In a few weeks, I'm going to try my luck hunting with a new 6.5 X 55 barrel on my Thompson Encore. There was a great article in Field and Stream on this caliber and I was wondering if anyone with previous experience could let me know what to expect from it. Thanks!

Thank you for your input ~ I was glad to hear from someone who has been out there with that caliber before! I may have to take my rifle into the stand for longer shots, though...this is my first NY trip (I moved to CT from TX) and I'm not sure of the layout that the guide is taking us on. I'd hate to lose a good deer due to distance!

Hunted deer for many years with the 6.5x55.Always used the 140 which I think is the best weight, with loads around 2750 fps. Always did the job on deer ,usually within 75 yds, with little recoil , muzzle blast or meat damage. Of course that's why it's still being used .And exceptional accuracy too ! You'll be pleasantly surprised.