The Scandinavians keep very accurate records on game killed, how far it went, how many shots, etc. The two predominant cartridges used are the 30-06 and the 6.5X55 for hunting their moose(which are larger than most people realize) With thousands of examples for both cartridges which put the animal down faster? It is the 6.5X55, animals travelled less after being shot with this round.

Now im sure that most of you are thinking, come on, how is this possible? The only reasoning i can see is that because of the low recoil people shoot it more accurately. The reason im telling you this is bullet diameter does not always equal quicker deaths, you must put that bullet where the animal lives and that is of utmost importance. My vote- 6.5X55

quote:

Originally posted by Tordenskiold:

By the way: the "swede"designation is an indication of lower pressure ammo. The name of the cartrigde as it is loaded to modern pressures is simply 6,5x55

I did not know that - Thanks - That is good info.

Riodot

You have a PM

quote:

Originally posted by Woodjack:
It would be if it was my army.

I laughed out aloud to that.

Great idea You can be the Commander-in-Cheif, I'll be quite happy with second in charge.
Please send my issue rifle to.....

How about a swap-barrel system and have you're cake and eat it, too. I know, they're a pain in the azz and achieving identical accuracy with two seperate barrels in a mannlicher-style stock would be problematic. It would be neat though!

I've been told that the Peruvian Mauser is a tiny bit shorter than some others. If this is true, your choice has already been made. The 7X57 is slightly shorter in OAL than the 6.5X55.
It was originally made in 7X57. They are both fine cartridges.

Seems like you already made your choice but ...

I voted 7X57 mainly because you said nostalgia was to play a part. Plains game and nostaligia just screems 7X57.

Both are great rounds though and are very versitile.

quote:

Originally posted by 54JNoll:
Plains game and nostaligia just screems 7X57.

I have to agree with you. The history of the 7x57 in Africa has made my decision. Now I just have to get it re-barreled

Thanks to all who helped in the Poll.

Good choice.

I have a 6.5x55 and have had others and if forced to choose between the 6.5x55 and the 7x57 I'd go with the 7mm it has just a bit more upper end capability.

AllanD

quote:

Originally posted by Allan DeGroot:
Good choice.

I have a 6.5x55 and have had others and if forced to choose between the 6.5x55 and the 7x57 I'd go with the 7mm it has just a bit more upper end capability.

AllanD

I think I'd opt for the 7 as well. But my decision would be based on the larger availability and choices of bullets for the 7MM. Other than that I don’t think there is a significant difference that would give either gun an advantage over the other.

Go the 7x57

The great range of 7mm bullets avaliable for it make the choice easy as far as i'm concerned, including some with the highest BC around, the 7x57 launches them at speeds ideal for most to perform(expand)as designed.

Bullets from 100 to 180 grains, what more could you want?

The 7 x 57 mm is the clear winner based on momentum levels, mainly attributable to the higher bullet mass capability of the 7 mm. The upper end of the 6.5 x 55 mm is a 160-gr bullet as opposed to a 175-gr bullet for the 7 x 57 mm.

The use of 175 grain Barnes-X bullets in the 7 x 57 mm yields oustanding penetration and makes this caliber perform way out of its class.

Chris

As someone who knows, you need both. You also need something chambered in 7.65 Arg., which is nothing more than an long actioned 300 savage. If you have to decide on one, I would go with the 7x57. it is a stone cold killer.

If you have only one rifle, it should be a 30-06 - it's the law.

If you already have a 30-06 (and remember, "it's the law"), then you don't need an elk-capable 7x57, you need something smaller and easier on the shoulder so that you can practice more - the 6.5x55.

Jaywalker

Riodot. As your are in Mesa, you might give consideration to the Harry Lawson Company for your rebarrel job. They did an FN mauser for me in 7x57 Mauser that is an absolute tackdriver as is the custom 1909 Argentine they built for me in .280 Remington. I'm currently in the planning stage for a .35 Whelen on a Husqvarna Mauser. They might be a bit more pricy than say Pac-Nor, but the work is excellent. Guess it's a case of you get what you pay for. Anyway, if you're interested, here's the contact info.

Harry Lawson Company
3328 N. Richey Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85716
Ph: 1 (520) 326-1117

At least they're in the same state. I think it would be worth your while to contact them. After all, a phone call doesn't cost all that much.

FWIW, about the only centerfire rifles I shoot anymore are my 7x57s. Due to either Bursitis or Arthritis, I haven't figured out which yet, anything that boots me harder than my 7x57s hurt way too much any more. I'll probably use it for my deer hunt and elk hunt should I be lucky enough to draw tags. Az is so damned stingy with them these days.
Paul B.

Paul B:
Thanks for that information - I will contact Harry Lawson about rebarreling it to the 7x57.

I voted 7x57........ already have a 6.5 masquerading as a 260 and a 275 Rigby is getting closer by the day. Will do everything I need in Europe.

T260

The only way the 7 x 57's continued popularity can be revived is for more people to request the re-introduction of the caliber as a standard production issue. A good place to start is probably with the European manufacturer CZ, as American manufacturers have written the caliber off a long time ago. If Sako can be conviced that there is a demand for the caliber, and they bring it back into production, we may turn the the tide.

Some may say we have a remote chance, but if a demand trend emerges I am sure factories will re-look at it. A South African distributor told me that he is sure that CZ will make it on request, as they still have all the tooling.

Chris

CZ doesnt have to make a 7x57 on request, they still make them in at least 5 rifles of their 550 type

Regards

quote:

Originally posted by GBF:
CZ doesnt have to make a 7x57 on request, they still make them in at least 5 rifles of their 550 type

Regards

That may be true in Europe but CZ-USA does not inport any models in a 7x57 (according to their website) - it's a shame.

Riodot, that is marketing related.
It has nothing to do with the fact that five different variants of the CZ-550 are chambered in 7x57.
Somehow CZ or CZ-USA does apparently not see it as a profitable move to market them in the US.
I do however agree with you, it is a shame.

Regards

I will be buying my first 7x57. A used Ruger #1A. Beautiful rifle! I can't wait till it arrives. .

Looking at the Voere website, one can see that they still offer the 7 x 57 mm as a standard factory offering. The same goes for Heym Jagdwaffen.

Can anyone comment on the use or quality of these Voere rifles? How their design compare with the CZ or K98's.

Brian Marsh of "Baron in Africa" and "A Pioneering Hunter" fame had the following to say about the 7 x 57 mm in the July 1991 edition of Man Magnum (P83) ... "I used the 7 x 57 extensively for cropping, taking numbers of all the larger antelope with the exception of eland, and my faith in it became confirmed."

Chris