I am looking for an accurate 6.5 Swede in a modern rifle that I will not have to fuss with much to get consistent performance @MOA. I want a modren action so I can load it past the facory ammo and use the Hornady Light magnums as a fallback commercial option.

I have had a CZ and disliked its clunkiness -- not the weight per se just the 'feel' -- and a damned loud clank from the magazine after every shot. Any thoughts? Also had a '96 conversion but it is gone... and i do not want to go that route again.

1B

The Winchester Mod 70 Featherweight. I carried one of these in .243 for quite a few years and it is a well balanced, classy looking rifle.
My 243 was plenty accurate as well.

Tikka T3 Hunter if you can find one. I've had the Winchester Featherweight and the Howa 1500. I think the Tikka would be the one to try next....

Tom

Remington 700 Classic or Winchester 70 Featherweight.

Jeff

Model 70 Featherweight is about the best way to go nowdays.

m70 classic

Have a look at the Tikkas. I have a T-3 Lite that is a great shooting rifle. I had to wait for a few months for it to come in but it was worth it. There are not a lot of options in that caliber now and that is a real shame. That cartridge is a sweetheart and there is a small but strong following for it. I think the manufacturers are missing out by not offering it in a wider range of rifles.

1B,

I would look at the Sako choices for "best factory".

jim

Tikka

I just bought a new Tikka T3 Hunter Walnut and blue.Topped it with a Burris FF II 3X9 Ballistic plex.I took it out Saturday to sight in with Winchester FLs.After boresighting at 25yrds fired at a target at 50.Three shot group, first two in the same hole,NO BS, third 1/2" off first two.I continued to monkey with the scope(if you saw me adjust a scope you'd call me a monkey).Then shot one 3 shot group at 100(last three)at 1.25".Trigger is adjustable,crisp,I didn't touch it.A joy to shoot ,well made and great potential with that round.I have all my components,Lee dies,Lapua brass,Noslers and IMR powder,I'll see if I can make her smoke. My 444 is getting jealous.Only regret is the scope I bought.
Anyone want to buy a new Burris FFII?$160 shipped.

bh444-is the Tikka you bought a Swede?

also just curious but what do you not like about that scope. I've got a couple of them and think the world of them?

Thanks

Mark D

The best current factory rifle in 6.5x55 is a Sako Finnlite. Good luck finding one. (Accuflite usually has them but overprices them)..............DJ

The Ruger 77 mkII is a good one for the money.
GeoW

Sako 75, Finlight, or Tikka, I do not think there is any out of the box non custom rifle that would touch them for accuarcy. they also come with pretty good triggers.

I know I am probably going at this, a$$ backward, but I wanted to know if I really liked the cartridge or not, and I bought a Howa. If money was not an obstacle, I would buy a finnlight. If money was an obstacle, but not so much so that I couldn't spend $700.00 or so (before glass) on a rifle, I would buy a Tikka. The Winchester Featherweight is always nice, and although some don't like them, I have always had good luck with Ruger 77's.

You could try a Sauer 202. I recently worked up loads for two of them (synthetics) a few serial numbers apart and I couldn't believe the consistency between the two rifles--they were just about interchangeable across the chronograph spectrum. Now, on the shooting side, I couldn't get used to the trigger or the high rings on the 4x12 scope mounted on it, and I am so used to Remington triggers that I did not get it to its full potential. On the other hand, I had to just about pry it from my wife's hand, and she is a consistent sub MOA shooter with it with little practice. I never thought about trying factory loads with the rifle because they generally are underloaded or way too expensive.

yeah, what's wrong with it? I got one on my 223 and find it to be a great scope, except for the eyepiece that swivels when turned from 3-9x <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

1B

I have a Rem 700 classic in the swede, its a great shooting rifle but i think if i were to do it over i would buy the M 70 feather weight. Looks like a nice compact, easy carrying rifle.

i can buy a used sako finnlight in 6.5x55 for $979.
i'm not familiar with that round.
how does compare to the 308 win or 270?
sambo

The 6.5x55 is more like the .308 than the .270 which is a speed- kills kind of round.

The other two are both originally military rounds althouth the .308 is more modern. Both are known for inherent accuracy. The .308 shoots heavier standard shaped bullets. The 6.5 shoots lihgter, longer, bullets that have well deserved reputations for killing effect well beyond their diameter and fps would lead you to expect.

The 6.5 is by far the softest kicking round and this makes it the most shootable.

1B

Classic Stainless M7 Featherwieght. Me, I'd re-stock in fiberglass.

My vote is for the CZ550. I haven't shot one, but given CZ's reputation it would be a contender if you can get past the backwards safety.


SS

Howa 1500 - best bang for the buck. Spend all the extra money you save on a very good piece of glass to mount on top of it. I'd vote for a 6X42 Leupold. You can even restock with a Boyds or McMillan stock and still come out with less money invested than all other factory options in a very good rifle.

My cheap and worthless opinion: Is Tikka T-3 or the Winchester. I'm pretty sure the Tikka would group a bit better. But we aren't talking Chucks at 400 yards. Are we?.. Essex

1B,

The Steyr Mannlicher Classic is probably the "best" factory rifle available in 6.5X55 SE; they also chamber it in their ProHunter line (several models).

jim

Sambo, If that finnlite is in good condition you should grab it for $975. Current retail is over $1300. The 6.5x55 is a suberb round. Better sectional density and penetration than with a 308 with lower recoil, the 308 will fit in a short action though. Not as high of velocity as a 270..................DJ

Sako Finnlight, all day long. IMHO the best factory rifle currently made---2MG

Thanks for all the input.

I have narrowed the selection and the hunt begins... for either a Steyr, Sako Finnlite, or a Winchester FTW.

I'll keep you posted.

1B

About two years ago I decided that I wanted a 6.5x55 mm Swede. I looked at Ruger M77, Win M70 FW, Sako, and Tikka T3 rifles-- but none were in 6.5x55. The Sako is, I think, only available in a synthetic stocked version. I wanted a wood stock. Also, it's considerably more expensive than the others. In my area this caliber is a special order item. You might be lucky in your area to have a real choice of off-the-shelf 6.5x55s. But where I live availability was a big factor in what I eventually chose. Also, because these are special order here, there are very few "deals." By and large it's full MSRP or more. I liked all of these rifles. The Winchester is the most elegant. I was very impressed with the Tikka, especially at the prices that they originally were going for. In the end I had a chance to order either a Ruger or Winchester. The Ruger was available at around $200 less than the Winchester, so that's what I ordered. I'm not dissapointed in my choice. I've gotten very good accuracy (0.5-1.4" @100 yds) from a variety of bullets and loads including Sierra 120s, Nosler 100 gr BTs, Hornady and Nosler Partition 140s, and Hornady 160s. Only the Remington PSPCL 140s won't shoot in this rifle. No idea why.

However, the trigger on the Ruger is pretty bad and not adjustable. I think almost anyone would eventually replace it. It isn't the worst rifle trigger that I've ever pulled (not by a long shot), but it isn't up to the accuracy potential of the gun.

So, if you just want the best made rifle, I think it is probably the Sako. Probably will cost you though. The Tikka is likely to be accurate right out of the box, it's also light and trim, and has an adjustable trigger. It doesn't have the feel of a traditional rifle though; if you're thinking 98 Mauser or M70, the Tikka might not float your boat. The Winchester is, to my eye, the nicest looking of the group. And the Ruger is well made, accurate, and probably will need a trigger. Maybe also some stock work (free float the barrel).

Mule Deer tested some Rem. 140 grain 6.5mm PSPCL's on his concentricity checking machine a while back, and I think he said they were the worst he had seen. If your bullets have a built in wobble they probably won't shoot!

mathman

Thanks for the info. I suspected something like that. For the record, my 3-shot groups with the 140 gr Rem PSPCL are all over 2.5" @ 100 yds. With Sierras, Noslers, and Hornadys I can't make the same gun shoot worse than 1.4" no matter how hard I try. What's up with Remington? I've got about 70 very small paperweights if anybody is interested...

FWIW:

I load and shoot that kind of stuff for practice. Four inch groups are fine for plinking.

If the stuff is real bad, I use it for Offhand practice at 25 yards (such practice is very humbling, by the way--even with good loads).

But I am funny that way, I like to shoot up my ammo and components before I buy more.

Some guys I know have over $1,000 invested in ammo and components (bullets, powder, and primers) that they ain't shooting. Yet they still go out and buy 200 rounds to go plinking with. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Good Shooting,

BMT

Jim Cloward did a superb trigger job on my M-77 Mk II in 35 Whelen.

Just remember that if you ever have to send it in for warranty work, Ruger replaces any parts that aren't within factory tolerances, and that includes tuned triggers.


Okie John

There is a Winchester FTW on GunsAmerica for $700.00 w/ Redfield scope, bases and rings....hmm why am I telling you this.
MCS

My experience with the m70 is that the throat is very long in this caliber. Mine would not shoot bullets lighter than 129gr very well. These rifles have 1 in 8" twists. The M700 usually has 1-9" twist and will not shoot some bullets over 129gr very well. Don't know about the others.

good luck choosing,

TBP

I have a 6.5-'06 with a 9" twist which is the American standard for 6.5s, a bit slower than the European standard of 7.87" (i.e. 200 mm). I have shot bullets from 120 grains to 165 grains in the 9" twist barrel with great accuracy from the lighter bullets. I can shoot 160 grain round nose bullets with good accuracy, but the 165 grain semi-spitzers yield groups with 4" to 5" spreads. Obviously the bullets are too long for the twist. My experience with 140 grain bullets is they shoot well from a 9" twist barrel.

This is a Shilen match barrel in a pillar-bedded action, but I would expect most rifles to perform similarly in either 6.5X55 or similar cartridges. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

jim

If you have the time,sporterizing an original Swedish '96 or '38 is not a bad way to go.I followed the instructions in Jim Carmichael's book,"Do It Yourself Gunsmithing"about 15-18 years ago,got a real nice rifle,excellent shooter.....almost all the surplus Swede military rifles will shoot,and are both plentiful and cheap.Lots of choices for aftermarket triggers,safeties,bottom metal etc.Stocks have plenty of wood to modify,or you can go aftermarket.
After two years of wearing me down,one of my hunting partners finally talked me into a trade.I don't think he ever got the chance to hunt with it.His oldest sone,then a teenager "adopted" it,and took it with him when he went out on his own.I had to buy the son another copy of the book so that he could build a second one,else he was in danger of losing his to his bride.
If you are willing to do the work you can wind up with a very nice sporter for under $300.00 and about 100 hours of work.Best part is you get to add your own custom features as you go.
I've got three in military that I'm testing for accuracy now,and nobody is getting the next one while I can still breathe.

It's nice to see that the little Swede is getting such attention on the other side of the pond! It really is a very fine and grossly under-estimated cartridge and is widely respected as a "do it all" for every species of European game up to 1500 lb elk.

Personally, I "saw the light" three years ago and after looking at Tikka's, CZ's (BRNO), a Husquavarna, a Steyr and a Winchester, I eventually settled upon the M70. "Why?" I hear you ask. Basically, it was a case of budget vs. practicality and safety. In essence, that left the Steyr and the Winchester to fight it out. Whilst I really do like the Steyr SBS, a classic half-stock retails for over $1400 less mounts. With a 6x42 Schmidt aboard, this was at the top end of my budget. However, the clincher was the fact that the closed receiver does not allow for easy inspection.

As most deer stalking in the UK tends to take place at first or last light, one invariably has to fumble in the dark to load / unload. Therefore, the only "safe" option was the M70. My particular model was made in the early phase of the USRAC tenure and came with iron sights, a 1-8 22" tube and an exhibition grade stock. I particulary liked the knurled bolt handle (cold, wet hands) and three position safety, but alas, the trigger was typical US manufacture, in terms of "political correctness". My pet gunsmith soon took all the creep and overtravel out and has set the trigger to break at a crisp and very predictable 3 lb.

Load-wise, with such fast rifling, I have found that 125 gr partitions are simply spat out, whilst 129 gr Hornadys fair only marginally better. Only with weights of 140 gr does this rifle start to perform. The 140 gr GameKing over 43gr H4350 barks well without pressure signs and shoots MOA. 142 gr MatchKings with 43gr N160 go into 3/4", but the load of choice is 160 gr Hornady RN over 43 gr N160, which has (if I do it right) 3 shot groups of 16 mm (0.63") at 100m and will literally go through the same hole at 50m. However, one caveat applies - let the rifle cool between shots for a minute or so. For hunting situations, this rule is naturally redundant. Nonetheless, this rifle / load combination is the mainstay for all my deer management (roe, fallow and sika) activities and will be parted with, only when I have to take that final stalk.

I hope that this helps in your purchasing decision. However, I would stress one thing. Whatever you pay for the rifle, make sure that you pay as much or indeed, more for the glass on top.

Good luck!

Jacobite

I am a real fan of the Steyr-Mannlicher Safe Bolt rifles. I have two . . . a stainless model in .260 Rem and a 6.5x55 blued. They are quite rare with wlnut stocks here in the states but I found both of mine on gunbroker.

Here are some pics of the .260. . .

Depends on the money one wants to spend. I have had a few 6.5's. Out of the box or needs work? My choices would be Tikka, CZ, Sako, and Steyr. I have or have had all of them. The Tikka is the least expensive and they just plain work. Sako, Steyr are more money but again out of the box as good as it will get. I have not had a CZ in 6.5 but have had others again a rifle that out of the box will get the job done and will smooth up with use.

Sauer
Tikka
Sako
Styer SBS
CZ

Blaser
Cooper
Sauer 202

1B - my CZ550FS is a classy looking and accurate shooter. Much better IMO than the full size CZ. Much like your experience. Also the Tikka T3 Lite, w/ SS barrel and synthetic stock, also accurate. Only dis-like is the $70 for the additional mags. Not many "factory rifles" in this caliber BUT Legacy/ HOWA does offer barreled actions, in C/M & SS, in the Swede so you can stock it as you like it. The actions are available thru Jerry's Sports. To be sure give Legacy a call. Regards, Homesteader.

Okie, took you 5 years

Homesteader, FYI, at '07 Shot Show I talked to the Howa reps Re: 6.5x55. The twist rate was changed, but neither ever shot to expectations and they advised me NOT to get a Howa 6.5x55. They could not put their finger on it, but that's what they told me, just would not group.

Does not make sense as I have owned Howa's and they shot well, but after that conversation, threw them out of consideration. Do have to say that it's admirable a mfg. would give facts.

Sako full stock...6.5x55

Thanks for that, really nice to hear input from people other than just Americans and Canadians, no offense guys, I just think the more the merrier.

I can't believe 5 pages and no one hit the most obvious choice for you, Blaser K95. Barring that I'd look Sako and Tikka.

I'm a 6.5x55 slut and have one on a Husqvarna HVA that should be done in a couple of weeks...

There are still some Ruger 77's out there as well...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=187578614

Yeah, I'd hate to get this one scratched up in the woods, but it'd be ashame to leave it hanging over the fireplace during hunting season too!

Handled these at a Shot show and they are SWEET, amazingly light, excellent build quality and triggers. Oh, reports always showing great accuracy to boot. Never a bad thing.

I know you said you didn't like your CZ-550 American but I think it's one of the better rifles on the market.

I own one and it's a shooter. It's size and heft make it easy to shoot off hand and for my style of hunting - it simply works.

+1 I have both and they are fine rifles.

The 6.5 Swede is a short (308) action right????? Might have my 700 CDL short action re-barreled.

check it first. it's like the .257 roberts in that it's a tiny bit too long for some short actions.

I don't think that 140 grain 6.5x55 factory loads will fit into a short action magazine and I know that the 156 grain Normas won't. The Rem, Rug, and Win bolt guns were all built on long actions.

The short action 6.5x55 is called a 260.

Jeff

Funny thing is for every search I do on Gunbroker, the last thing I type in the block is -blaser.

Edited to add, that one linked did have an $8500.00 stock for sure.

When Winchester first chambered the M70 Featherweight in 6.5x55, I bought one. I cut the bbl to 20", put it in a Fajen Mannlicher stock, and mounted a compact Leupold 2-7 VII. That gun is still super accurate, and has accounted for numerous deer & hogs in the hands of myself, my two sons, daughter in law, grandson, and a couple of buddies. They have all loved it, and it is the "go to" gun whenever one of them wants to borrow a rifle to hunt.

FWIW, I settled the question for myself four years ago by having a Ruger #3 custom rifle built to my specs. Its a dandy and weighs in just a smidge over 7 lbs scoped. It has a shotgun style, straight, stock; nice Michigan black walnut; and a tighter than normal chamber but still within SAAMI limits. Ruger later came out with one in SS/wood configuration and now has a wood blue model on offer. But I'm glad I went for the touches I got.

1B

I bought a Remington 700 classic in 1994 6.5x55 and it's one of the most accurate rifles I own.A few years back I bought 3- 200 round packs of swedish military ammo that shoots less than a inch at 100 yards.I pulled the bullets on 20 rounds of the military ammo and replaced them with 140 gr.Sierra SPBT.Still shoots less than a inch.That what I hunt with most the time now.Thanks for the info on the Remington bullets.Most the time I get a bad group I blame my self.The Remington pspcl shoot like crap.

I know the Remington CL PSP 140g has been the worst performer in my 6.5x55. Seafire sure claims to have great accuracy with them though...

Oh, and I went with the CZ 550. Hopefully the OP has already picked his Swede up as the post was 5 years ago...

Rifle - darn nice looking SAKO full stock...wish they were still making them
Homesteader.

Tikka T3 Hunter

Picking up a Sako Finnlight in 6.5x55 tomorrow morning. Have wanted a rifle in this cartridge for a while.

no brainer.. cooper hands down.......

woofer

For you Ruger MKII owners...

Could you recommend an aftermarket trigger, please

I got me a NIB Ruger MKII 6.5x55mm and would like to take it out on a deer hunt soon...

And I'll free-float it as you guys said!!!

Want to run 120gr Rem Core-lockts and Hornadys on top of IMR4350...[any load suggestions with this powder?]

Thanks!

FoxBat - great choice...remember it's all about the "U" - GO,CANES! Homesteader.

This is the one you want to keep your eyes out for. Winchester model 70 XTR featherweight pushfeed built in the early 80's. I totally lucked out on this one in .257 roberts at a local gun show, but they made the exact gun in 6.5x55 and they will pop up on gunbroker etc every once in a while.

Another good choice would be to simply rebarrel one of the huaqvarna small ring 98's. You'll be able to find some nice older S&W hva action rifles at reasonable prices that will make a great donor.


Weagle

Thanks. Good to see another Canes fan on here.

Here you go. Also, this one is very rare due to the open sites. Not mine. Just passing. I have this same rifle in 7x57. Here is a pic of it from last season. I find the Model 70 XTRs from this era to be top notch. Excellent rifles. High quality.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=188364836

I don't know if this is an option for you and I admit I haven't read everyone's reply, so if anyone else made this suggestion it might be an option.

Savage switch barrels. If you have a Savage long action in the safe that you aren't using as often or a Remington 700, you could order a pre-cut barrel and have a local smith attach and head space it.

Put a Spec-Tech trigger in and you're good to go...I have one in my 6.5x55 and my .458 Lott

FoxBat - every now and again a "Gator" pops up at the 'fire...strange as I thought they were an endangered species.
making a slooow comeback. LOL Homesteader

Okie, That is a handsome rifle. I never gave them a second look before, but I sure like yours. Ken

I thought I wanted a Howa 1500 in 6.5x55mm, but never
found one. I see they didnt last long on the Howa website.

Jericho - 6.5 Swede barreled actions may still be available however...thru Jerry's (a distributor). Wanted to go this way but found purchasing a Tikka T3 was the better deal (except for them d--mn expensive magazines). Homesteader

Rifle Basix is the best route to go.
I've installed Timney's, SpecTech's and the Rifle Basix in Ruger Mk II's.
With both Timney and SpecTech, to fit the safety lever, you must file down a shelf on the trigger till the lever slides over the shelf, so the safety keeps the trigger from pulling. It is VERY easy to over file the shelf, and you wind up with no safety at all. The sear releases the the cocking piece, and the rifle fires in the safe mode.
Rifle Basix has a better design, where no filing is required, and the safety works as it should. You can install a RB trigger in minutes with no hassle.

Before opting for an after market trigger, I would try simpply replacing the trigger return spring with a lower powered one. You might be satisfied with that.

The ruger m77 mkII and hawkeye is one of the easiest ones to work on. Some smiths charge about $20-$30.00 to lighten these up and it makes a world of difference. Here's something for the guys that feel confident enough to work on all their own stuff. http://www.centerfirecentral.com/77trigger.html

Here's a nice one and it is a CRF if that is any concern.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=188998442

I would pick up that CRF M70 if I was looking for a 6.5 Swede. The T3 might shoot better but that wont make up for the class gap between the 70 and the T3.

RAS

I had my two T-3's in 6.5x55 out this past weekend. I was trying some new loads using RL22 and a variety of 130 and 140 grain bullets. Nothing shot over 1" and many were right around .5". That kind of performance combined with great triggers makes it hard for me to discount T3's.

RAS - couldn't agree with you more. The T3 should be considered a "tool" getting the job done while the M70 is an "heirloom" for the next generation in the family. Semper Fi, Homesteader.

Other options to keep an eye out for are Sako AV & L691s in 6.5x55. I have had a few of each and they would be a great choice. I still an AV in 6.5x55 and will never part with it. It's my open terrain go-to deer/antelope rifle.

The only one I have owned, Sako 75 Finnlite. The stock and white aluminum trigger guard is ugly, but the rifle sure shoots. Oh, and does not put snot on the side of my face when I pull the trigger.

I had an M70 Calssic Featherweight Swede a couple years ago. The only thing wrong with it was the cartridges rattled in the magazine. I suspect USRA did not make a specific magazine box for the Swede case with its greater body taper. It fed fine though. Great rifle overall, with killer wood. Should have kept it (same old story).

I have a Blaser R93 in 6.5x55 and it is a dream to shoot. The first 3 rounds I fired at 100 yds were almost touching (sporter weight barrel). The 120's shot a little better that the 140's. I am working up a load for the 120 tipped triple shok. These rifles are wonderfully accurate and have awesome triggers. My 12 yr old daughter shot this rifle and absolutely LOVES it. Mild recoil, low muzzle blast, and excellent accuracy have always been virtues that have made the swede popular.

I'd own a Blaser if I had the jack, as a Krieghoff Hubertus, etc. etc. No doubt, fine arms.

+1, get an M85.

+1!

I have both, and am very pleased with their performance. Either one would make an excellent choice, if you can find one.

There is one on GunBroker right now (no reserve @ $950 start) and includes a 3x10 Swarovski scope.

Buddy has a model 70 featherweight beautiful rifle. In current production I would probably look at CZ.

Yep, Tikka T3, Sako, whatever.....I'm sold!

Speaking of CZ's, I still haven't found another American with this style stock. Still haven't shot it.

[img]

Shootem - I haven't seen another either. My 6.5 is the newer American stock with the ribbon checkering. Beautiful graining. There are a couple of .308s on GB now that have what looks like a limited run stock with different checkering. I think the CZ 6.5x55 is about as good as it gets without going into 4 figures - either the FS or the American.

If I didn't already have a Featherweight 6.5 this CZ would not still be under plastic. Ought to put it up for sale but still have some thoughts about tuning the set trigger and scoping it. It's a well balanced rifle. Personally, I think CZ should consider this stock as standard.

http://www.clcweb.net/Shooting/6_5x55/6.5x55.html

The only one I have, Sako 75 Finnlight.

I have had a Tikka T-3 blue/wood since 2004/05, it wears a Swarovski AV 3x9... one vote for Tikka T-3.

If I could get my hands on an older SAKO that vote may change.

65BR - Wow, took me a while to get back to this thread. I have several HOWA's, both barreled actions and complete rifles, and they shoot just fine. One, a .308 Win HB, dates back to when S&W imported them. Have to wonder why they would change anything in a design that simply "works". Regards, Homesteader.

I cannot fathom a Swede NOT shooting in any rifle, inc. the Howa's, had several (223/22-250/7-08) and would own again in other calibers.

I did hear they are BACK yet again, the first run 1 in 9" ROT, second 8" IIRC, and not sure about the latest.

Perhaps they had some bad 6.5 Blanks or reamers in the past - re: specs, don't know.

I would think if Howa did a Swede to the same standard others are done, there is no reason they won't shoot .5-.7 moa, if not better.

You write that article?

FWIW, I had one, nice wood too, yet it would not shoot sub MOA for me. Looking into the bbl from end, the lands were damaged ALL the way around, about 2-3" from muzzle, as NEW from factory, as if a tool used to crown the bbl had a pilot that had ALOT of chatter, and damaged it.

None the less, that was ANOTHER defective Rem that got sold by me, and another nail in the Remington coffin for ME. One of MANY 700s and 7's.

I have ONE Rem 700 in my safe, inherited by a man who made me promise never to sell it, it's for my son, yet that BDL/SS has an issue when pushing the bolt that last inch into the action, it BINDS hard.........

My grandfather's Model 33 .22 will always stay.

This one.

I'm very happy with my CZ 6.5. And the safety ain't backward no mo'.

Fordisto - That is nice!

Or this one.

Some nice rifles....

I really like my CZ550 American in 6.5x55SE. Her name is "Ingrid" and she wears a Trijicon Accupoint TR20-2G 3-9x40. I sure miss prowling the dark ridges of Arizona's Mogollon Rim country with her. Living in MI now she's in the safe and my bow is getting the workout. Someday I'll be back out west again and ole Ingrid will be hunting Antelope, Mulies, Coues, Elk, Bear, Lion, Sheep and 'Yotes. I've got great loads worked up with 160 gr Woodleighs Protected Point Weldcores and Nosler 130 gr Accubonds. Next is a good varmint load, maybe the 85 gr Sierras.

Gotta love Swedey!

I have a new E R Shaw 26" varmit barrel on order in 6.5x55
for my 110 Savage.
I also shoot the 6.5 rem mag and the 264 win mag
Got to love them 6.5's
my savage 6.5 rem mag

my 264 mag remington

my 96 Mauser 6.5x55

Must be one of them newer model 1996 Swede Sniper rifles Ones made a century earlier had less refinements, compared to your scoped heavy bbl model, w/thumbhole and cheekpiece model!

FYI, 'I have to admit I took a liking to the Tikka M595 Continental. It's a handsome and well-made rifle with a slick action. Accuracy was very good, as seems to be a trait of Tikka rifles. This can be seen in the fact the 1999 British Long-Range Benchrest Championship was won by a Tikka Continental in 6.5x55. Group size was an almost unbelievable 10 rounds into 4.4 inches at 1,000 yards. Anyone looking for an accurate out-of-the-box varmint rifle would do well to consider a Tikka.'

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_2_49/ai_95680073/pg_3/?tag=content;col1

The best available Modern Factory Rifle in 6.5x55 is the one you like best. I own in 6.5x55 a CZ 550FS, Winchester Featherweight M70, Husqvarna, and just bought a Tikka T-3 Hunter (one of the smoothest factory bolts I seen in a long time).

The bottom line is that the cartridge is the real star! Oh, I'd love to have a Sako Bavarian Carbine in 6.5x55 some day, but the reality is that they are all good picks. Its similar to a Football Player dating most of the Cheer Leaders- They are all beauties, so you just need to find the one you like the best and are most comfortable with.

Yep Tens, you still have the Sako, Ruger, and Remington to go

Re the 140 grain Remington bullet: I believe these are the two diameter bullets, made for the original .264 Winchester. I have a box from Midway, repackaged, and I just measured the diameter behind the cannelures at .264 but forward of the forward cannelure the diameter is smaller, about .259. These bullets don't shoot very well in either of my 2 6.5x55s either.
Re the Winchester Model 70 FWTs: My push feed has a really long throat and prefers long bullets. The more recent CRF Classic has a much shorter throat and shoots fine with 129 grain Hornadys. Before you load for one of these rifles you should find out how long the throat is. The old rules about overall cartidge length may not apply anymore. And the Mod 70s used the long action for the 6.5x55.

A pal had a Sako 75 in 6.5 Swede ..... a sweet rig indeed...
Gus

Would it be fesable to re-chamber a LA 6.5x55 to 6.5'06 ?
Is the slightly larger base dimension significant ?

I think that the case diameter difference just ahead of the extractor cut, 0.008", plus or minus 0.001", depending on the manufacturer, is significant in terms of case stretching that may limit case life.

I think that the 6.5-284 is a better case choice if you're looking for more velocity from a 6.5x55 barrel and is the path that I took on a mid-1980s vintage Winchester/USRA 70 Fwt. The 6.5-284 has a case capacity of 66 grains of H2O, while the 6.5-06 has 68 grains and the 6.5x55 has 57 grains.

JEff

Could probably rechamber to 6.5x57 as well. My CZ550FS shoots my handloaded Hornady 129g SST's into .5-.75" It also shoots Hornady Light Magnum 129's and Winchester 140's into <1.0"

A rechamber to 6.5x57 would face the same case diameter issue, since the 6.5x55 case has a larger diameter just ahead of the extractor groove.

JEff