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In my opinion, the 6.5X55 is about the best balanced rifle cartridge out there. I've a couple of them, one a Sako 85 that shoots with what would have been considered benchrest accuracy at a time within the memory of some still living. It kills without a lot of fuss and bother (read muzzle blast and recoil.) If I could only have one.....
Mathew 22: 37-39
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Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
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Robert,
My experience is that bolt actions designed for the .30-06 (and similar rounds) will feed the 6.5x55 perfectly. The only difficulty in rebarreling is, occasionally, the bolt face. The 6.5x55 rim is (theoretically) slightly larger than the .30-06's, up to a maximum of .479", but American 6.5x55 brass tends to be made with a .30-06-sized, .473" rim.
Also, I've yet to encounter a controlled-feed bolt face that couldn't handle European 6.5x55 brass, which typically has a slightly larger rim. (The Lapua, Norma and RWS brass I have on hand all measures .476".) Some push-feed bolt faces, however, are little too tight for Euro-brass rims.
Another caution is that 6.5x55 chambered dimension vary considerably, both in throat length and body size, and since brass also varies this can cause problems--unless, of course, the chamber is all-around generous. Despite the larger rim size, European brass is typically slightly smaller in body diameter just in from of the rim. This doesn't matter most of the time, but the Lilja barrel of my custom 6.5x55 was chambered with a minimum-dimension Pacific T&G reamer, and American brass won't fit unless I size the base of the body down with a .45 ACP die. European brass fits fine.
All of this may sound like putting together a 6.5x55 is a PITA, and to a certain extent that's true. But you can have a bolt action rebarreled by E.R. Shaw for $300 or a little more, with a chamber that will handle all types of brass. (Some people don't think Shaw barrels are any good, and that was kinda true before 2000, when they completely retooled. I've use 7-8 Shaw barrels since then, which have all been good to excellent.)
On the other hand, you can just go buy a factory rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor or .25-06. Or look for a used factory rifle in 6.5x55. I could have solved a lot of my personal rifle loony hassle if I'd just held onto that Ruger 77 Mark II 6.5x55 from a few years ago. Thanks a million for this detailed explanation. Seems to me that you could probably write a short book with about ten chapters going over the history, comparing swede to other cartridges and explaining the reloading fiddle fart and on and on. I'd buy it. I would bet a lot of folks would. Thanks again neighbor.
Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2005
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The worst part about the 6.5x55 is having to explain what the hell it is every time someone asks what you are shooting. The average Joe has never heard of it. Odd for a cartridge that is over 100 years old.
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Campfire Tracker
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OP
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I did a stutter step in my head and went back to read John's article on the twin 25-06's. Seems like a 1/9 twist is the ticket but it also seems getting a custom barrel in that twist is not all that easy either. All 1/10's at this site: http://www.bugholes.com/ER Shaw all 1/10 This thread from last year mentions Pacnors and Shilens in 1/9: http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/7707234/2
Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven.
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Joined: Oct 2011
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Hart offers a 9" twist in .25
David
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Campfire Tracker
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The worst part about the 6.5x55 is having to explain what the hell it is every time someone asks what you are shooting. The average Joe has never heard of it. Odd for a cartridge that is over 100 years old. Tell them you have a 6.5 Swede.
When truth is ignored, it does not change an untruth from remaining a lie.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 17,527
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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The average redneck has never even heard of Sweden, haha.
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Campfire Tracker
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OP
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Pacnor, Shilen, Hart
1/9 twist for quarter bore barrels.
Anybody else?
Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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The worst part about the 6.5x55 is having to explain what the hell it is every time someone asks what you are shooting. The average Joe has never heard of it. Odd for a cartridge that is over 100 years old. Tell them you have a 6.5 Swede. Tell 'em it's a 6 1/2 millimeter Mauser. They stay confused longer.
“When Tyranny becomes Law, Rebellion becomes Duty”
Colossians 3:17 (New King James Version)
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,682 |
Running a handloaded 260 with 100 grain bullets, I can equal any factory 100 grain loads...
running 100 grain bullets in a handloaded 6.5 x 55 or my 6.5 x 57, I'd bet that they also will equal a 25/06 with a 100 grain bullet....
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Joined: Apr 2001
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Campfire Outfitter
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No love here for the .257Roberts AI?
Last edited by Pete E; 12/23/14.
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Posts: 7,263
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Pacnor, Shilen, Hart
1/9 twist for quarter bore barrels.
Anybody else? Bartlein did a 1-9 5R for me. I think they will still do any twist you want including gain twist or progressive. Maybe an up charge and long wait though. Now to get it screwed on to something so I'll know how it shoots as a 25-06.
"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred." Niccolo Machiavelli
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Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
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I've owned both and the 25-06 isn't going to do anything more than the Swede. Recoil between the two is a non-issue as is down range performance. You can hot rod the Swede but why? What the Swede has on the 25-06 is history and nostalgic appeal as in it's been getting it done on mice to moose for a damn long time and still is in it's homeland. If it were me I'd go Swede properly throated for the long stuff.
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Campfire Regular
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I've owned both and have to side with the 6.5x55. Loses both energy and velocity at a slower rate and you can load larger bullets. I use 140 gr. bullets and the Swede is my go to caliber. Taken deer/varmints and none of them even twitched after being shot.
Texas bred and born
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