My present 6.5x55 is a custom rifle with a 21" barrel, and it's easy to get 2900+ with 120's and 2700+ with 140's using published data.
I realize those sorts of velocities aren't enough to kill anything, but they do punch nice holes in paper out to several hundred yards.
I shot a 120 pound ram with a 129 Hornady going 2650ish out of my 18" barreled 94 Swede sporter (no, I did not sporterize a stock 94 - I got it already chopped on...). It went completely through and dropped the animal within 15 yards. Heart/lung shot.
I don't worry about getting top velocity much any more. Just match the bullets to the velocity.
NRA Endowment Life NAHC Life MOLON LABE! OCS 120th MP BN MSSG
