6.5x55 - The Firearms Forum

guns4life · 05-29-2010, 04:13 PM

Looking for aa 6.5x55 in a bolt action have one in a kimber model 96 mauser action but would like someting a litttle more toward the accuracy end considering a tikka but would not rule out a winchester model 70 or a remington 700 the only thing is the latter 2 are very scarce any info on the rifles would be appreciated checked gb.com but nothing to my liking anybody got one or know where i can find one at a reasonable price

jacksonco · 05-30-2010, 03:55 AM

Here ya go .....

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/23566

LDBennett · 05-30-2010, 09:18 AM

Try CZ:

http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-550-fs/

and

http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-550-american/

JLA · 05-30-2010, 05:33 PM

I say go with the original and get a Swedish '96 mauser. Better would be an m/41 or m/41B sniper made by carl gustaf. or maybe an 1896 long rifle. Any would be a fine choice and probably more accurate than most current production guns...

Bindernut · 06-01-2010, 09:52 AM

The Tikka T3 is a nice rifle, but I gotta lean the same direction as LD...check out the CZ550. Either the American or the Full-Stock (mannlicher-style) is a very beautiful rifle that can shoot good to boot!
I've got a 550American in 6.5x55 and it's quickly pushing my old M38 onto the back burner as my favorite deer rifle.

The CZ is about as close as you can get to the original '98 Mauser action (with a few improvements) while the Tikka T3 is a modern 60° bolt-lift triple lug action. Neither one is a bad choice...all depends on what you like.

The Remington 700 in 6.5x55 was a one-year-only issue of the 700 Classic (1994 if I remember right). As you stated, they're hard to find. But if you do happen to find one at a good price...jump all over it.

Ruger also made the 77MkII in 6.5x55 for a few years. They've dropped it in favor of the 6.5 Creedmoor (another .308-based 6.5mm wildcat, just like the .260 Remington).

While I love the old Gustafs and Huskys, the advantage of a modern action chambered in the 6.5x55 is you can push the cartridge to it's full potential without worrying about stressing a 100 year old action.
Many European ammo companies offer hotter loads than what we typically see over here in the states...and you can duplicate those loads in a modern rifle safely while they would gradually beat an old '96 Mauser to pieces.
140gr at 2650-2700fps....while US factory loads will only push that same 140gr to around 2550fps. (Velocities are out of my 24" CZ550. Norma 140gr vs Winchester 140gr)

JLA · 06-01-2010, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bindernut

The Tikka T3 is a nice rifle, but I gotta lean the same direction as LD...check out the CZ550. Either the American or the Full-Stock (mannlicher-style) is a very beautiful rifle that can shoot good to boot!
I've got a 550American in 6.5x55 and it's quickly pushing my old M38 onto the back burner as my favorite deer rifle.

The CZ is about as close as you can get to the original '98 Mauser action (with a few improvements) while the Tikka T3 is a modern 60° bolt-lift triple lug action. Neither one is a bad choice...all depends on what you like.

The Remington 700 in 6.5x55 was a one-year-only issue of the 700 Classic (1994 if I remember right). As you stated, they're hard to find. But if you do happen to find one at a good price...jump all over it.

Ruger also made the 77MkII in 6.5x55 for a few years. They've dropped it in favor of the 6.5 Creedmoor (another .308-based 6.5mm wildcat, just like the .260 Remington).

While I love the old Gustafs and Huskys, the advantage of a modern action chambered in the 6.5x55 is you can push the cartridge to it's full potential without worrying about stressing a 100 year old action.
Many European ammo companies offer hotter loads than what we typically see over here in the states...and you can duplicate those loads in a modern rifle safely while they would gradually beat an old '96 Mauser to pieces.
140gr at 2650-2700fps....while US factory loads will only push that same 140gr to around 2550fps. (Velocities are out of my 24" CZ550. Norma 140gr vs Winchester 140gr)

Actually the 6.5 creedmoor is a necked down .30TC to be exact

(runs and hides)

guns4life · 06-01-2010, 07:53 PM

have looked at the 6.5 creedmore but no experience with this cartridge some one please educate me as to the differences in it and the 6.5x55 I already have a kimber sporterized carl gustaf but would like a more modern rifle thanks in advance

Bindernut · 06-02-2010, 07:02 PM

Argh...the forum monster wouldn't let me post a reply this morning. Anyhoo, here it is now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

Actually the 6.5 creedmoor is a necked down .30TC to be exact

(runs and hides)

Yeah... .30T/C, .308Win...6.5Creedmoor, .260Remington. there are so many new cartridges out these days that pretty much duplicate each other that I tend to lump em all together. I haven't quite figured out the .30 T/C or it's siblings since the .308 will already chamber nicely in a short action. Is there a new ultra-short action length that some of these new "stubbies" are gonna be paired to?

Quote:

Originally Posted by guns4life

have looked at the 6.5 creedmore but no experience with this cartridge some one please educate me as to the differences in it and the 6.5x55 I already have a kimber sporterized carl gustaf but would like a more modern rifle thanks in advance

The 6.5Creedmoor is a fairly newcomer that was developed specifically as a target cartridge. It's got a short case to cycle through a short action rifle even when loaded with a nice long high-sectional-density match bullet,fairly straight case walls and a steep 30° shoulder angle.
Here's a really good article on it that covers it pretty well.
http://www.americanrifleman.org/Arti...e.aspx?id=1527

Personally, I love the .264 bore diameter bullets regardless of the case that they're stuffed into....my opinion is that it's about the perfect bore size for any North American game except the really big critters. In either 120gr or 140gr, the sectional density numbers are very high...meaning that given their diameter they'll carry their energy out farther than a comparable weight in a larger bore diameter.

As for why choose the 6.5Creedmoor, or the .260Remington (a .308-length 6.5mm cartridge), or the good old 6.5x55? That's all up to personal choice. I think all three are about equal performance-wise on game or bulleyes.

The advantage of either the .260 or the Creedmoor is that they will chamber in a short action rifle while the Swede is stuck with a long-action due to the overall cartridge length. Performance is pretty much identical between all three...give or take a few fps.

Since you've already got a Kimber Gustaf in 6.5x55 I would say stick with that cartridge. It'll eliminate the need for another set of reloading dies...or ammo if you're not a reloader.

All depends on what you find that tickles your fancy...

JLA · 06-02-2010, 08:55 PM

I justify the chaos by telling myself that the cartridge makers just wanna be a little different. They mighta only changed the specs a few thousanths here and added a few fps there but dammit it a brand new cartridge to ooooh and aaaaah over

Me personally, Ill take a good ol fashioned long action .30-06. I love 100 year old technology and the deer aint ginna be able to tell the difference what .30 cal bullet hits him in the ribs...

Bindernut · 06-06-2010, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

I justify the chaos by telling myself that the cartridge makers just wanna be a little different. They mighta only changed the specs a few thousanths here and added a few fps there but dammit it a brand new cartridge to ooooh and aaaaah over

Me personally, Ill take a good ol fashioned long action .30-06. I love 100 year old technology and the deer aint ginna be able to tell the difference what .30 cal bullet hits him in the ribs...

I agree with ya JLA...every now and then those new rounds show up just as a fad. Pretty much all of em duplicate one of the "old" recipes. Time will tell how they all fare.

As for the 100 year old technology...that's why I keep going back to my old Swedes loaded with a 140gr. My shoulder doesn't notice when I pull the trigger and the deer don't know what hit em when that bullet connects either.

And IIRC, the 6.5x55 pre-dates the .30-06 by a couple years too.

JLA · 06-06-2010, 08:26 PM

all these younguns'll figure out the ol'timers had it right all along

199er · 06-07-2010, 12:19 AM

I have a stainless steel & walnut Ruger 1A Light Sporter in 6.5x55 that I bought about 3 years ago when Ruger did a special run of 250 for Lipsey's. I shoot a 140 grain interlock under 46.0 grains of IMR 4841, the recoil is mild, and I've been pleased with this caliber's performance on deer.

You can't go wrong with choosing any one of the rifles you're considering, it's just a matter of which one peaks your interest more or, if your able to handle them, which one fits you/feels the best to you.

05-29-2010, 04:13 PM	#1
guns4life V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: south carolina Posts: 281	6.5x55 Looking for aa 6.5x55 in a bolt action have one in a kimber model 96 mauser action but would like someting a litttle more toward the accuracy end considering a tikka but would not rule out a winchester model 70 or a remington 700 the only thing is the latter 2 are very scarce any info on the rifles would be appreciated checked gb.com but nothing to my liking anybody got one or know where i can find one at a reasonable price __________________ If ever a time should come when vain and aspiring men shall posses the highest seats in goverment our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin SAMUEL ADAMS 1776 -->

05-30-2010, 03:55 AM	#2
jacksonco Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jackson County West Virginia Posts: 2,237	Re: 6.5x55 Here ya go ..... http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/23566

05-30-2010, 09:18 AM	#3
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,754	Re: 6.5x55 Try CZ: http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-550-fs/ and http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-550-american/

05-30-2010, 05:33 PM	#4
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,407	Re: 6.5x55 I say go with the original and get a Swedish '96 mauser. Better would be an m/41 or m/41B sniper made by carl gustaf. or maybe an 1896 long rifle. Any would be a fine choice and probably more accurate than most current production guns... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

06-01-2010, 09:52 AM	#5
Bindernut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ND, USA Posts: 2,489	Re: 6.5x55 The Tikka T3 is a nice rifle, but I gotta lean the same direction as LD...check out the CZ550. Either the American or the Full-Stock (mannlicher-style) is a very beautiful rifle that can shoot good to boot! I've got a 550American in 6.5x55 and it's quickly pushing my old M38 onto the back burner as my favorite deer rifle. The CZ is about as close as you can get to the original '98 Mauser action (with a few improvements) while the Tikka T3 is a modern 60° bolt-lift triple lug action. Neither one is a bad choice...all depends on what you like. The Remington 700 in 6.5x55 was a one-year-only issue of the 700 Classic (1994 if I remember right). As you stated, they're hard to find. But if you do happen to find one at a good price...jump all over it. Ruger also made the 77MkII in 6.5x55 for a few years. They've dropped it in favor of the 6.5 Creedmoor (another .308-based 6.5mm wildcat, just like the .260 Remington). While I love the old Gustafs and Huskys, the advantage of a modern action chambered in the 6.5x55 is you can push the cartridge to it's full potential without worrying about stressing a 100 year old action. Many European ammo companies offer hotter loads than what we typically see over here in the states...and you can duplicate those loads in a modern rifle safely while they would gradually beat an old '96 Mauser to pieces. 140gr at 2650-2700fps....while US factory loads will only push that same 140gr to around 2550fps. (Velocities are out of my 24" CZ550. Norma 140gr vs Winchester 140gr) Last edited by Bindernut; 06-01-2010 at 09:59 AM..

06-01-2010, 07:53 PM	#7
guns4life V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: south carolina Posts: 281	Re: 6.5x55 have looked at the 6.5 creedmore but no experience with this cartridge some one please educate me as to the differences in it and the 6.5x55 I already have a kimber sporterized carl gustaf but would like a more modern rifle thanks in advance __________________ If ever a time should come when vain and aspiring men shall posses the highest seats in goverment our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin SAMUEL ADAMS 1776

06-02-2010, 08:55 PM	#9
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,407	Re: 6.5x55 I justify the chaos by telling myself that the cartridge makers just wanna be a little different. They mighta only changed the specs a few thousanths here and added a few fps there but dammit it a brand new cartridge to ooooh and aaaaah over Me personally, Ill take a good ol fashioned long action .30-06. I love 100 year old technology and the deer aint ginna be able to tell the difference what .30 cal bullet hits him in the ribs... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

06-06-2010, 08:26 PM	#11
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,407	Re: 6.5x55 all these younguns'll figure out the ol'timers had it right all along __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

06-07-2010, 12:19 AM	#12
199er Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Columbia SC Posts: 627	Re: 6.5x55 I have a stainless steel & walnut Ruger 1A Light Sporter in 6.5x55 that I bought about 3 years ago when Ruger did a special run of 250 for Lipsey's. I shoot a 140 grain interlock under 46.0 grains of IMR 4841, the recoil is mild, and I've been pleased with this caliber's performance on deer. You can't go wrong with choosing any one of the rifles you're considering, it's just a matter of which one peaks your interest more or, if your able to handle them, which one fits you/feels the best to you.