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Swede... but I tend to stay away from new whiz bang cartridges.
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Yes, there’s that consideration as well. With 140 gr loads at 62,000 psi at 2,750 fps you get approximately 2,250-2,500 rounds before accuracy starts to fall off. In the Swede operating at 51,000 psi with 140s at 2,600 psi you get around 4,500-5,000 rounds or better before giving up some accuracy. Barrel life on the Swede would be similar to the 308 Win. Assuming it takes the same or slightly more powder for the Swede to hit 2600 FPS, does pressure really play that much of a role in eating a barrel? And would downloading the Creed to 2600 FPS and using less powder than the Swede to hit the same velocity make the life more equal? Not challenging the stats, just ignorant on the issue personally. Thats a lot more barrel life.
But I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier, The last of Barrett's Privateers
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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When I stumbled on a Tikka Forest 6.5x55, I couldn't say no and have no regrets. With the Tikka being a long action, I'd pick the Swede over 6.5 CM given the choice, but there's not a thing wrong with the CM in a Tikka. I guess it just depends on how soon you want it... Man, nothing to not like about that.
Semper Fi
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Joined: Apr 2020
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No sir, thats a dang nice rifle. And good shooting!! What swayed me to the Swedish side of things was being able to buy this for nearly half the price of any decent Creedmoor I saw.
Last edited by Igloo; 12/08/21.
But I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier, The last of Barrett's Privateers
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Joined: Dec 2017
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You’re lucky to pay less for the 6.5x55SE over a Creedmoor. The Creedmoor offerings are a dime a dozen, most Swedes are limited offerings these days and usually offered by more expensive firms like Mauser, Sako (and Tikka) and custom builds. Most cost $300-$600 more than Creedmoors and are desired for their history, heritage and accuracy. CZ-USA used to be a go-to but they have not, as far as I know, presented it in the latest US markets. There is no killing difference in the hunting field on game between the Swede, 6.5mm-08 A-Square, 6.5 Creedmoor or the 6.5x47 Lapua.
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When I stumbled on a Tikka Forest 6.5x55, I couldn't say no and have no regrets. With the Tikka being a long action, I'd pick the Swede over 6.5 CM given the choice, but there's not a thing wrong with the CM in a Tikka. I guess it just depends on how soon you want it... Man, nothing to not like about that. That was my first kill with a Swede - 30 yd chip shot as I was getting out of the truck and loading up to go for a long walk. 139 Scenar - bullet size entry, finger diameter exit and liquefied chest cavity. I haven't loaded any other 6.5 bullet since.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I don't blame you there! Folks that use them seem to really hang to them. The 139's and 220's for the 30 caliber seem really darned good. I have a bunch of the 180's for the 7 Mashburn, but haven't tried them yet. A few on here have had nothing but excellent results with them to the point I trust them quite alot.
Nice buck!
Semper Fi
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I much prefer my 6.5x48 over the CM
Maker of the Frankenstud Sling Keeper
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...I have a bunch of the 180's for the 7 Mashburn, but haven't tried them yet. A few on here have had nothing but excellent results with them to the point I trust them quite alot.
Nice buck! Thanks! Good to hear on the 180's - I have a few boxes of them anxiously waiting on a 7 SAUM build.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2011
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...I have a bunch of the 180's for the 7 Mashburn, but haven't tried them yet. A few on here have had nothing but excellent results with them to the point I trust them quite alot.
Nice buck! Thanks! Good to hear on the 180's - I have a few boxes of them anxiously waiting on a 7 SAUM build. That’ll be a cool build as well. I have a 7 WSM on a 70 Classic. Kinda wondering if the 180’s will work in that little devil.
Semper Fi
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Im shooting 123 Scenars in my Swede, over H4350. I'm at 2980 fps and have stretched it to a mile on steel. Usually shoot 1000 yds or less, but we set up steel at a mile and I had to try. I jump to 139s in my 264 win mag, and shooting 108s in my creed.
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Swede
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There is a Swede Tikka for sale now
American Rifles and Italian Shotguns
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I have both (not Tikka). The Creed will generally shoot tighter groups than the Swede; both of mine have Shilen barrels, so that should be a wash.
One can reload the Swede and get great accuracy. Factory ammo definitely favors the Creed. The Creed is less sensitive to various kinds of ammo, shoots about everything well. The Swede is more picky, but does great with what it likes. My Swede is a Lapua snob, loves Lapua brass and 139 gr. Scenars over MRP.
Given that choice, to me it would be the Creed, although I really like my Swede. Both are keepers. The Creed will give you more performance with less effort. Their ballistic performance is pretty close. A reloader can push the slightly larger case a bit faster. Critters will never know the difference.
DF I have a T3 in 6.5 Swede. I have not found it to be picky at all in hand loads but for Hornady GMX bullets. It is the only bullet that seems consistently over 1" groups. I am not a real accomplished shooter and my loads are built with basic reloading equipment and techniques. Lapua and Privi are true Swede/euro spec brass. Winchester brass is based off 30-06 and a few thousandths smaller at the base. As mentioned earlier, I would probably just go with the Creed unless you are a reloader.
Fight fire, save lives, laugh in the face of danger.
Stupid always finds a way.
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I'd go with the Creedmoor.
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Campfire Member
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My T3 6.5x55 seems to be on a long action...isn't there only one action length with T3's? If so, there is no restriction on OAL in practice, and one can let the bullet be seated wherever one wants...which IMO is why mine seems to shot everything under MOA, and when generously endowed to modern pressures, runs a good bit. Lapua brass.
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Campfire Member
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Yes, there’s that consideration as well. With 140 gr loads at 62,000 psi at 2,750 fps you get approximately 2,250-2,500 rounds before accuracy starts to fall off. In the Swede operating at 51,000 psi with 140s at 2,600 psi you get around 4,500-5,000 rounds or better before giving up some accuracy. Barrel life on the Swede would be similar to the 308 Win. That's true but in a hunting rifle it will take up a fair while chew out the barrel
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x
Last edited by Mike_Dettorre; 12/14/21.
Internet analysis: 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact Fools & fanatics are always so certain and wise people are always so questioning
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I am interested in a Tikka in 6.5x55 but am having a difficult time finding one, but T3xs in 6.5 Creedmoor are in stock everywhere. How difficult would it be to do this conversion? Or is it better to just be patient and wait for one to come back in stock? Patience
Arcus Venator
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The bad thing about being a gun whore like myself, you can justify about anything...lol. I had a 6.5x55 for a short time and liked it, but I set the barrel back and turned it into a 260. I now have a few 260's, a couple of 6.5 Creed's and a 6.5x47. I don't dislike any of them but don't see myself going back to the 6.5x55 as I would have to start all over with getting brass and dies. I am set up with all the others already.
I may not be smart but I can lift heavy objects
I have a shotgun so I have no need for a 30-06.....
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