I see the discussion on which is the best one. I just picked up a Broughton #3, 1:8 6.5 barrel. I have an extra Mex Mauser action: what should be my project for next year? and why. I've had a 260 and 6.5 Swede, both were great. Currenty I run a 223AI, 257 Roberts, 7-08 and waiting for my 338Fed. What say ye wise men for next year? Thanks for the help.

how about a 6.5x57? same length case as the original 7x57. i think the case head is .470 instead of .473 though. just a thought...

The 6.5 X .284 worked well for me. roger

the swede Lapua brass is available, and in modern pressures, it shines.

I have the same dilema, a Mexican action and a 1 in 9 twist 6.5 barrel, I think I will go with 6.5x55 because I have about 400 pieces of new brass, and a 1000 Hornady 129gr .264 bullets

What about the 6.5 Arch..........the improved version of the Swede??

Depends on where you are living on which 6.5mm o build. If in Europe, I'd suspect that the 6.5x57mm would be the one to build. If in the USA, I'd suspect 6.5x55mm, or a 6.5-284. It's really a matter of ammunition, not which one is really better. If you want the best, build a 6.5-06.

LLS

quote:

Originally posted by sierra2:
Depends on where you are living on which 6.5mm o build. If in Europe, I'd suspect that the 6.5x57mm would be the one to build. If in the USA, I'd suspect 6.5x55mm, or a 6.5-284.
LLS

Hmm...I'd view it just the other way around. If I lived in Europe, I'd build the 6.5x55...lots of correctly dimensioned brass there, and some of the "state" military manufacturers in the "Scandahoovian" countries are probably still selling ammo to target shooters at good prices (one can always hope...).

Here in the States, I'd probably just go with a .260 Remington, but if I wanted a little more capacity in the case, I'd go with the 6.5x57. There's scads of that brass available; just open the neck on either .257 Roberts or the 6 m/m Remington (.244 Rem, same thing) and you're there. That just takes one pass through the full-length sizing die. After all, both the .257 and 6m/m cartridges are just necked down versions of the 7x57 or 6.5x57 to begin with.

And if things really got tough, with the 6.5x57 It is really not THAT much trouble to shorten, neck down and set the shoulder back in plain old '06 brass.

When I first starting shooting the 6.5x55, I used '06 based cases, but found later it easier to form them by necking 6mm Rem (6mm/7x57 IIRC) cases up, just trimmed them back 2 mm or so. Did fine. Now brass is widely available here in the US. I prefer to use proper brass as the Swede is a little different as many know near the case head and I like to Keep It Simple.

Canuck,
like 6.5BR, I prefer to use proper brass, not reformed unless I am working with a pure wildcat (6.5-06 comes to mind) or something for which ammo is totally unavailable, like the 8mm, 9mm, or 9.5mm Mannlicher cartridges, and, by the way, I began reloading in 1964 with a Lee Loader. I think I qualify as an experienced handloader, as today I load for 36 assorted rifle and pistol cartridges and have another 15+ "someday I'll use them" sets of dies. So, let's avoid blasting away at people and enjoy the forum.
LLS

It really doesn't matter what round; it is the 6.5 bullets that make it so effective. Decide how far you are willing to shoot at game and pick the case that lets you fire a 140 grain bullet point-blank into the kill zone at that range and you have your answer.

quote:

Here in the States, I'd probably just go with a .260 Remington, but if I wanted a little more capacity in the case, I'd go with the 6.5x57. There's scads of that brass available; just open the neck on either .257 Roberts or the 6 m/m Remington (.244 Rem, same thing) and you're there. That just takes one pass through the full-length sizing die. After all, both the .257 and 6m/m cartridges are just necked down versions of the 7x57 or 6.5x57 to begin with.

Even tho I have a couple of 260s and a couple of 6.5 x 55s.. I have to admit, I only have one of these, the 6.5 x 57... but this is exactly what I did/do.. neck up 257 Roberts brass...

this is my favorite cartridge...of all the ones I have... followed by the 338/06 and the 6mm Rem...

There is some advantages to the 6.5 X 57.....I'm not too sure what the availability of cases is but it's at least as fine a cartridge as the Swede and a bit more.......

That said, it's hard to beat the Swede as it's a very popular round and reloading for either is almost manditory.

I allready have 4 6.5x55s and 2 6.5x57s my next 6.5 rifle will be in the 6.5x65RWS. I do not feel the need to go any bigger in this bore diameter as 6.5x65 or 6.5-06 class of cartridge shoots a 140gr bullet farther than I am capable of hitting what I am trying to shoot.

What ever decision you make you can't go wrong with a 6.5.

quote:

Originally posted by sierra2:
Canuck,
like 6.5BR, I prefer to use proper brass, not reformed unless I am working with a pure wildcat (6.5-06 comes to mind) or something for which ammo is totally unavailable, like the 8mm, 9mm, or 9.5mm Mannlicher cartridges, and, by the way, I began reloading in 1964 with a Lee Loader. I think I qualify as an experienced handloader, as today I load for 36 assorted rifle and pistol cartridges and have another 15+ "someday I'll use them" sets of dies. So, let's avoid blasting away at people and enjoy the forum.
LLS

I don't know if this refers to my post or not, as there are at least two of us here who use the term "Canuck" in our handles. If it was intended for me, I did not blast at you or anyone else here. I make it a policy to NEVER do that. I was expressing my own thoughts on the subject, which is what I thought the forum was for.

I also like to use proper brass when it is available.

6.5x57 brass is currently available, though not easily, in the U.S.A. However, I do not know how long 6.5x57 headstamped brass will BE available in the 'States, so I thought I would mention that it is easy to make from other things, whereas it is not easy to enlarge case heads to get full design diameter for the 6.5x55, if the 6.5x55 disappears here.

On the other hand, "proper" 6.5x55 brass will likely never disappear in Europe, so it would be a good choice there in my view. At the same time, U.S.made brass for the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, even though headstamped with that name, is not really "proper" head diameter according to many reports. Swedish Mauser brass design calls for a .4803" CIP established diameter, while many U.S. brass runs which are headstamped 6.5x55 reportedly have .470" diameter case heads.

Believe me, I was not questioning anyone's ability to reload...the thought never even entered my mind.

quote:

Originally posted by JustC:
the swede Lapua brass is available, and in modern pressures, it shines.

+1

The Swede!

Sometimes it is amazing the role happenstance plays in our lives.

We have been discussing the 6.5x55 and 6.5x57 here as part of this thread. Just this morning I had the opportunity to buy a very nice condition "6.5 Jap/.257 Roberts" reamer for $35.50 - - - so I did.

That, of course is simply a post W.W.II U.S. designation for the 6.5x57 Mauser...in that it allowed one to re-chamber 6.5 Japanese barrels for the case used in common by the 6 m/m Rem, .257 Roberts, 7x57, 8x57, etc.

Lots of GIs returning from the Pacific brought back "war-booty" Japanese service rifles, and lacking good boxer-primed 6.5 Japaneze brass to load, had them rechambered to take the 57 m/m length case(s). In that day, they mostly used the .257 Roberts case or the 7x57 case.

How they got around the chrome-lining of those bores, I was never quite certain, as I don't care to cut chrome-lined bores with HSS reamers.

Anyway, think I'll cut one one of those chambers in a spare 6.5 blank I have here, and fit it to an RPA action....especially as I have something on the order of 3,000 .257 Roberts cases laying around here, it should be handy.

That should make pretty clear which I would build for use here in the 'States.

SeaFire[QUOTE]QUOTE]

Paradise Cove pier prier to Jan. 1983. Happy Days Fonserrelli. roger

you would never go wrong with the 6,5 x 54 mannlicher schoenauer.

Gidday Roger,

Silly old myself. I thought I recognised that photo but thought it was Johns portrait from 1970.

Did we really have that much hair ever.

Heeeeeey Happy Days!!!

Happy Hunting

Hamish

Thanks for all the help, looks like I'm going to start with the Swede, when I get bored, then rechamber into 6.5x284. Had a Winchester in the Swede that was a real killer, sorry I sold it, so back I go.

I've got the 6.5x55 swede improved and it duplicates the 6.5x284 with less powder,..so throat life should be better. Might want to consider that option also.

I also have the 6.5-06Improved and it performs well also.

Ohhh!!! I crave a 6.5-06Improved !!!!

What are the deferences between the 6.5x55 and 6.5x57 other than 2mm?

Case heads can be slightly different I guess, is the case shape or capacity much differnt?

Allen

quote:

Originally posted by sierra2:
Ohhh!!! I crave a 6.5-06Improved !!!!

My 6.5 x 57 on a long action, actually exceeds a friends 6.5/06 AI in velocity from 100 grain to 142 grain bullets...

quote:

Originally posted by Hamish:
Gidday Roger,

Silly old myself. I thought I recognised that photo but thought it was Johns portrait from 1970.

Did we really have that much hair ever.

Heeeeeey Happy Days!!!

Happy Hunting

Hamish

I never had that much hair..

but I just loved the Fonz on Happy Days...

saw this on a blog site and just had to have it over here!!!

'eeeeyyyyyyyyy!"

quote:

Originally posted by thismortalcoil:
I see the discussion on which is the best one. I just picked up a Broughton #3, 1:8 6.5 barrel. I have an extra Mex Mauser action: what should be my project for next year? and why. I've had a 260 and 6.5 Swede, both were great. Currenty I run a 223AI, 257 Roberts, 7-08 and waiting for my 338Fed. What say ye wise men for next year? Thanks for the help.

Cause you can shoot long and short bullets i would take the 6,5x65 RWS!

http://www.lima-wiederladetechnik.de/Afrika/2004/6,5-mm...s-in-Africa-2004.htm

I have a 6.5X57,
I have some RWS brass and it can be had from sinclares. I think its about 1.00 per case.
It would be easy enough to neck up the roberts , or down The 7X57.
...tj3006

quote:

On the other hand, "proper" 6.5x55 brass will likely never disappear in Europe, so it would be a good choice there in my view. At the same time, U.S.made brass for the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, even though headstamped with that name, is not really "proper" head diameter according to many reports. Swedish Mauser brass design calls for a .4803" CIP established diameter, while many U.S. brass runs which are headstamped 6.5x55 reportedly have .470" diameter case heads.

After reading this post I checkedmy Winchester 6.5x55 brass And found it to be .472. P.O. Ackley states in his book not to use brass that has a smaller head size. If Winchester is doing this they must feel that it is safe. With the difference in price for 100 pieces of brass being less than $20 I think I will stick with Lapua.

quote:

Originally posted by budiceale:
how about a 6.5x57? same length case as the original 7x57. i think the case head is .470 instead of .473 though. just a thought...

I agree with the 6.5X57mm. It has about the same case capacity and performance of the 6.5X55, but it is a classic Mauser round built on the same 57mm case as the 5.6X57, the 6mm Rem, .257 Roberts, 7x57mm, etc.

The 6.5x55 is quite obviously a calibre generated from and still widely used in Europe.

Even living in Australia, this calibre has a very,very large following. It just so accurate, gentle on the shooter, and capable to taking a wide variety of game using bullets from 100 grains ( or less) to Norma loaded ammo with 156 grainers.

Also, very kind to reloaders.

Tikka, Sako ( if you can afford ) and others manufacture a wide variety of rifles in 6.5x55.

6.5x55 for me.

6.5x55 .

How 'bout the 6.5 Rem Mag.?

I just returned from the range today and my Rem 673 gets over 3,400 fps with the 100 gr. Nosler Partitions.
I've always liked the smooth operating 6.5x55, but the performance of the Rem mag out of a short action with a 22" barrel is impressive

Seafire, remind me again of what your 100gr 260 Ruger was doing, 77 with 22" SS? mv?

And not one 264 Win Mag vote

I have a Win Mld 70 264 Win Mag with a 26 inch barrel for hunting the wide open country . Its not a woods rifle.

Guy,s
We are talking a mexican mauser here. I don't think the 6.5 rem would work, much les the .264 win.
The 6.5X284 might work, length wise but in a small ring mex I,m not sure it would be a good Idea.
260 , 6.5 Swede or 6.5X57.
...tj3006

My 6.5s that have 1:8 barrels are Grendels. It's a viable option for bolt guns, too, as the case is a bit nicer than the PPC as far as dimensions and pressures...Tack drivers.

i love my 6.5X55AI.... 130 gr barnes tsx @ 2950, tiny tiny groups, brass lasts forever and it looks cool!! what more could you want?
i could probably push that bullet faster but it's fast enough, it'll kill anything up thru average size elk and seems recoiless to me.