I've used 160gr.6.5mm bullets in the 6.5 Carcano, 6.5x55 and one of the first 6.5X.284s. All killed mule deer cleanly. The 6.5X.284 was a spectacular killer. 29" barrel and a super fast twist.It almost removed the opposite shoulder off one deer and turned everything in the chest cavity to jelly on another deer. The Carcano was loaded to close to 30-30 energy. It took a six point ( western) angling thru the chest and the bullet was retrived between skin and meat near the rear far side.1/4 of that bullet was deformed and layed back but all on one side???? Another mulie was shot accross the top of the heart almost broad side and the bullet exited not to be found. So fast or slow for me that bullet ( Norma and Hornady) worked will. roger

I have decided that I might reload my Sweede with "heavy" bullets at a slower speed for hunting thick cover. This will be for relatively large pigs or 100lb Texas deer. Does the 160gn RN open up at relatively slow speeds, or do you recomend another? capt david

From an old Reloader ( Alliant) manual, I have used the load of 30 grains of RL 7 for an MV of about 2100 fps.

Recoil is unbelievably light and that 160 grain bullet actually seems to like those lower MVs for penetration than higher velocity.

Either the Sierra or the Hornady. I prefer the Sierra in my militiary 6.5 Swede, but the Hornady gets loaded in my commercially produced 6.5's.

Accuracy was also fantastic.

good luck
cheers and good shooting
seafire

I used the Hornady 160-grain RN in my .260 Rem at 2350 fps and it cleanly dropped a large doe. The bullet exited in a straight line, so I can't tell you how much it expanded, but I'm sure it did. It was designed for the modest speeds of the 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer and similar cartridges.

I took my moose last year with a Remington Classic in 6.5x55. I also have three Swedish M96s in this caliber. It's my favorite. For large game I shoot the Sierra 160gr. SPSP (round nose to me). I can get about 2500fps with this bullet, and it raises merry olde hell with an animals boiler room. Incidently I've seen two moose lost in recent years that were nailed with a .300Win. Mag. Both were lung shots judging by the clearness of the blood. Both made it back into the brush and disappeared. I'm sure they ultimately died from the shot. I guess bigger is not always better. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

I shoot 6.5x55s a BUNCH, and I've used them with every conceivable bullet weight and at the entire spectrum of usable velocities. But in all honesty, I can say I have never, ever found a legitimate use for the 160 grain bullets. They don't transform the Swede a brush-buster, they won't penetrate significantly more than the 140 grain bullets, and they certainly won't add more lethality to the equation. For me, the 140s are just the ticket, and with the high sectional density and modest velocity the Swede works at, you'll get excellent tissue destruction, tremendous penetration (no premium bullets needed here) and game-dropping ability that must be seen to be appreciated.

And, you can keep the loads mild if you so choose. Push a 140 grainer at 2450-2500 fps, and you'll get a low-recoil round that gives you positive deer or hog medicine out to at least 250 yards.