They have been doing the job for about 100 years, look at the Scandinavian countries. Moose on down. I have two, 6.5X55 and 6.5X57 90g to 165g pick the critter and with a good shot meat in the freezer.
I found the high sectional density and BC of the 140-grain Nosler Partition very handy last Sunday when shooting a whitetail buck at 30 yards with my custom 6.5x55.
I had the same experience on a good size GA. white tail back in '98. Only it was a 129 grain Hornady loping along at 2750 fps from a sporterized swede. He didnt go anywhere. I liked that rifle and cant remember why I got rid of it. Any who got a CZ in 6.5 Swede now.
I used to travel to Sweden on business and meet with auto test engineers at the company's proving grounds. They generally used 6.555 Swedes (some used the 8X57mm Mauser) on 500 Kg. (1,100 pound) moose and never reported any problems. If it works there, it�ll work here.
If I recall correctly, they used 160 gr. NORMA bullets.
55 Swedes (some used the 8X57mm Mauser) on 500 Kg. (1,100 pound) moose and never reported any problems. If it works there, it�ll work here.