Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 6.5's by the numbers

I've been a 6.5 fan for a long time, I'm glad the rest of the world has caught up to me =]

This list is by far not all inclusive, but covers the differences between factory advertised loaded velocity of factory 6.5 rounds with normal bullet weights, rounded off to the nearest 100fps. sure with handloads and some magic you can probably beat this by 100-200fps if you really tried, or if your barrel is chopped off to 18" you probably can't get to within 200 fps of this velocity, but it's a starting point for comparison.

It also lists the action length and bolt face required if you were to get one built, or if you are looking to convert:

Don't forget the Weatherby.

A Creedmoor or 260 will require a fair bit more barrel than 22" to achieve 2,800 with a 140.

The Swede is shortchanged in the chart, showing a 140 at only 2,700. It's at least as capable as the Creedmoor and 260, and likely more so loaded to equal pressures.

Interestingly, Western Powder lists 3k from the 6.5-284 Winchester with a 142 SMK, but only a rounded-off 2900 from the same combo in the longer 6.5-284 Norma. For whatever reason, they don't take advantage of the longer COAL of the Norma chamber for that one. I haven't loaded that bullet in my Norma, so maybe there's a problem hanging onto the bullet shank if you try to seat it that long.



Sierra's data shows 2800 with their 140-142 class bullets out of the Creedmoor, with the SAAMI-standard 24" barrel.

The Swede can't touch the Creedmoor or the 260 when loaded to CIP or SAAMI max pressures. Once you start playing the yabbut game, speculating about maybes when going off-book, you're not comparing anything but daydreams.

No 6.5x47 Lapua ????

Or 6.5 PRC

Disclaimer, I don't have a Swede so this is only a guess.

Since the action used was a short action would the 140 gr bullet take up more room in the case than say the same bullet in the Creedmoor and limit velocity?

The Swede has slightly more capacity than the Creed or .260. The smaller cartridges get more speed from higher pressures. Load all three to the SAME not SAAMI pressure and the biggest one wins. Maybe not by enough to sacrifice other considerations, but still.

I don't have any trouble getting 2750-2800 with a 140gr in the 6.5X55. 22" barrel.

I still think you should sell that to your buddy to the West, and buy a flashy new 26 Nosler............it's SO much faster.

222,
You might be able to find one of those 6.5X55 Howas at Sportsman's Warehouse. Not sure you have one close by, but Boise, perhaps would have one?
And yes, I have been looking at the 26 Nosler. 264 Win, also.

I'm trying to stay away from Boise to let the Visa cool from December's action. But yeah, the Sportsmans might have one.

Cabelas gets picked over to much to produce much anymore.

The 6.5x55 is the slightly bigger engine and will drive the same bullets slightly faster than the Creedmoor or 260.

No daydreaming necessary.

Show us the data. Mark it as suitable for Ruger #1 only or something, like some 45-70 data is marked. Run the pressure testing in accordance with SAAMI or CIP procedures and publish it with the MAP you used. Many would thank you for it, I believe.

The concept is certainly correct, but it seems that none who want to compare things on an 'equal pressure' basis ever show the pressure data, nor even any evidence that they have any, nevermind getting either American or European industry buy-in on the idea.

C.I.P. has essentially done that with the 6.5x55 SKAN, a 6.5x55 variation that's very slightly elongated in the body so it won't fit in standard chambers, to allow loading to higher pressures. The neck is also a little longer, but the dimensions are otherwise identical.

Vihtavuori's data, loaded to a maximum of 380 MPa (approxmately 55,000 PSI) shows 3058 fps with the 120-grain Scenar-L, and 2887 fps with the 139 Scenar, both with N560 powder. They don't list the barrel length, as they do with other rounds, just that the "test bed" was a Sauer STA 200. That barrel length could be found somewhere, but no doubt it's somewhere in the normal sporter range.

How many Swedes have you shot or owned?

Been telling myself that somehow I need a Finnlight chambered 260rem, but when reading these threads, I realize, I'd be rather well served with one chambered 6.5x55, instead.

Agreed. You'll have the same action length, why not get a bit more with the 6.5x55 You can run the fabulous Lapua or Hornady brass. I'd rather breath easy with a 140 at 2,700 than strain to get there (or whatever speed you think is appropriate).

You guys crack me up!

A 6.5 Swede, a 6.5 Creed, and a 260 Rem don't have lick of difference between them! Best case scinario you can get one to shoot with 1" less drop at 600yds?

In a hunting rifle advantage goes to 6.5 Creed or 260 Rem if you want a short action ultralight, if you don't care about action length or physical weight, or you're just shooting paper then advantage goes to the best bullet load.

Keep telling yourself the 6.5 Swede is the best because you can eek out 17fps more speed out of it, or the 6.5 Creed is the best because you can get the best selection of factory ammo for it, or the 260 Rem is the best because you can get Lapua brass in a short action 6.5......

You all are right for your specific need, but in terms of actual performance, there just ain't enough difference to see it other than on paper (and I don't mean targets).


The real winner is the 26 Nosler.

My favorite isn't even on the list.

The 6.5X54 Mann/Scho.
160 gr R.N. bullet at 2340 FPS.

Why?
Because I like the rifle.