you have a truly outstanding and versatile rifle, and the more you use it, the more you will love it.
 
We're agreed then. You've displayed sound judgement, respect for history and experience, shown good taste for walnut and blued steel, and are confident in your shooting abilities proving that you are a secure and intelligent person.

What the hell are you doing hanging around here? :runaway:


:dancingbanana:
 
Remington Classic 6.5 X 55

I would like to thank all of you for your input on the 6.5 X 55 Remington.
I am partial to the 6.5 X 55 and the 7 X 57 Mauser cartridges.

I was thinking of reselling the gun, but I like it and the caliber.

My Remington looks similar to the picture posted by NAA, but mine has a lighter stock. The link to Deer Stalker by Calum has convinced me to keep it on my rack with my 7 X 57's. The site is http://www.deerstalker.com/6.5x55SM.htm

I have some great 7mm’s like Ruger No1 AB model, 1950 Brno 21H, Custom Commercial Mauser, and a Remington 700 BDL in 7-08.

I might get a chance to get the 6.5 ready for hunting this year if I can make it to the range, enough times. I agree with John Barsness statement, because I can't handle recoil due to a back injury. I have been a fan of the 7mm and 6.5's for years but couldn’t find a 6.5 in an affordable commercial rifle.

From the Deer Stalker Site

As a small postscript, I would like to quote from noted American author John Barsness. He writes in Nosler’s #4 reloading manual: “With its modest recoil and inherent accuracy, the 6.5 Scandinavian might be the perfect first rifle, or an all-around rifle for older shooters who’ve grown tired of magnum hype and recoil”. I think that for “older” I would substitute “wiser”!
 
The nice thing about the modern rifle in 6.5X55, is that you can use the top end loads without concern, and get great accuracy.
I'll have another 6.5x55 someday, but you can be sure, it won't have 'Remington' on it.
Never liked Rem bolts, dunno why, just don't. Maybe it's the lack of a lever or somthing? :)
 
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