Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Action help for 6.5x55

I have decided that I want a rifle in 6.5x55, and would like any gunsmith types to offer any opinions on what type of action to use. I will probably have to buy the gun in 270/30-06 and have it rebarreled. So far I have looked at the Browning A-bolt(have one in 30-06), Tikka T-3(have a 595 in 7-08), Ruger Hawkeye, and Savage(have one in 257 Roberts). My requirements are:
1. Left-hand action
2. Stainless Steel
3. Prefer synthetic stock, but not essential - wood or laminate would be OK
This will be an all-purpose rifle for deer and "fun" shooting, and it has to be accurate. I am willing to have the action trued up, and want a match-grade barrel. This is a project that may take some time, but I am willing to take the time to get what I want(or if Beretta will let me order the T-3 left-hand in 6.5x55 since Tikka makes it - but Beretta won't import it!) My initial thought was to check with Savage since they did my 257 Roberts for me, and it is made in the USA!
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

I think you will find a Ruger to fit that criteria..
Should be easier then the rest...

Not a smith but I'd go with a Lefty Rem 700 long action, Pac-Nor barrel and a McMillan stock.
There are a couple of excellent smiths here at the fire to put it together.

Lefty and stainless cuts your choices down a bunch. Rem made a few, Winchester made a few, but they command a premium.

I'd look for a new or used SS Remington Mt. rifle with a liminate stock and re-barrel it. Oh yeah, long action.

No joking in that statement right there. I was tickled pink when I was finally able to pick up a lefty stainless action.

You can get a T-3 in a 6.5x55. No need to re-barrel the one you already have. If you like it, get another in a different cal.

Sorry, didn't read all the way through before I said that....I see you need a left hand action.

I know Tikka has a left handed stainless, I don't know if they offer it in that cartridge though.

Good mention though tzone. Definitely worth a look.

Short Winchester or short MRC. Both available in left hand stainless (though neither is easy to get) and both long enough for 6.5x55. GD

Get a Savage left handed action, that way you can change out the barrels as needed. The bolt heads too, allowing complete cartridge swaps, anything from .223 Remington to beltless magnums.