to be used as a hunting rifle, antelope up to elk.



pros? cons?

I just plain like the 6.5 bore because of the great bullets with absolutely awesome sectional density that you can buy. It's such an improvement over the .257, though it shouldn't be. Bulletsmiths, take note! However, unless one is a handloader, the only reasonably available round is the 6.5x55. Is a good one, make no mistake, but out in the open Coulee country, the 6.5/06 is just that much better. I'm seriously giving thought to making my North American Light in just that caliber.

the swede. 22- or 24-inch barrel to wring the best out of it. fast twist (1/7.8-1/8) for 140- to 160-grain bullets. go get 'em.

I'd lean toward the 6.5 x 55. In evaluating a lot of 6.5 rounds, I noticed that over the 55 mm or 57mm cartridge length and the capacity of those two rounds, that once you got a bigger case, the ratio of velocity with more powder declined.

YOU can put a lot more powder in bigger cases, but you were not increasing your velocity by much. You were adding to your throat erosion significantly also.

The 6.5 x 55 also has a better reputation for accuracy, although the 6.5 x 284 is supposed to be coming close.
I just notice that I get the 6.5 x 284s published performance after hand loading a 6.5 x 55.

Just my experiences and observations.
cheers and good shooting
seafire

Both are good cartridges...6.5-06 is strictly a handloading proposition though. As has been said earlier the .264 caliber seems to hit harder and out penetrate similar cartridges due to its BC & SD.
I would go with the 6.5-06 due to the increased velocity and powder capacity. It shoots flatter than the 6.5 swede and you might as well take advantage of that. You might consider the .264 winmag...it and the 6.5-06 are ballistic twins. You would have the advantage of factory loadings being available.
Make no mistake ...the 6.5x55 swede is a fine cartridge. I own several and use them. (hence my moniker)
It will work for antelope to elk, has a great variety of bullet weights and superior performance. Recoil is moderate which means it doesnt rearrange your shoulder blades every time you squeeze the trigger. It replaced the .243 win as my antelope gun many years ago and has the ability to take the big muley you can also see when you're antelope hunting also. If recoil is a factor...definitely go with the 6.5 swede.
If you are looking for another fine cartridge with a little more "oomph"...go with either a 6.5-06 or a .264 winchester mag. They are the swede's big brother on steroids.

Good luck to you.

swede

Of course, if some kind ammunition maker were to start loading the .257 Roberts and/or the .25/06 with 156 grain bullets, this discussion would be moot. Hell, if someone would just make bullets that diameter and weight, I could be a happier hunter. Anyone heard of such . . . ?

Oldsarge,

Me too. I would love the see say a Nosler 140 or 150 gr. Partition in .257 caliber. Load something like that in a .257 Weatherby...... Lawdog

I own both and would vote for the 6.5x55.

Gary:

Since the 6.5 bore is only 7/1000ths more in diameter, why not just make that bore into a 6.5 Weatherby Mag? or a 264 and then you have your 140 grain partition.

Personally I'd like to see a 140 grain Ballistic Tip. Of course I have not tried the SST Hornady and I gather that or the equal of the accubond is what they are?

Cheers and good shooting
Seafire

Go for the the 6,5x55. Good precision, standard brass and a lot of good bullets to choose from. Norma , Lapua and Raufoss makes good and cheap bullets for them.

But, if you like a 6,5 on stereoids, go for the 6,5-284.

Some presision shooters i know like a twistrate of 1/8^1/4
Mine is 1-7 1/2 and demands 130grs bullets or more to group well.

I have a Remington Classic in 6.5x55 and use it successfully for moose in Canada with the Sierra 160gr. RN.
It raises merry old hell in ripping up the boiler room which is what you want. A moose is no harder to kill than a deer, but you don't want a whizbanger cartridge to zip on through that animal and head off into the sunset. I saw two lost in one year, both from .300Win.'s. Both were shot in the late afternoon and made it from riverbanks into the bush where they couldn't be tracked very well. Nighfall soon called an end to both chases. It's a tragic loss to hit and lose such a majestic animal. No doubt they died but were not recovered. You just don't need those pointed bullets at high velocity. They just may not open up. I think that's what happened to the guys with the .300Win. Mags. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

6.5X55 if you want a 6.5-06 just go out and buy a 270 winchester.