Talk me outta a 6.5x55! TOO LATE NOW!! **Updated w/Pics - Post 43**

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mlehtovaara

mlehtovaara

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So I am looking at a new rifle, and primary concern is Deer and Black Bear.

Was originally considering a .270 WSM but price of ammo changed my mind.

Now up between a 30-06 Marlin XL7, or a Sportered 6.5x55.

The Sporter is nice. Chopped and recrowned, with Iron sights, and a Leupold vxII 2-7x33 for $525.

The Marlin is almost new blue and synthetic with a Sightron SI 3-9 for $460.

I really don't think the 30-06 is necessary and cost of ammo isn't a huge differenc. Also buying the 6.5x55 might give me a reason to buy a moosegun in the future.

The issue of 6.5x55 being suitable for moose is another question altogether.

Availability is a small concern on the 6.5x55, but I can always start reloading for it as I already reload pistol rounds.
 
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I'm not a Marlin fan nor am I one of Sporterized rifles. So, I hope you choose the one that causes you to buy another rifle later, as I am a huge fan of buying more and more rifles. Good luck in your decission. ;)
 
I wouldnt bother with that sporterized clunker, that XL7 will outshoot anything else you have listed.

if your reloading anyway, and prepared to reload for the 6.5, then simply reload your .270 wsm and the cost of ammo is cheap like peanuts.

Id go with the 30-06
 
MudChucker said:
I wouldnt bother with that sporterized clunker, that XL7 will outshoot anything else you have listed.

if your reloading anyway, and prepared to reload for the 6.5, then simply reload your .270 wsm and the cost of ammo is cheap like peanuts.[/U]

Id go with the 30-06
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What Mud Chucker said - beat me to it

Dan
 
MudChucker said:
I wouldnt bother with that sporterized clunker, that XL7 will outshoot anything else you have listed.

if your reloading anyway, and prepared to reload for the 6.5, then simply reload your .270 wsm and the cost of ammo is cheap like peanuts.

Id go with the 30-06
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Clearly, you have no experience with sportered Swede Mausers if you think they are clunkers and can't shoot. I would bet on the Swede over the Marlin and I know the fit/finish and workmanship of the Swede will put the rest to shame.

Otherwise, I agree with the reloading comment. 6.5x55 commercial ammo is loaded very soft for the old Krag rifles and performance is weak at best. To get the best out of it is a reloading proposition only. 270WSM will still not be cheap to reload, but the costs will drop to around half of commercial ammo.

OP, I would go with the 6.5x55 and load for it, but any of the 3 will do fine for your purposes. Pick whichever rifle you like best and carry on.


Mark
 
While the 6.5x55mm is a great ctg and I own & have owned a few different rifles in it, including sporterized military versions, of the two choices, and what you are looking to do with it now & in the future, personally I'd go with the Marlin XL7 .30-06.

:canadaFlag:
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NAA.
 
The terminal difference on big game, including moose, with any of the cartridges you list is only in the mind of the beholder.

I've used all of the above mentioned cartridges on moose and even big bears. None of them could tell the difference between the bullets that ended their sojourns in nature.

If money is an issuer, the 6.5x55, with that excelent scope, will do everything you ask of it on any game animal in North America, as long as you do your part.

If a shooter can't shoot a rifle beyond a few hundred yards and be certain of a terminal hit, then the rifle/cartridge combination won't be the culprit of a failed shot.

All of the cartridges you list are almost on an equal footing.

The 30-06, is a fine choice, mainly because there isn't a sporting goods store that sells ammo in the country that doesn't have a decent selection on its shelves.

The 270WSM, is mainly a 6.5 on steroids.

If the 30-06 or the 270WSM, don't come with bases and decent scopes, add the price of those to them.

The big thing to consider, the 30-06 and the 270WSM, will retain their value, in the case of resale.

Other than that, terminal performance of the three is almost identical in real on meat terms.
 
I like the mauser sporters, especially if it has a side safety and decent trigger. It has a good scope and will likely outshoot the Marlin with good handloads. Handle both and see what fits you best.
 
I should also mention that my hunting grounds are going to be thick bush, and trails.

Not too many shots that even require a scope and riding the quad trails I would likely opt to use the irons.

I am also much more interested in the scope and mounting system on the 6.5x55.

I do already own a Marlin and don't doubt the accuracy, but it really isn't as pretty. I like the wood and the idea of having something different.
 
I should also mention that I buy and sell rifles all the time, so if I don't like it or it doesn't shoot, there will just be a good deal on the EE for someone else.

It is pretty nice though. Nice wood, target crown, but the stock setup is lacking.

I still think I'm gonna go with the swede. This whole thing started out as a search for an iron sighted sporter, but the deals on the EE had me straying.

The Marlin just isn't a good enough deal for me to abandon the swede.

Thanks Guys! Who needs a therapist when I got you. LOL
 
How about a full wood Swedish M38? Wouldnt be too clumsy in the bush, looks great, shoots great and you get the wonderful 6.5x55 chambering.

But if its down to those two choices and you want a scope, perhaps the swede sporter is a good choice. Im a milsurp purist, but if its already bubbad, go for it.
 
cote_b said:
How about a full wood Swedish M38? Wouldnt be too clumsy in the bush, looks great, shoots great and you get the wonderful 6.5x55 chambering.

But if its down to those two choices and you want a scope, perhaps the swede sporter is a good choice. Im a milsurp purist, but if its already bubbad, go for it.
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I have a nice Mosin M44 if I ever feel the need to lug such a thing through the bush. :p
 
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Before you go running off with your money in your hot little hand, you might want to get on the Computer and look at the Trade-Ex website.

Simply click on the sponsors link above, T.E.C. Trade-Ex Canada Inc. Go to "products" and select "Hunting and Sporting Rifles."

There is a big difference between "Sporterized" which usually mean a former Military rifle that someone has modified to make it more suitable for Hunting, and "Sporter" which is a Factory produced sporting rifle new from the start.

If you do buy one from Trade-Ex, I would get one that already had scope bases mounted, (or drilled for scope bases,) a side safety, and a bent bolt handle. Husqvarna made some nice 1640 action rifles that are a joy to hunt with.

Even the older Husqvarna Sporters are fine for your criteria of closer ranges and open sights. Some nice ones can be had in the $250-$350 range.

There is also a new kid on the block....The Ruger American. I happened to see one today at a Gun Shop, and Ruger has done quite a job to produce an inexpensive rifle.It sells for about $370, and is available in 30-06, 270 Winchester, and other calibres. With an inexpensive scope, it would be in the under $550 range, and you get a brand new rifle with a warranty. If they had a .243 in stock, I probably would have bought one.
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I would give Trade-Ex a look. You might be surprised.
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I went through all 10 pages of hunting and sporting on tradex and they have one decent 6.5x55 for sale for $225. More guns are coming a few months according to Anthony. Great advice but the ee on this site also has great deals. Just have to keep your eyes open.

http://www.shop.tradeexcanada.com/produits/95?page=8


sku 18694

This one on the ee is not a bad deal. Just need to get the price down alittle bit. If it was $350 shipped I would buy it.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=731111&highlight=husqvarna


buffdog said:
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Before you go running off with your money in your hot little hand, you might want to get on the Computer and look at the Trade-Ex website.

Simply click on the sponsors link above, T.E.C. Trade-Ex Canada Inc. Go to "products" and select "Hunting and Sporting Rifles."

There is a big difference between "Sporterized" which usually mean a former Military rifle that someone has modified to make it more suitable for Hunting, and "Sporter" which is a Factory produced sporting rifle new from the start.

If you do buy one from Trade-Ex, I would get one that already had scope bases mounted, (or drilled for scope bases,) a side safety, and a bent bolt handle. Husqvarna made some nice 1640 action rifles that are a joy to hunt with.

Even the older Husqvarna Sporters are fine for your criteria of closer ranges and open sights. Some nice ones can be had in the $250-$350 range.

There is also a new kid on the block....The Ruger American. I happened to see one today at a Gun Shop, and Ruger has done quite a job to produce an inexpensive rifle.It sells for about $370, and is available in 30-06, 270 Winchester, and other calibres. With an inexpensive scope, it would be in the under $550 range, and you get a brand new rifle with a warranty. If they had a .243 in stock, I probably would have bought one.
.

I would give Trade-Ex a look. You might be surprised.
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buffdog said:
I would give Trade-Ex a look. You might be surprised.
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I have been through every page of rifles on that site several times.

There are some decent deals but the price for this package is better than anything I could come up with there.

And they are lacking in the 6.5x55 department that is for sure.

The way I look at it I am getting the gun for $275 shipped with bases, rings, target crown, and sling, which beats anything tradex has to offer. Then the scope for $250 shipped is not a bad deal either.

I have seen pics, and it looks pretty nice, although the stock/scope position is not ideal with the sportered stock, but I am gonna give it a shot.

Unless something nice pops up in the EE this weekend. ;)
 
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