Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting 7mm-08 vs 6.5x55

In the same rifle say model 70 with a 23" tube what would be a better deer gun 400yds and in?

Flip a coin...

I think this is accurate. However, I will say, the 6.5 is better, hands down. Matter of principle.

i think the 6.5x55 with the 120's would be better than the 708 with the 140's for deer...IMO...

I have both, and do not think that you could go wrong with either one. The 6.5 x 55 has less recoil and perhaps more panache, but the 7-08 is about as good as it gets as a deer round.

I have both, either will do the job. On deer a bit of a mute point. The 6.5X55 will take the longer heavier bullets a bit better than a short action 7-08mm. For deer with 120's 140's can't see much differance.

I haven't tried the lighter bullets in the 6.5. The first morning I hunted with a 6.5x55 (in a blowing snow storm) I took a beautiful buck using the old PMC 140s and was so impressed with the performance that I have stayed with the 140s.

thanks all for the great info....randy..

I have the 6.5x55 and the 7x57. At their velocities I cannot tell the difference in the results on deer and hogs with bullets 140 grains or less at the ranges you specify. 6.5 x 55 does shoot the longer bullets better, but the 7.08 comes in short action....

Hey, wait a minute, have we had this argument already ???

Either one will work very well for you. If you do not reload 7.08's are easier to find at standard/higher pressures, and in most places. If you do reload the 6.5 is an under appreciated gem.

The deer will tell you there is zero difference. The 6.5X55 is cooler but the 7-08 gives you a short action. So do you want to be cool or carry a short action rife?

Also agree that the 6.5x55 benfits greatly from handloading. I suppose an arguement could be made in favor of the 7-08 when factory loads only are considered.

I have the 7-08 and the .260. So far I have seen only a little difference in the deer's reaction. I use Corelokt 140s in both of them. I've killed a whole lot more deer with the 7-08 but it seems that long, skinny 6.5mm bullet MAY cause a slightly more dramatic collapse in the deer. With either, I have rarely had a deer move out of sight of where he was shot.

I handload for both of them.

6.5 is Much older, so it must be Wiser.

I have a FW in 6.5 and it's awesome. It shoots lights out and has recoil fit for a little girl. Ken

I would go with the 6.5x55. Simply because I run a 260 Rem for deer and since you didn't inquire about a 260, the 6.5x55 is the next best thing....

I'd love to see these 2 in a head to head battle winner take all match

Next best thing....??? Eeeewww! Swede all the way.

I'd probably pick the 7 mainly because I already have a ton of components for it.

Either one would kill perfectly for you at those ranges. Get the rifle you like best.

CLB

I prefer short actions so I'd pick the 7MM-08 or 260 Remington, if you're not concerned with action length, they're a horse a piece really, and capable of taking the same range of game. If recoil is a factor, the Swede kicks less.

STA- who has a 23" barrel? CZ is a fraction longer than 23" but most are 22". Just wondering what you are looking at? I have a 260 and I talked Dad into a 6.5 cz that he adores. I found out this weekend that 140gr. pills in the 260 (6.5) is all it is cracked up to be. Shot one large hog through both shoulders\hear\lungs. Perfect performance and exit wound. Sunday, little bit smaller hog just below the ear- same results.

From a purely ballistic standpoint, the Swede probably wins with good handloads or Norma ammo. The 6.5 bullets are noted for having very high BC values and that means more downrange energy. Would someone ever be able to tell the difference in the field, who knows. Dead is dead.