I've ;looked for a 6.5x54 for a long with no luck. Ended up with one in 7x57.
I'd say that wasn't a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!
The 7x57 is a great caliber and one of my favorites. It can just about do it all with the exception of the great bears! If you reload you can really get the full potential out of the 7x57. U.S. factory ammo on the other hand is limited to lighter (139/140 grain) bullets with average velocity around 266ofps. There are exceptions; Nosler and Hornady SST loads, otherwise the best are European ammunition such as S&B and Norma have proven to be good ammo; but pricey!
CJ
