I've been invited to go after wild boar in Belgium next year and need to find out if my 6.5X55 will be legal as regards power limits?
I will be using 156gr norma Orix factory loading,so 2500fps,2500ftlbs.
Thanks,
Regards VV

Legal minimum is fixed at 6,5 mm in diameter and 2200 E100. So, your 6,5x55 is OK from the legal point of vue. However, you're on the (very) light side, especially if you plan to take part in drive hunts, which is most likely as it is the most popular hunting mode. Remember, all shots are taken running and bullets may not always be placed precisely (here's why the extra power of the 9,3's make them so popular. Another widely used caliber is the .300 Win Mag).

quote:

Originally posted by Andre Mertens:
However, you're on the (very) light side, especially if you plan to take part in drive hunts, which is most likely as it is the most popular hunting mode. Remember, all shots are taken running and bullets may not always be placed precisely (here's why the extra power of the 9,3's make them so popular. Another widely used caliber is the .300 Win Mag).

I have to agree with Andre on this.
I use a 6.5x55 and yes it has killed pigs.
All from high seats with steady,aimed shots. I have also used the 9,3x74,8x57 and 300WinMag.
Something along the lines of those would be my choice for driven boar.

I 100% agree with André and SIKA; I personally consider even the 270 Win. marginal as driven hunt cartridge for boars; however, the Norma Oryx is an excellent bullet choice. My rifle for that purpose is a BAR cal. 300 WM; bullets are Norma Oryx 200 gr.

Yes, the 9.3's are better, but don't worry about it. A large majority of pigs here are killed with .308, also popular are .30-06, 8X57 and, indeed, the 6.5X55. You don't see many 9.3's here. And I'm talking about driven hunts and HUGE boars.
You'll do just fine with a 6.5, just practice your aim, it's far more important than 1mm difference in bullet diameter. Practice those moving shots, try to find a shooting range with a "running boar" target. (dont know if you have them there in England though. We do because we have to take a big game shooting test on moving targets every two years.)

I have taken a party of scandinavians to a monteria, and after the first day nobody was making jokes about the little 6,5 anymore. If you are confident with your rifle, go ahead and use it, a well placed 6,5 bullet is better than a poor shot with a bigger caliber.

VV- even though I to find the 6,5 a bit weakish, there are other things to consider that are far more important,

Scope, a low level magnified scope, perhaps even with illum reticle,

rifle fit, the rifle should fit you like a shotgun, point and shoot,

running shots, those are the ones you will get, train for them, know your limits and adhere to them, I train at the running moose target range at 80 meters, in real life I would not often take a running shot at that range.

Best regards Chris

Remember to take lots of pictures and post a report!

Realistically speaking, here in the UK it is not feasible to buy a new rifle for the sole purpose of an overseas invite. So you're either using your own gun, or borrow a larger caliber 'over there'. There's no doubt it's better to take your own gun and place a good shot on the moving boar.

I am a total novice in driven shooting but saw two 100kgs+ boar dropped with a 270win in January, with one shot apiece. On the same hunt, I also saw several boar run off with a brenekke slug in the leg. SHOT PLACEMENT!

quote:

Originally posted by Boghossian:
...Realistically speaking, here in the UK it is not feasible to buy a new rifle for the sole purpose of an overseas invite....

I must stop to complain about italian gun law; often abroad is much worse....

Thank's for all the replys,
I will get in touch with my family member in Belguim and see what he thinks,but I am sure the the 6.5x55 will do the job with a well placed shot,I will be sure to get lots of practice on moving targets in the meantime.