Greetings all, This is my first post here. This is a great forum. I hunt Eastern Whitetails with a Weatherby synthetic in 30-06 equipped with a Kahles variable scope. Naturally this does a great job but I have come to believe that it is simply more rifle than what is needed to kill these small deer. I am hoping to fill some of my 12 tags this year with something that should be more than adequate, and hopefully easier on the shoulder when sighting the rifle in, or casual paper shooting. I am looking at a CZ American in 6.5 x 55 swede and the Winchester Model 70 featherweight in the same caliber. For the money the CZ seems to offer a lot. Any comments on which rifle might show good accuracy out of the box and be the best value for this application? Any reason to avoid the CZ (or the Winchester)? Will either of them have a problem with 140 gr bullets? JimmyP50

I have used the 6.5x55 for deer for many years. It is a fine deer cartridge, exceptionally accurate and the 140 is my prefered bullet weight. As for the rifles I've never owned either but from general comments I would definitely take a CZ if you can find one.The word have gotten out that they are very good quality and good value so they are hard to find.

Jimmy P.

Well, I think you have half the job done, by selecting the 6.5 x 55. I am sure it will convert you like it has a lot of other shooters, as one very competent caliber, without a lot of muss or fuss.

The harder thing is picking between a Model 70 featherweight and the CZ. I own several featherweights, and I LOVE each one of them. My own 6.5 x55 in a Featherweight was a shot out 30/06 with a Laminate factory stock, from the mid 1980s. I rebarreled it with a 26 inch barrel for open country hunting.

While I do not have a CZ in 6.5 x 55, of the several other CZ rifles I have purchased, they are one VERY NICE rifle, period. Each one I have amazes me on how accurate they are for a factory rifle.

Either route, to me their is no BEST choice. You are a winner either way, I hope you don't get like me, and just don't make up your mind, and get both so you don't have too.

I own several 6.5 x 55s, but then CZ has a Full Stock version that I am looking at real hard right now. Don't need it, but....

i own a cz 550 fs with a 6x leupold in 6.5 swede that groups in the .3" range all day long with 47 grs. h4831sc, win. case, fed 210 primer, and 140 gr. hornady sp, all day long @ 2600 fps. buy the cz and do not look back! lots of rifle for the money! most cordially, vic

Is a Carl Gustav 6.5 X 55 a decent rifle?
I know it could be old but its in very good shape so I don't think its too old??

Jimmyp,
The CZ is a lot of gun for the money, IMHO. I have the CZ550 American in 6.5x55 and really like it. That said however, you can not go wrong with a Winchester, Remington or a Ruger if you can find one.

Desy, the Carl Gustav will be at least 60 plus years old -- but still a fine firearm. If you can find the short rifle version (model 38)made by Carl Gustav or Husqvarna at something less than $350, go for it. However, they are becoming collector items and increasing in value rapidly, might not want to customize one of these.

Best regards,

Ol' John

Yeah a guy a work said they put a 'vision?' scope on it that was worth $200 CDN last year on it. for 450 or 325 USD.\
Guy wants a 270

another vote for the cz 550 in 6.5x55. mine does well with 45.5 grns of imr 4350 and a 129 grn hornady bullet. shoots well under an inch and the two deer i've killed with it didn't take a step. good luck...bud

[ 09-10-2003, 02:40: Message edited by: budiceale ]

What I love about being a 6.5 x 55 shooter is the confidence that any owner of that caliber has in its abilities.

We are all in good company in my opinion. Guys who know what works without a ton of recoil to have to endure.

Old Sven and Ole got it right back in the 1890s with the the 6.5.!

Desy, check your PM. I am from your neck of the woods.

I won 5 cz's and love them all there my favourite rifles. So get a cz and be happy, just ensure you asjk for one without the plastic floorplate and follower !!

I had it on mine but CZ will swap it out for a steel one for you.

Oh how I long for some of CZ FS rifles triplets in 6.5x55, 7x57 & 9.3x62

Desy, do a search on google of Swedish Mausers, or any variation of.............it will turn up a wealth of information.

Carl Gustav made commercial 6.5x55's until the late 60's. Husqvarna made them during the same period. I have a Remington Classic in this caliber, and it may well be the best rifle I own. I use it for moose, and it does the job with the 160gr bullet. The commercial actions are much stronger than the older military ones and can be souped up without encountering pressure signs. I think this caliber is a real sleeper. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal